Motorcycle Tire Pressure Recommendations.
Tire pressure for sport bikes has been a confusing one for many, and why do they lose pressure so fast? Especially with performance-oriented tires like Michelin Power GP2s, Pirelli Supercorsas, and Dunlop Q5s, is a critical factor that affects safety, handling, and tire longevity. It's important to understand the difference between street and track pressures, as they are not the same.
Disclaimer: The following are general recommendations based on manufacturer information and common practices. Riders should always consult their motorcycle's owner's manual and the specific tire manufacturer's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information for their specific bike and riding style.
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Key Concepts: Cold vs. Hot Pressure
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Cold Pressure: This is the tire pressure measured when the tire is at ambient temperature (i.e., before riding or after the bike has been stationary for several hours). All manufacturer recommendations for street use are for cold tires.
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Hot Pressure: This is the pressure of the tire immediately after a ride, when the tire has heated up due to friction and flexing. As the tire heats up, the air inside expands, and the pressure increases. A typical rise from cold to hot pressure on a track is 3-6 PSI.
General Guidelines for Street and Track Use:
Street Riding:
For street riding, the manufacturer's recommended pressures (found on a sticker on the swingarm or in the owner's manual) are the best starting point. These are designed for a balance of comfort, longevity, and handling on public roads. Running pressures that are too low on the street can lead to a risk of damage from potholes and a decrease in tire life.
Track Riding:
On the track, lower pressures are used to increase the tire's contact patch and allow the tire to generate heat more effectively for maximum grip. The goal is to reach an optimal "hot" pressure after a few laps.
Here are some general starting points for cold and hot pressures for the tires you mentioned:
Michelin Power GP2: Track Tire - also used on street.
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99% Track Use: These are track-focused tires, so street pressures aren't typically a primary recommendation. However, they are often street-legal for occasional use.
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Cold Track Pressure (Front): 30.5 PSI
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Cold Track Pressure (Rear): 27.5 PSI
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Hot Track Pressure (Front): 34.8 PSI
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Hot Track Pressure (Rear): 24.7 PSI
Note: Michelin's track pressure recommendations are often very specific. The goal is to reach the hot pressure target after several laps.
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa
Pirelli provides different recommendations for their various Supercorsa models (e.g., V3, V4, SC, TD). The "SC" versions are for competition and track use, while "TD" and "SP" are for track days and street.
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Pirelli Supercorsa SC (Track Use)
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Cold Track Pressure (Front): 29-32 PSI
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Cold Track Pressure (Rear): 23-26 PSI
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Hot Track Pressure (Front): 30-35 PSI
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Hot Track Pressure (Rear): 25-28 PSI
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Pirelli Supercorsa SP / TD (Street/Track Use)
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While you can find various opinions online, a good starting point for a fast street or track day rider might be:
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Cold Pressure (Front): 30-32 PSI
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Cold Pressure (Rear): 28-30 PSI
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Dunlop Sportmax Q5 / Q5S
Dunlop's Q5 and Q5S are designed for both street and track use.
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Cold Track Pressure (Front): 30-32 PSI
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Cold Track Pressure (Rear): 28-32 PSI
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Hot Track Pressure (Front): 34-36 PSI
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Hot Track Pressure (Rear): 34-36 PSI
Find tune your tire pressures for you:
A Riders should fine-tune their pressures based on their weight, riding style, track conditions, and ambient temperature.
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