The problem with tire pressure

[ScooterWolf]

Hey everyone,

So there seems to be a conflict between the suggested tire pressure(s) on the DT. The manual suggest the following:

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/787347/Kymco-Downtown-200i.html?page=45

Front tire (rider only): 29.0 PSI (2.0 kgf/cm )
Rear tire (rider only): 32.0 PSI (2.25 kgf/cm )
Front tire (rider & passenger):29.0 PSI (2.0 kgf/cm )
Rear tire (rider & passenger): 32.0 PSI (2.25 kgf/cm )

However my mechanic suggested 40 PSI for front and rear tires. Of late my tires have been feeling hard on the road, lowering my confidence on aggressive turns and counter-steering. Anyone having similar problems? Is it worth the risk to lower my PSI?

- Wolf

[de dee]

Isnt 40 Lb.s above tire markings , 40 lbs would be good for gas milage and top speed for short runs,  the factory has tried all different preasures for best results ,  I go for factory ideas,  it would be a little up or down in preasure for your own Wt.  one guy a few years ago said it was good for him with 28  /32  with him alone, and with girl friend, he was 200 Lb.s

[CROSSBOLT]

I would stick within one to three psi above book recommendation if increasing pressure. Max cold on the Metzelers is 38 psi. Starting at 33 psi on the rear the pressure climbs to 40 psi with this warmer weather. Starting at 40 you would be near 50 psi after road warming. That would be just a little too rock-hard and may tend to bounce and lose contact. IMO. And what de dee said.

Karl

[ScooterWolf]

Thanks guys. I'm going to lower the pressure and see how it feels.

- Wolf

[de dee]

 Just thinking on it and with high preasure less rubber on the road,= bad braking, and bouncing tire = bad braking again,.

[Tachikoma]

Well I run my DT 34/35 rear and 29/30 on the front, mind i'm 230 lbs so I need a little more, particularly on the back. Cant say as mine ever feels squirmy with the brakes on hard, on the contrary upping tyre (note spelling) pressure was the first thing I did when I got DT home from the stealers, improved the handling.

[Stig / Major Tom]

There is a sticker somewhere on your scooter with the tire pressures for single and doubles riding.
I would stay very close to that tire pressure figure - KYMCO made that sticker and your scooter.
Scooter suspensions already provide a very compromised quality of ride - I do not increase the tire pressures above the recommended figure.
If you are looking for different ride characteristics - you might consider shopping a premium tire.
Stig

[de dee]

What would you call a premium tire for our size tire,  120/80  14 and  150/70  13,   do they make radial tires in our size,  all I see are bio,s ply

[AMAC1680]

Jacked my pressure from 30/32 up to 40 psi yesterday.
Nasty harsh and the front felt very loose. As the day went on, 84 on the way, home it got worse so back to 30/32 and all was well.

AMAC