Michelin Road 4GT tire pressure(s)

[CollingsBob]

This is my first set of road 4 gt’s...I set the tire pressures at 40/42, then headed west for Vancouver. The front felt “floppy”, like the front wheel was eager to flop to the left or the right..a certain lack of directional stability.
Ascending the mountain east out of Osoyoos I encountered tar snakes - a lot of them, at times it seemed that 50% of the road was tar snake. The rear tire slid out twice, scary but catch-able..then I lost the front tire and had to stomp hard, stand the bike up..thank god there was no oncoming traffic.
What’s the consensus...try lower tire pressures, like maybe 38/40...or?

[FJRoss]

No experience with the PR4 but lots with other Michelins (and other brands). You might get a little more grab running a couple psi lower front and rear but not much. You will, however, end out with a front tire lifetime dramatically reduced due to odd trapzoidal wear patterns in dual compound tires and head shake due to scalloping. Personally, my preference is 41 or 42 or so up front and 43 or 44 in the rear. Perhaps a bit less if starting out on a cool morning with a hot day in the forecast. Pressure can come up several pounds with a big temperature swing.

Nothing is much good for tar snakes on a hot day or water over slick painted lines. Clench your butt and hope you grab some decent surface before low siding.

[raYzerman]

Certain tires are better on tar snakes than others, certain tread patterns.... PR4 front not one I would choose. I run pressures similar to Ross's, but I don't think it matters much on tar snakes.

[raesewell]

The tyre manufacturers recommend 36 front 42 rear two up or solo.

[wheatonFJR]

The tyre manufacturers recommend 36 front 42 rear two up or solo.

Yes, but Yamaha used to recommend 31ft lbs for the oil drain plug. They are recommendations.

[raYzerman]

The tyre manufacturers recommend 36 front 42 rear two up or solo.

Highly recommend you try 36 for a while, then try 40-42 and see the improvement in handling, tire wear and longevity. That 36 was Yammie's recommendation for the OEM tire, BT-023. Softer sidewall tires will require more than 36.

[bill lumberg]

I run 40/40 or 40/42. Longest lasting tires I’ve ever run. Which is nice, because they’re the best handling tires I’ve ever run for this bike.