Does the 42 psi recommended tire pressure seem high to anyone else?

[cOoTeR]

I'm used to sport bike riding where I'd run ~30 psi (cold) at the most in the tires. My supermoto I run around 23-26 psi in the tires on the warmers. I know this bike is heavy but 42 psi seems like a lot. I'm going to watch how the tire wears to see if it looks like a lower pressure is worth trying.

[vcyclenut]

yea seems high to me I would think 35ish

[Champ87]

Yeah, me too. Seems like K are specifying max load pressure. Could be another case of lawyers vs. engineers.

[cOoTeR]

My friends multistrada has different pressure recommendations for different loads. I'm surprised Kawasaki doesn't.

[stk0308]

I intend to run in the high 30's, but not over 40. Previous experience on the somewhat heavy Sprint ST has me using this pressure range to get best mileage out of tires. I hate changing tires, lol Low to mid 30's should be pretty good for non-laden riding.

[Thunderdawg]

My '01 and '04 Sprint ST's inflation specs were 36 psi front, 42 psi rear. Tire pressure settings are interesting though something to watch out for is having a gauge that is accurate. I used a dial gauge for years and later found out checking with a Dunlop calibration port that their 30 psi registered 34 psi on my gauge. Oops.

[KevinRLi]

42PSI is also what the C14's call for. Does seem odd for a bike that is 120 lbs lighter. I do think Ma Kawa knows better than I do in this matter and I'll stick with 42.

[cOoTeR]

After 2,958 miles my rear tire is done. It's worn down to the wear bars and looks like a slick in the center. My next set I'm going to try to run a lower pressure. I have trouble trusting Kawasaki measurements when they put statements like "Weight of rider, baggage and accessories must not exceed 195 kg (231 lb). " in the owners manual.

[Thunderdawg]

After 2,958 miles my rear tire is done. It's worn down to the wear bars and looks like a slick in the center. My next set I'm going to try to run a lower pressure. I have trouble trusting Kawasaki measurements when they put statements like "Weight of rider, baggage and accessories must not exceed 195 kg (231 lb). " in the owners manual.

That must be the new unit: Kawasaki kilogram

[Bengarzy]

Although I feel the pressures ARE too high from what I normally run, I do find the steering feels like it has a mind of its own if the pressures drop much below 40psi........ I think it must be the OE tyres as I have just picked it up from having Roadtec 01s fitted and it felt fine on 35 front 38 rear, I will try it at 40 each end and see if it steers the same, if it’s no change with the Metzlers I will run them at more normal pressures. Maybe I can find what Metzler recommend somewhere.
I do wonder if some of these pressures are “product liability” pressures, ie flat out on an Autoban you may need 42 42