How to pick the best air pressures for adventure/dual sport riding︱Cross Training Adventure, by Cross Training Adventure on YouTube. 5 min 41 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 41 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check the maximum pressure printed on the side of both tyres. Note it down so you never set a pressure above that figure.
Find your bike's weight group. Twin cylinder adventure bikes usually weigh 200 to 270kg and run 30 to 40psi for road and dirt roads.
For a larger single cylinder bike of 160 to 200kg, start around 20 to 30psi. For a smaller single of 125 to 160kg, start around 20 to 25psi.
Look up the manufacturer's recommended pressures in your manual or on the bike's sticker. Use the road figure as your baseline.
Set both tyres to that baseline with your pump and check them with a gauge when the tyres are cold.
Ride a stretch of your usual road and dirt. If the bike feels vague or harsh, change pressure in 5psi steps.
Once you are close, fine tune in smaller amounts until the bike feels planted and comfortable on both surfaces.
Write down the final front and rear figures, plus the load and terrain, so you can repeat them next time.
Tips and common mistakes
Always measure cold tyres, since hot tyres read higher and will mislead you.
Add a few psi when carrying a pillion or heavy luggage, then drop back for solo dirt rides.
Check the sidewall maximum before experimenting, especially on light bikes with soft tyres.
Terrain, rider weight, tyre compound and ground heat all change the best figure, so retest when conditions change.
Questions
What pressure should I run on dirt roads?
Start from the manufacturer's road figure and drop in 5psi steps until the bike feels stable and grips. Smaller single cylinder bikes often sit around 20 to 25psi.
Can I go below the manual's recommendation?
Yes, for off road use, as long as you stay above the minimum needed to protect the rim and never exceed the sidewall maximum. Test carefully and watch for pinch flats.
Do I need to check pressure often?
Yes. Tyres lose air over time and temperature changes affect readings, so check before each ride with a gauge rather than by feel.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
