New to owning a Ducati

[trrgod]

I just bought a 2008 Hypermotard. I never had a big twin before and it is very different to ride for me. I am experiencing all the usual newbie traits and am trying to learn to adapt. I took it in for the first tune at 600 miles and the shop set the tire pressures at 36f and 38r. This seems a little high to me. I'm 240lbs. Any input?

[ADHD]

I set my pressures at 32.5/36 for street riding. No problems thus far.

[Caidly]

Originally Posted by ADHD

I set my pressures at 32.5/36 for street riding. No problems thus far.

Except that crappy gas mileage!

Mine are set at 31F/29R. I, too, have no problems.

[Werloc]

32/34.... Ha!

[NYSport]

2.2/2.2

[dave2riff]

The tire pressure numbers on the bike sticker are to meet max gross vehicle weight ratings. If you and the bike don't add up to max GVWR, then it is usually a good idea for improved contact patch to go lower than the sticker PSI numbers. Yes, it will reduce mileage a bit. I come from kart racing and supermoto where tire pressures are a really big deal and closely watched on race days, along with track and tire temps and the delta in pressure from cold to hot (heated by running laps at race speed). Among a lot of racers, tire pressure tends to be a closely-guarded secret, but I would like to hear what other Hypermotard owners have come up with in terms of optimizing grip and front-rear balance on this bike. Not necessarily track day pressures but street pressures for spirited canyon carving without regard to fuel economy.

I'm still dialing in this bike, but right now I'm at-- Front: 28.5 psi, Rear: 31.5 psi. (cold). The 3 lb. difference from front to rear is a carry over from my supermoto bike, but I also notice the numbers on the GVWR sticker are gapped about the same. I weigh 178 lbs. with gear on and the Hyper has been stripped of about 8 pounds of excess fat.

Cheers,
Dave
'08 Hyper 1100 S