Filling Back Tire

[fg1234567892000]

I know it's good to keep an eye on the tire pressure, since the leading cause of tire failure is generally having an incorrect pressure.

But boy, that back tire on the GZ is tough to inflate! It seems to be surrounded by so much stuff, that when I tried to fill it up at a local gas station, i just could not maneuver the hose so that it would fit on the valve stem.

Any suggestions or tips on how I can overcome this? I'm sure you more experienced riders have a simple solution.

[alantf]

I don't seem to have this problem. If you move the bike forward until the valve is at the bottom, then there's plenty of space for the steel end of the inflator. My problem was that my digital guage wouldn't fit between the spokes, but my old pencil type guage fits o.k., & it's accurate. Also, I usually check my pressure in the garage, then use my old foot pump if it's needed. It only takes around 10 pumps for every pound of pressure, so I've never bothered getting an electric pump. I even check the car's pressure in the garage, then use the foot pump. Old habits die hard. :)

[Easy Rider]

I don't seem to have this problem. If you move the bike forward until the valve is at the bottom, then there's plenty of space for the steel end of the inflator.

:plus1:

AND maybe find a station with air that is not also a truck stop......so that it has a simple round end on the hose instead of a huge pressure gauge and a long handle on the air chuck !! :biggrin:

Since we are on the subject, tire pressure should always be checked "cold"; that is NOT after riding and NOT after sitting in the direct sunlight. When set properly, they will read up to 4 pounds high when hot and still be perfectly OK. You should never let air OUT of a hot tire......unless maybe it is more than 6 lbs high for some strange reason.

P.S. Next time you change a rear tire, ask for a "right angle" valve stem on the replacement tube.
It makes things a LOT easier.

[blaine]

If you are checking your tires when they are hot you will not get a accurate reading.Your tires should be checked when they are cold, as tire pressure goes up when they are hot. :) :2tup:

[fg1234567892000]

The hose I used had just a straight steel end. (for example see: http://www.northerntool.com/images/prod ... 711_lg.jpg (http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/1591711_lg.jpg))

I couldn't get it to fit in between the spokes. Perhaps I should use something that goes off at an angle? (for example, see: http://images.jensonusa.com/large/tl/tl ... ___max.jpg (http://images.jensonusa.com/large/tl/tl309i07_____0____max.jpg))

[blaine]

You need to use a air hose that has a 90 degree nozzle on the end.Some what the same as the end on the air pressure gage in your second link. :2tup: :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Pressure woes. Been there done that. Pencil type pressure guage and a 12 volt compressor under the seat.

[Easy Rider]

The hose I used had just a straight steel end. (for example see: http://www.northerntool.com/images/prod ... 711_lg.jpg (http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/1591711_lg.jpg))

Yes, and that is exactly what I said to NOT use.
Those are common at truck stops; they are NOT common where trucks don't go.

You need one that looks like a large marble with one side flat (where the air valve is).
They call it an "air chuck".

[Water Warrior 2]

How much air could an air chuck chuck if an air chuck could chuck air ?? :lol: I just had to say it.

[fg1234567892000]

Yes, and that is exactly what I said to NOT use.
Those are common at truck stops; they are NOT common where trucks don't go.

You need one that looks like a large marble with one side flat (where the air valve is).
They call it an "air chuck".

Sorry, it's just the gas station I tried this at wasn't what I would call a "truck stop" at all; it is not located on any highway. However, I will certainly go looking around for one I can use. Thanks.

[burkbuilds]

One easy solution is to buy a bicycle pump and use it at home. They are relatively inexpensive, require no fancy tools, don't take up much space and it only takes a few strokes to top off a motorcycle tire that's a few pounds low on air.

[ncff07]

Make sure its the right psi too. But I'm starting to wonder what that is. The owners manual on the site shows it at 25 front and 29 rear solo cold but on my bike theres a decal on the swingarm that shows different pressures. Id have to look again to make sure but i think its 29 front and 33 rear cold tire pressure.

[blaine]

I run my front tire at 30 p.s.i.I find that my bike handles better at 30 p.s.i than 25 p.s.i.At 25 p.s.i. my front tire wants to follow the cracks in the road.Much better handeling at 30 p.s.i.
http://www.postimage.org/templates/images/smiley/signs-and-flags/23.gif (http://www.postimage.org/)

[dentheman]

One easy solution is to buy a bicycle pump and use it at home. They are relatively inexpensive, require no fancy tools, don't take up much space and it only takes a few strokes to top off a motorcycle tire that's a few pounds low on air.
Get one with a BUILT IN GAUGE, it can be used for just about any tire but you will get some exercise if you need to add more than just a little air to a car tire. I have both a foot pump and an upright (bicycle) pump, I prefer the upright, it puts out more air per stroke. Also make sure it fits the standard shraeder valve, some will only fit special bicycle presta valves.

[alantf]

and 33 rear cold tire pressure.

Yes - that's for two up. I always inflate the rear to that, because, as well as riding two up, I also often carry a week's groceries in my luggage box (when I'm on my own) :)

[Easy Rider]

but i think its 29 front and 33 rear cold tire pressure.

That's what I remember. Go with what is on the sticker; there have been errors and misunderstandings in the online manuals before.

[ncff07]

but i think its 29 front and 33 rear cold tire pressure.

That's what I remember. Go with what is on the sticker; there have been errors and misunderstandings in the online manuals before.

I was wrong. I checked my manual and it says the same as the one on the site as solo 25 front 29 rear or 2 up 25 front 33 rear.

http://s4.postimage.org/Myo4r.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVMyo4r)

BUT I checked the sticker again and its way different, solo is 33 front and 36 rear and 2 up is 33 front and 41 rear. I think I'll just keep 30 front and 35 rear and go 40 for the rear for 2 up. Easier to remember too.


http://s1.postimage.org/J263r.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxJ263r)

[Water Warrior 2]

but i think its 29 front and 33 rear cold tire pressure.

That's what I remember. Go with what is on the sticker; there have been errors and misunderstandings in the online manuals before.
I used to maintain 30/31 front and 34/35 rear in cold tires. Also found that guages that are built in can be wildly inacurate.

[ncff07]

Aye, guess I'll just have to feel my joints creak a little when I put air in when i get down on all 4's to check the sticker lol :lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

Aye, guess I'll just have to feel my joints creak a little when I put air in when i get down on all 4's to check the sticker lol :lol:
Take a little stool to sit on. That way you will be steadier as you use the magnifying glass to read with those tired old eyes. Oh crap, forget that. Was having a flashback from last week. :lol:

[Easy Rider]

BUT I checked the sticker again and its way different, solo is 33 front and 36 rear and 2 up is 33 front and 41 rear.

That's pretty wierd. I wonder if the tire sizes changed somewhere along the way. Higher pressure recommendations often means narrower tires.

I think your compromise is appropriate.