Metzeler Lasertec pressures for dummies

[TracyAlaska]

What pressure should my tires be at for a single rider load? The tire wall and the R65 manual do not agree! I am a complete newbie--took a motorcycle safety class a hundred years ago but haven't been on a bike since (life kind of intervened). I just bought an '83 R65 from a woman in Anchorage and after some eBaying and rewiring and recabling and fiddling and cleaning am ready to learn how to ride it!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Start at around 30 - 35 lbs, I think (others will chime in, I haven't been riding for a while, myself).

The figures in the book and on the rear fender label under the seat are out of date due to advances in tire technology.  Ignore them.  They will get you killed.

One general rule of thumb that racers use is there should only be a 10% increase in tire pressure from cold to fully warmed.
If it increases more than 10%, you should increase the cold pressure, as tire flex is causing excessive heat.
If if doesn't increase over 5%, you should probably reduce the cold pressure.
I've never tried this, myself.

Does it get warm in Alaska?

[Barry]

Welcome Tracy,
The original handbook pressures are way too low for modern tires. Metzeler recommend pressures for your bike are listed on their web site. 2.2 bar Front and 2.3 bar Rear or approx. 32 PSI Front and 33.5 PSI rear. Others who use Lasertecs may chip in and say they use even higher pressures but these are a good starting point. BTW the sidewall pressures are max. safe pressures and not what you should use solo.
http://www.metzelermoto.co.uk/web/fitment/metzeler/selectSearchTyresForm.do?mySelectActived=confirm&myEntryPoint=%2Ffitment%2Fmetzeler%2FhomeMotoFull&brandVehicle=5300&modelVehicle=119969&versionVehicle=227902&consent=Y#fitmentanchor

[Bob_Roller]

The suggestions for tire pressures are right in the range you should be running, start experimenting to see what works or feels good to you .

I use 35-40 psi, bike seems a bit 'quicker' in steering response when you get to 40 psi .

Make sure you have an accurate tire pressure gauge, I ruined my first set of Metzeler tires (ME33/ME99) from running them under inflated due to a gauge reading 10 psi high .

Oh by the way, welcome to the forum, ask any questions, we like a challenge !!!!