correct tire pressure on '56 KHK

Production K Models

correct tire pressure on '56 KHK

Postby Coolbreeze » Sun Mar 12, 2023 4:34 pm

My "Riders Hand Book" for KH models recommends 14 psi for front tires and 18 psi for the rear tire. These pressures are for 3.50 -18 tires made in the early 1950s. Adjusted for rider weight, the recommended pressures would be 15 psi front and 20 psi rear. These pressures seem too low. I understand those pressures were fine ~70 years ago because tire sidewalls were much stiffer then. My '56 KHK has Bridgestone Accolade tires that are just a few years old. The front is 3.50-18, and the rear is 4.00-18.

My question is: "What is the appropriate tire pressure for my '56 KHK carrying 200 pounds at highway speeds?
'56 KHK
'60 XLCH
'48 Chief
'42 Indian 841
'64 BMW R69S
'84 Moto Guzzi V65Sp
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Re: correct tire pressure on '56 KHK

Postby Rubone » Sun Mar 12, 2023 5:54 pm

It is what Bridgestone recommends as a starting point. Low pressure generates lots of heat. Lots of heat equals tire failure.
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Re: correct tire pressure on '56 KHK

Postby raleypc » Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:07 pm

I run 32 front 36 rear on my 61 XLH with modern Heidenau 3.50 x 18 tires. I did run it for a bit with the original sixty year old Goodyears at the lower pressures until the tread started to chunk off.
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