My Gold Wing eats rear tires.
Manufactures warn owners of heavy touring bikes... If you wish more mileage check pressure before each days ride...
Check your owners manual for the maximum recommended pressures because that
takes into account the weight of the bike and the size of the contact patch...
Quote Metzeler:
"Many tyre damage result from incorrect inflation pressure.
Furthermore, the inflation pressure has a big influence on the riding
qualities of a motorcycle. The inflation pressure recommended by the
motorcycle manufacturer can be found in the bike's manual and is
usually written on a sticker on the rear swingarm or chainguard. Set
the suggested inflation pressure on cold tyres before riding."
Quote Bridgestone:
Always keep the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended air pressure in
both tires. This is an important requirement for tire safety and
mileage. Your motorcycle owner's manual will tell you the recommended
cold inflation pressure. On some motorcycles, the recommended front
and rear tire pressures will be different. The pressures stamped on
the sidewall of the tire are only for maximum loads. On some
occasions, these pressures will also be the manufacturers recommended
settings as well. Riding on tires with too little air pressure is
dangerous. The tires will build excessive heat. This can cause a
sudden tire failure that could lead to serious personal injury or
death.
Underinflation may also:
1. Damage the tire leading to tire failure
2. Adversely affect vehicle cornering
3. Reduce tire life
4. Increase fuel consumption
5. Fatigue cracking
Quote Michelin:
The tyre needs air to perform and to last, so it's necessary to check
inflation pressure regularly. Every tyre loses air, molecule by
molecule, because of rubber's natural porosity. Accidental causes such
as valve or rim damage often accelerate air loss, as will small cuts
in the tyre tread or sidewall. Air pressure affects every aspect of
the tyre: safety, economy and riding enjoyment. The wrong pressure can
degrade performance in all areas. Routine pressure checks can prevent
many worries.
Quote Dunlop:
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURES IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TIRE MAINTENANCE
FUNCTION YOU CAN PERFORM. For high-speed, fully loaded or dual-riding
touring motorcycle applications, inflate front tires to maximum
recommended by vehicle manufacturer for Dunlop fitment and rear tires
to maximum load inflation pressure on sidewall. Rear touring tires
must be inflated to a minimum of 36 psi for light to medium loads and
40 psi for dual riding and other loads. Never exceed maximum load
indicated on tire sidewall or vehicle capacity load found in owner's
manual. Underinflated tires can result in imprecise cornering, higher
running temperatures, irregular tread wear at the edge of the contact
patch, fatigue cracking, over stressing and eventual failure of the
tire carcass.
