Dunlop GT501 air pressure?

[NoH2Oh]

Fellas, the PO installed Dunlop Arrowmax GT501's on my bike, 100/90-19 & 120/90-18 and they seem like decent tires. Have never been a fan of Dunlop, but I will give them a chance.

Any suggestions as to what air pressure to run? I never have a pillion and will sacrifice durability and (some) comfort for handling. I am 200+ fully geared up.

Dunlop lists max loading of 505lb ft /640lb rear at 42psi and suggests running at 36/40 psi if loaded at 200+ lbs and that is what I am currently doing. Any reason to deviate from this? First tubed tires for me in a long time.

Thanks for any suggestions, warnings and such.

[Guest]

36-40 is good.
I run 40.

[Steve]

Pick a pressure. Start with whatever you have now.

Actually measure the pressures, record them, go for a ride. To fully warm up the tires, make it about a 50-mile ride.

Measure and record your pressres again. You are looking for a 10% increase with your 'warm' pressure.

The pressure will increase due to the heat generated by the flexing tire. If the pressure is more than 10%, the tire was flexing too much, meaning it started out underinflated. Conversely, if it was less than 10% increase, the tire was not flexing enough, due to starting out overinflated.

When the tires have cooled for several hours (overnight is good), adjust your pressures as necessary, go for another ride, check your warm pressures again.

Repeat as necessary.

.

[bonanzadave]

Steve, good info....

Any feedback on Avon Road Riders. I weigh in at about a buck 8E and sometimes put the wife on back. I may get punched in the ribs if I tried to guess her weight . Im running about 34psi cold.

[NoH2Oh]

Thanks Steve, will try that. Great info.

[twr1776]

bonanzadave, I am similar in weight and have been running 36#. I did check after the tires were warm and was right at the 10% Steve mentioned. Another good rule is never adjust your rear shock pre-load if the wife is looking.

[Steve]

Any feedback on Avon Road Riders. I weigh in at about a buck 8E and sometimes put the wife on back. ... Im running about 34psi cold.

Best I can suggest is to apply that 10% rule. Start with your current 34#, adjust as necessary.

I have heard, though, that Avons tend to run higher pressure. While most tires have their maximum inflation pressure at about 36#, Avons will be 40 or 42#, so keep that in mind, too.

If your tire requires more cold pressure than the maximum inflation rating on the sidewall, you need a tire with a different weight rating.

Another good rule is never adjust your rear shock pre-load if the wife is looking.

On the contrary, I insist that she watches.

Tell her that it's for HER comfort, she won't mind you changing the preload at all.

.