[TeddRi]

I just got a 2012 R1200R and was wondering what the correct tire pressure should be ? It came from the dealer with 32 PSI up front and 40 in the back. Cannot find any reference to what a good value is for one up riding.
Thanks
Tedd Riggs

 

[Fudge]

It should be noted under the seat. I believe its 36F and 42R.

 

[Clem]

BMW says: Front: 2.5 bars & Rear: 2.9 bars
That is:
Front: 36 psi
Rear: 42 psi
Regardless of whether you are riding solo, two-up, or two-up with luggage.
I know it sounds too tight, but I wore out my first set of BT-021 tires at those pressures and never had any slip or traction problems.

TeddRi, Don't you have an owners manual ???
You can download one online.http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/.../services/manuals/manuals_main.html&notrack=1

 

[TeddRi]

Thanks !

Thanks for the tire pressure guide !
I have a manual, but must have somehow missed it. Thanks for the download as I can read it on the PC while my manual is on the bike.

 

[Ghostcloak]

For the record, at the track, my COLD tire pressures were 22 front and 21 rear for optimal performance (grip/response/stability) on PR2 with rear suspension on stiffest setting. I'm a 155lb guy + gear (~15lbs)

This was with Pilot Road 2's on a 95*-105* ambient track day. Warm tire pressures were ~32/32 front/rear.

But, for the street, Clem is on the money:

BMW says: Front: 2.5 bars & Rear: 2.9 bars
That is:
Front: 36 psi
Rear: 42 psi

 

[rebobd]

i usually ride 30/30 at the track, and 34/38 on street. even though they say 36/42 i just don't think that's optimal for street to get grip but also be safe so found a happy medium. for the guy who runs 20/21 at the track cold, that's nuts! anything under 30/30 i think you're asking for it. maybe 28 but any lower, wow, i'd be careful

 

[Ghostcloak]

for the guy who runs 20/21 at the track cold, that's nuts! anything under 30/30 i think you're asking for it.

Yeah. I didn't think pressures would gain 10+psi from running on the track hard. Maybe 5+ psi. It was a 105*F ambient temp that day, so maybe that plays a factor? I talked to a tire vendor and a few course riders and they said a sweet spot is 30-32 psi warm for most tires. I originally had cold at 30PSI cold, but warm temps were 40PSI! too hot, felt "slippery" in corners (I would lean in, but felt like understeer in car terms). I removed some air between sessions to drop the warm down to 32 PSI. Unfortunately, I rode home on the same tire pressure since I didn't think to bring a pump, nor did I bother to ask to borrow anyone elses. Checked the cold PSI the next day and it was at 22 psi front, 21 rear. 32PSI warm front/rear felt predictable, stable, and provided me enough grip to corner such that my engine guards kissed the track regularly, and hold the line with confidence. 30/30 may have been better, but once it felt good enough, I opted not to mess with it anymore.

FWIW, I run 34/40 street.

 

[lawmandean]

36psi front, 42 rear is correct for anything other than the track. Contrary to one other comment here, there are no issues with traction or braking on the street at those pressures (recommended by the Service Manager at my dealership, who is extremely knowledgeable and a serious track guy.)

How much one lowers the pressures at the track depends on many factors, including the make/model of tire, the ambient temperature, the weight of the bike & rider, etc. The guys at Reg Pridmore's track school explained to me that the primary purpose of lowering the pressures from street values is to achieve faster warm-up. My last track day was on an 1150GS (don't laugh, not many bikes passed her on a twisty 600cc road-racing circuit) and Reg's techs lowered the pressures from 36/40 to 32/36.

In both respects, some trial and error - - within reasonable limits - - is probably the best way to achieve the traction/wear balance that makes each individual rider feels comfortable on his/her particular bike.

 

[Hoshiko]

Agree with Clem on the pressure.
Here to congratulate you with your good taste and new toy. :clap:
Hope to see you often around here.

 

[johnvw]

Hi All,
Can anyone give a reason why the Front and Rear tyre pressures have now changed ??
From the BMW R1200R manual http://www.ascycles.com/pdf/RiderManuals2012/R1200R.pdf:

See page 59
Regards John

 

[Clem]

Tire construction and rubber compounds are always being tested and evaluated. The grip, wet & dry, of tires on the newer BMWs has improved to the point that they are safe on the street at these pressures, and give longer tread life as well.
36F/42R or 2.5barF/2.9barR for your camhead.IMHO

 

[David R]

I ran the Metzler Z8 that came on the bike at 36/42 since new. They lasted 7,000 miles which is good by my standards. Grip was good beginning to end. I then put on a set of PR3. Rear was slipping on occasion. Last week I dropped the rear from 42 to 39 psi. What a difference. Grip is back and the tire feels like it did on my RT. Good grip all the time.

Everybody has their preference. If I had not tried I would not know.

David

 

[dbrick]

I don't agree: both the Riders Manual and the under-seat sticker on my '07 show 2.2 bar for the front tire, one-up, cold:

Tyre pressure, front
2.2 bar, one-up, tyre cold
2.5 bar, two-up and/or with luggage, tyre cold

Tyre pressure, rear
2.5 bar, one-up, tyre cold

2.9 bar, two-up and/or with luggage, tyre cold