tire pressure

[karlschoen]

silly question.

I have a 1979 gs425e, front tire is a IRC rear is a Bridgestone Spitfire. both are pretty new. what would be the proper tire pressure I should use for just bopping around town.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Most riders I know run about 35 lb, front and rear. I run 36 to be exact.
However, I don't know anyone with a lighter bike like yours. Could be fine with a few pounds less??
I run Spitfires on my '79 1000. I do remember the factory manual (IRC brand was factory equipped) and it said to run a much lower pressure for front and rear...something like 27 front and 30 rear for running solo. That's 27 year old info, but same brand tire as your front.

[DimitriT]

So do we follow the factory manual for air pressure or the pressure recommended by the tire maker? I'm guessing the latter, but want to make sure.

[Billy Ricks]

So do we follow the factory manual for air pressure or the pressure recommended by the tire maker? I'm guessing the latter, but want to make sure.

Most likely somewhere in between. The tire's crown shape and footprint is what you want to look at. A small bike like yours I would think about 30 up front and 34 on the rear. Depends on your weight too.