Tire Pressure

[Cloud]

I have several questions about tire pressure.
1. When should you check tire pressure?
2. How long do you have to wait before you check your tires (after you have been riding?)
3. Where can I buy a good tire pressure gauge?

[blue]

it all depends on how often you ride and your weather in the cold you wana check more 1 or 2 times a month or just make it one of or weekly checks I keep a good eye out on my scoot weekly. I can tell by just rideing if I need air. my scoot slows down with low air and to keep my speed up I check the air in the tires.

[scootergrisen]

1.When they are cold.
2.I dont know maby 1 hour.

[axy]

I have several questions about tire pressure.
1. When should you check tire pressure?
2. How long do you have to wait before you check your tires (after you have been riding?)
3. Where can I buy a good tire pressure gauge?

If your tires and valves are OK and there are no plugs, never. However, to establish if the tires and valves are OK, I would suggest once every month or every two months.

When it is cold outside, I generally do not wait. Also, I think that tires of small scoots do not heat up that much, especially not in the winter. Furthermore, when the scoot is sitting in the sun, black tires and air inside is already sizzling. So, I would not lose sleep over all that. Big bikes on track and those that develop 100 or 200 hp are a different story.

I have el cheapo Chinese one with LCD for a few US$, works like a charm.

[ts1]

1)
- if you feel uncomfortable (maybe a defect is just evolving)
- if you've got your tires changed or bike inspected (never trust a dealer)
- before a significant ride (long trip, pillion rider)
- routinely according to your experience

2)
no need to wait, standard temperature is +20°C and barely reached in winter times even during normal driving.

3)
try different gauges on your tires and don't choose those with extreme (far off) indications.

[oswaldters]

and remember to check the pressure while the tires are in contact with the ground for the most accurate reading.

[blue]

1)
- if you feel uncomfortable (maybe a defect is just evolving)
- if you've got your tires changed or bike inspected (never trust a dealer)   < like this>
- before a significant ride (long trip, pillion rider)
- routinely according to your experience

2)
no need to wait, standard temperature is +20°C and barely reached in winter times even during normal driving.

3)
try different gauges on your tires and don't choose those with extreme (far off) indications.

like that part that says never trust a dealer thats for real I have had so many lose nuts and bolds after a dealer touched my scoot its not funny anymore.

[Agent Bob]

I give my tires a quick check with every pre-ride inspection by pressing with my thumbs. Every couple of weeks I use the gauge before a ride when they're cold. I got a nice digital gauge at Sears for under $10.

[lankeeyankee]

I just kick em now since I broke my night stick LOL!

[Rianna]

Uh-oh! Should I ask? LOL

[OldGuy]

I recommend checking pressures before riding every other day at least. Scoot tires are so small that they are sensitive to ambient temperature.

You can pick up a good digital tire gauge at WalMart.

Note: The pressure listed on the tire is the maximum safe allowable pressure that should not be exceeded, not the correct pressure for your scooter. I usually start with the manufacturers recommendation and than adjust from there to suit my weight and riding style. When riding 2-up you will want to increase the rear tire pressure to support the extra weight.

[lankeeyankee]

If you want to know what your tire pressure should be...

1) Drive your scooter tires through something that will leave a print.
2) Make an imprint of the footprint left by your tire.

Just showing the outer part of the tire, 2 lines = to low of a pressure.
Just showing a narrow print = to much pressure.

The key is to get the widest footprint.

the psi is from the tire manufacture which is a good starting point.
This vary by the complete weight on the tire scooter, accessories and rider.

I used this method on my dragbike by spinning the tire from take off leaving a black mark. Obviously a scooter isnt capable of doing this. Red clay, mud and driving on blacktop will get the results. Start with a low pressure of 26 PSI and gradually add air to the tire as the print gets wider and stop once it begins to narrow. Note the air pressure and this will ensure you have the accurate tire pressure personalized to you and your scooters weight.

[ts1]

That may be best for drag racing - but we have a scooter.
We want to do trips >1/4 mile, (moderate) tilt angle, comfort and economy...
Obviously a wide footprint will lead you to wide tires too.
But handling is becoming more and more difficult with wider tires. Even the >>300kph MotoGP doesn't use excessive wide tires.

[lankeeyankee]

That may be best for drag racing - but we have a scooter.
We want to do trips >1/4 mile, (moderate) tilt angle, comfort and economy...
Obviously a wide footprint will lead you to wide tires too.
But handling is becoming more and more difficult with wider tires. Even the >>300kph MotoGP doesn't use excessive wide tires.

I believe you didn't understand my opinion on tire pressure settings. The key is to get the most foot print of the tire to contact the road. Over inflation is just as bad as under inflation. I hope some understood it.

[ts1]

I understand your opinion, but no reason.

The key is to get the most foot print of the tire to contact the road.

Why?
Why should this apply to every scooter (motorcycle and bicycle too?) and every application?

Over inflation is just as bad as under inflation.

But when it's over and when under?
You presented a thumb of rule with maximum contact area. Sounds logic for applying maximum forces (Drag racing, breaking). But what about shock absorbance or fuel economy or durability or water flooded (or snow covered) street?