Breva 1100 tire pressure help

[LeakyLogic]

I looked around the forums, but couldn't find anyone using Continental Attack tires on their B1100. The previous owner ran 30psi front (120/70 zr17) and 36psi rear (180/55 zr17) iirc. I weigh approx 215lbs with gear and this is for regular road cruising.

I thought this sounded too low for the front tire. I ask because I would like to know how to balance performance with tire wear. I want to remain safe too. These tires give good feedback concerning road irregularities. At first I thought it was a problem, but it only exhibited a slight head shake (wheel and steering bearings feel good as far as I can tell) at around 60mph over a short and specific patch of road.

I decided to bump ou the front to 32psi and leave rear at 36psi, but have yet to test it. Somewhere I read these tires prefer more pressure than most, but I have yet to find any confirmation from anyone running 38f42r.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Be gentle ;)

[oldbike54]

 The old standby 10% rule usually gives good results . Set the pressure , ride the bike long enough to achieve operating temps , 20 minutes at speed , check tire pressures . A 10% rise is the target .

 Dusty

[LeakyLogic]

That sounds like a cool solution. I assume if the percentage is greater than 10% than need to add pressure since flatter tires generate more heat.

[oldbike54]

That sounds like a cool solution. I assume if the percentage is greater than 10% than need to add pressure since flatter tires generate more heat.

 Had to think about the "flatter" thing for a moment  Yes , that is the logic behind the 10% test , leaky or not 

 Dusty

[not-fishing]

The Owner of the local Duc shop that does my tires took a look at me and said I should run my Metzlers 36 front and 40 rear on my Griso.  I'm no-where near his riding and suspension tuning capability so 36/40 is what I run.

I use my legs as suspension over bumps just like I do on my road bicycle.

Come to think of it I probably am close to "Crew Weight" for a Hobi Cat two person sailboat racing crew.

So my regular weight is probably more like two smaller Italians on a Griso.

[menzies]

I run 38 front and 40/42 in the rear for my B1100 depending on conditions. I am north of 275 lbs.

[Ion66]

The stock pressure on my 1200 is 36 and 40, and it shows that for both solo and 2 up. I dropped the front down to 34, but anywhere in that ballpark should be OK. My Suzuki Bandit was 33/38, and it handles best with 33 up front, for a balance of grip vs. feeling a bit less grippy, but it is a lighter bike. I bought my Guzzi with both tires in the mid 20's and it handled like a truck. The previous owners tire gauge indicated 34 psi. I almost wonder if the handling put him off the bike and he didn't realize it was so low. I'm fussy about front tire pressure, and try and find that balance between a feeling of road grip, and light, accurate steering.

[rocker59]

30 is a little low for a 120/70-17 radial on a 500+ lbs sport-touring bike.  I'll bet it runs a little warm on longer rides.

I'd be looking at 34F/38R solo and 36F/40R two-up, or long distance/high speed highway riding.

As mentioned, you can try the 10% rule and see how close you are.

Check cold, go ride for 30 minutes, check hot.  "Ideal" for those riding conditions is about a 10% rise from cold to hot.

[crock]

Michelin recommends 37 front and 41 rear for their Pilot P4's.