Maintaining the correct Harley Davidson Street Glide tire pressure is crucial for a smooth, safe ride.
Regular checks and adjustments ensure optimal performance, maximizing the lifespan of your tires and enhancing your bike’s fuel efficiency.
In this article, we’ll provide a clear understanding of optimal tire pressure, the importance of tire pressure, and instructions on how to accurately measure it.
Let’s dive in!
Harley Davidson Street Glide Tire Pressure
| Street Glide | Front Wheel | Rear Wheel |
| With Load | 36 PSI | 40 PSI |
| Without Load | 36 PSI | 40 PSI |
| Highway Driving | Add +2 PSI | +2 PSI |
| Driving Summer | Subtract -2 PSI | Subtract -2 PSI |
| Mountain Ride | Subtract -2 PSI | Subtract -2 PSI |
Tire Specifications for Street Glide
The front tire should be a Dunlop D408F BW 130/60B19 61H. The ‘130’ indicates the width of the tire in millimeters, while ’60’ signifies the aspect ratio.
‘B’ stands for Bias Belt (type of tire construction), and ’19’ is the wheel diameter in inches. ’61’ is the load index, and ‘H’ represents the speed rating.
On the other hand, the recommended specification for the rear tire is a Dunlop D407T BW 180/65B16 81H.
The width, aspect ratio, type of construction, wheel diameter, load index, and speed rating are represented by ‘180’, ’65’, ‘B’, ’16’, ’81’, and ‘H’ respectively.
It’s important to maintain these specific tire specifications for your Street Glide to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
Harley Branded Dunlop Tires Vs Off-the-Shelf Dunlop Tires
When it comes to tire inflation, it’s critical to know that whether you use Harley-branded Dunlop tires or off-the-shelf Dunlop tires, each type has different inflation requirements.
Both types of tires are designed for specific uses and loads. Harley-branded Dunlop tires are specifically calibrated for Harley Davidson motorcycles.
On the other hand, off-the-shelf Dunlop tires cater to a broader range of motorcycles and may have varied inflation standards.
Factors Affecting Tire Pressure
1. Ambient temperature
Ambient temperature greatly influences tire pressure. In simple terms, ‘ambient temperature’ refers to the current air temperature in the environment around us.
When the ambient temperature rises, the air inside the tire expands, increasing the tire’s pressure. Conversely, when it gets colder, the air contracts, leading to lower tire pressure.
It’s crucial to monitor and adjust your tire pressure with changing seasons and temperatures to ensure your vehicle’s safety and performance.
2. Altitude
Altitude plays a significant role in affecting tire pressure. When you drive your vehicle to higher altitudes, the external air pressure decreases.
This change causes the air inside your tires to expand, which can result in increased tire pressure.
On the contrary, driving to lower altitudes where the air pressure is higher can lead to contracted air inside the tires, causing a decrease in tire pressure.
It’s vital to regularly check and adjust your tire pressure when traveling to areas with significant altitude changes to ensure optimal performance and safety.
3. Load
Tire pressure is significantly influenced by the load, or the weight, that the tire is supporting. When a vehicle carries a heavy load, the pressure within the tire increases.
This is because the weight of the load compresses the air inside the tire, causing the pressure to rise.
Therefore, it’s essential to adjust your tire pressure when carrying heavy loads to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Over-inflated tires due to heavy loads can lead to reduced traction, and irregular wear, and can even make the tires more susceptible to damage from potholes or debris on the road.
4. Tire Wear and Age
Tire wear and age also significantly affect tire pressure. As tires get older and more worn, they lose their ability to hold pressure.
The tread, which is the part of the tire that comes in direct contact with the road, wears down over time due to friction. This can lead to a thinner tire wall that’s more susceptible to leaks.
Similarly, the rubber material in tires degrades with age, which makes it less elastic and more prone to cracks and leaks.
These conditions can result in a decrease in tire pressure. So, it’s crucial to regularly check and adjust your tire pressure, especially if your tires are old or heavily worn.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining the correct tire pressure on your Harley Davidson Street Glide is crucial for safe and comfortable rides.
You should always ensure that each tire is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Regularly check and adjusting the tire pressure, especially before long rides, enhances the bike’s performance and increases the lifespan of your tires.
FAQs
What is the TYRE pressure for a 2016 Street Glide?
The recommended tire pressure for a 2016 Street Glide is 36 psi (pounds per square inch) for the front tire and 40 psi for the rear tire when riding solo.
If you’re carrying a passenger or heavy load, the rear tire pressure should be increased to 42 psi.
How do I check my tire pressure?
Here is how you can check tire pressure:
- Firstly you need to purchase a tire pressure gauge.
- Then unscrew the cap on your tire’s valve stem
- The gauge will display your current tire pressure.
Now you can compare this reading with the recommended tire pressure found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb.
What size tires are on a 2016 Street Glide?
The 2016 Street Glide uses a 19-inch front tire and a 16-inch rear tire.
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Ahtsham Younas is a passionate blogger and content writer. He loves to ride motorcycles and learn the mechanical process behind the motorcycles.
He has been writing articles in the motorcycle industry since 2019 and has learned many things about motorbike niches.
