Since getting my ZX14 last month I have been switching back and forth between the bikes taking note of the differences. One thing that has bothered me is that my VFR seems to steer like a truck compared to the ZX. This is strange because I always liked the handling of the VFR. I didn't expect the ZX14 to be so much better.
Today I figured out why... my tire pressure! I had last checked my VFR tire pressure about 6 weeks ago when the weather was VERY COLD. I run my tires a bit lower pressure in the winter (32f, 36r) so they heat quicker and stay warm. Today my pressures were 26 Front and 29 Rear... no wonder it was steering like a truck. Pumped them up to 40f/42r and my VFR is back! Such a nice ride into work today...
I have to be more careful to not let anything like this slip past me again. I own 4 bikes and it's a lot of work to maintain them all... but it is fun.
Tire pressures sure do make a huge difference. My dad took his ST around the block and said how the suspension or steering was bad because it didn't feel right. 25psi in the front and back. Pump it back up to spec and it rode wonderful again.
I always check my tire pressures every time I take the bike out. Only takes another minute.
I ride almost every day and I've never checked the tire pressures daily, but I will be checking them more often... probably weekly when I clean the chain.
Me & a friend did a 200mi ride on Tuesday & before we left my house I noticed his tires were low, 24/14! I set them 36/42 like the sticker said & by the end of the ride he was thrilled how much better it felt.
I ride almost every day and I've never checked the tire pressures daily, but I will be checking them more often... probably weekly when I clean the chain.
I always give a quick thumb-push check to make sure I don't have a seriously low/flat tire before I get on the bike, but check with the gauge once a week.
End of thread · 5 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 1 Nov 2013