Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Offroad tyre pressure? Offroad tyre pressure?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Jan 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: bizovac, croatia
Posts: 240
Offroad tyre pressure?
Hi,
what tyre pressures do you recommend for offroad on gravel and stony road sections?
I always keep pressure around 2 bar on asphalt riding, but that is too much off the beaten tracks. KTM recommend pressure around 1.2 bar for stones/gravel, and not more than 1.0 bar for sand or mud. Any expiriences are welcome. Tnx,
AnteK, XTZ 660
__________________
AnteK
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Jan 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Hello Ante,
first of all, don't compare an XTZ660 with a KTM.
My experience is that on our bikes on hard surface it is no use to lower the tyre pressure substantially. Only in deep sand it helps to go down to about 1,5 bar so the tyre can flex and really grab the sand. Since we have no tyre clamp I think you should not go lower. Also when you have a chance to encounter stones, don't go lower than 2 bar unless you have Michelin Desert tyres.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Jan 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: bizovac, croatia
Posts: 240
Hi Fred,
tnx for an info. I know basic difference between KTM & Yami, just need some advice of more expirienced riders. My bike is fitted with Michelin Sirac tyres at the moment; good on wet surface, a bit slipery over gravel or stones, but altogether ok compromise for normal everyday use. What is your expirience of dual-purpose tyres? I have change a lot of diferent tyres from different manufactures, and have had a very good but also very bad moments.
Regards,
AnteK
__________________
AnteK
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Jan 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
I have experience with Michelin T66 which are very good on dry road, but dangerous on wet road. Even after a few years with different tyres I am still too careful when wet.
Now I have Dunlop Trailmax for summer which are very good overall, even off-road as long as it's dry or gravel etc. like in the Alps and Pyrenees.
For winter and off-road and mud/sand I have Michelin T63 which are very good, also on-road.
For desert I have Michelin Desert which are the best for stones and sand. No punctures and last very long compared to other tyres.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Jan 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 93
For Strictly off road I will leave it to others.
"For desert I have Michelin Desert which are the best for stones and sand. No punctures and last very long compared to other tyres."

For dual purpose I use Pirelli AT Scorpions on my Tenere. Very nice on the road and when the black top ran out last very predictable on stone and gravel.

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Jan 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: stgo, chile
Posts: 67
Hi

In the manual of the xt, it says 18 psi (both tires) for off road

cheers

[This message has been edited by xt performer (edited 21 January 2004).]
__________________
Regards, Victor
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Jan 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: bizovac, croatia
Posts: 240
Hi,
I have changed many types of tyres; Metzeler Enduro 3, Dunlop Trailmax, Pirelli MT 60, Michelin Sirac, Bridgestone Trailwing, Michelin T66. Trailmax and Sirac seems the best alaround combination, due to good grip and reasonable wearing resistance, and T66 are very dangerous tyre in wet conditions.
AnteK
__________________
AnteK
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Jan 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cornwall,UK
Posts: 63
Hi,

From my experience, the pressure issue depends on the type of tyre, terrain and front/back wheel.

Using Trials tyres (Michelin MT43) and an 18inch rear wheel on my XT600, I happily run the back at 10psi (0.69 bar) and the front at 18psi (1.24) - the thing grips like glue on the trail and is safe up to ~ 100kmh on the road, both wheels obviously have rimlocks fitted. For extended road sections I'll blow up the rear to 20psi (1.4 bar). The trials tyres are extremely high profile and are therefore not prone to pinch flats. I get ~1600kmh out of a rear trials tyre, but as my riding is mainly offroad it's definitely worth it.

On more 'roady' trips with a 17inch rear and Metzeler Enduro 3, Trailwings or Continental Twinduro's I've a run higher pressures of ~18psi (1.24bar) both ends with no problem - on an XT600 it doesn't seem to make much difference on the road handling.

On extremely rocky sections the most critical thing seems to be a high enough front tyre pressure - too low and a pinch flat puncture is easy to pick up, as XT's aren't exactly a light weight!

Cheers
Bish
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top