02-03 R1 Forks

[MyFirstNameIsPaul]

The PSI 'rating' is for max load.  I can't imagine running tires that hard.  Seems like it would be very dangerous and unstable in the corners, and especially dangerous in the rain.  I run Michelin Pilot Street in the front, usually around 32 PSI.

[TRoy]

MAX pressure

it's the only way to fly

[Arnie]

drawkward,

Tire pressure should be 36 psi front and 42 psi rear, or pretty close to that.
Also, since you've had the forks off while working on them, make sure that all the clamp bolts and the axle nut are tight, and that the steering bearings are properly set.

Cheers,
Arnie

[drawkward]

TIRE PRESSUUUUUUUUUUUUUURE!!!!

Front was at 20psi  -_-

I got it up to 35 and it handles much better with no wobble. The rear was at 30psi a week ago and when I checked it this morning it was at 20. So I'm thinking I have a leak or something to that affect. I filled it up to around 35psi.

I guess the rear still needs more so I'll take care of that after work.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Dan Filetti]

Glad to see you get this working properly.  Nothing like a fresh suspension, set up correctly.  Nice work!

I must admit, I cringed when I read that you has 'lost you tire pressure gauge'  even for a little while.  From home, I normally won't get on my bike without checking pressure, and while out, I usually give the tires a kick to test for any obvious softness before heading off.  Not a month goes by without my adding a little air to each tire.  I try to keep the front at 36, and the back at 38 cold, but I'm a bit anal about such things I guess...

Dan

[RichBaker]

Owners manual calls for 36F, 40R... unless carrying heavy loads or running at extended high speeds. Then it says 38F, 42R. I run 38/42 suring the summer, Tucson gets pretty warm. I have Mich. Pilot Roads on my 90 FJ.

[drawkward]

if the tire is old it can have the same kind of feeling....


have you adjusted the steering head bearings on this bike?

try the 45 MPH coast down test..... (in a straight line) roll up to about 50mph roll off the throttle....loosen your grip on the bars (dont let go completely) and see if the handlbars/front end trys to wobble.... if it does then your head bearings could be too loose....bad tire and loose head bearings give the same kind of feeling..... JMO and you dont have to but its probably time for a repack the head bearings with grease anyway.....trust me its a lot easier to grease them than it is to replace them.... especially the lower head bearing race.. its not fun.

I was just out riding and got the bike up to about 55 and loosened my grip and BAM, wobble like crazy! I guess the head bearings either need repacked with grease, tightened or replaced. That's another thing I've never done before.

Anyone care to throw out some suggestions??

[TRoy]

Anyone care to throw out some suggestions??

Drill a .0125" hole in the front tire opposite the tire valve.






...now you don't have to remove the valve core when you replace the tire 

[Fred]

By all means check the head bearings, but don't over look the tire. When my front tire is shagged I get the 45 mph wobble.