Tyre pressures for offroad

[Deano]

Was wondering what tyre pressures people are running on their sport's quads offroad. My LTZ400 is running F 4.0 psi, R 4.4 psi. It's got quite good grip in the mud even with those pressures but was thinking of dropping them to somewhere between 2 and 3 psi. I carry a mini air compressor with me so wouldn't be a problem to raise pressures before road run home at end of day.

[RED PRED]

I would not go that low Deano in case the tyre comes off the rim !
I run at 6 PSI all round, have been down to 4 but found it too soft for road and I cant be ar sed to keep messing about with my compressor between byways, I would hold every one up and get stabbed !!! :D

[El Bandit]

I went down to 6 as recomended by RP but found that I was getting muck pressed inbetween the tyre and rim which was causing leaks.

I now run at 9 PSI.

[Deano]

Thanks for the advice guys. I must say i'm surprised, as when i used to ride motorcycle trials and enduro i would run somewhere between 1 and 3 psi. As i'm not as used to quads offroad though, i will take your advice and try a higher pressure. I was thinking that a lower pressure would give a larger tyre footprint and therefore give more grip.

[secret solo]

A lower pressure will give more grip in the dirt.
I like running at 3-4 psi as the ride quality off road is so much nicer than 6 as it absorbs the lumps and bumps.
As mentioned though, higher risk of de-beading tyre and you also dont want to hit a large tree root at speed.
Think lower pressure is a more personal thing.
Would not want to run at 9psi though as that would beat the crap out of you !

[RED PRED]

Taking the average ride, I would say most of the time is spent on road between lanes, I find lower pressures too squishy on tarmac so 6 is a good all round pressure for me, I agree about 9-too hard for comfort .

[secret solo]

Since the original question is about off road pressure then "squishy" on tarmac is pretty irrelevant as surely its about maximising comfort off road..
Its only corners at speed on road thats squishy so harder tyres just for that seems a bit ott? lol.

[RED PRED]

I did not realise you were a moderator on here, so sorry for going astray !

[El Bandit]

Sorry I forgot you guys have Yamaha Settees to ride on.

With my QZ 3 PSI makes little difference one way or the other. Its hard all the way so the chance of keeping muck out of the rims does me fine.

I might drop the PSI down tonight to 7.5 (Half way house) and see how I get on.

[RED PRED]

Thats a sensible idea Nick, only you know how you like it :agree:

[johnnyboy]

we all run 7 or 8 psi and the ride is plush on the dirt and fine on the road but we also spend time to set our suspension up properly

[El Bandit]

PSI down to 7 all round now. Front suspension now set as soft as it can go. Not altering rear as I hope to have some bigger tyres soon and don't want it grounding out. If it gets too bumpy I'll just stand up which is what most Quad drivers seem to do. Raptor or not! The two week break in between rides seems to be long enough to get over any aches and pains. Can't have life getting too easy.

[RED PRED]

Quite right Nick, standing up when it gets rough off road does me fine, along with my 6 PSI LOL .
My soggy biro spring clad standard Yamaha shocks are soft enough to allow me to run 6PSI reasonably well, the way the lanes are wearing out only a hovercraft will be comfortable soon :D

[johnnyboy]

only a hovercraft will be comfortable soon
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Now theres a great idea G, even Binstead swamp would be doable but water lane may still pose a bit of a problem lol

[RED PRED]

I imagine a big increase in Hovercraft sales Johnny, it will be quadders buying them LOL
Must admit, it is becoming less enjoyable doing the lanes, in a year or so the average speed will be very slow on them due to all the ruts and pot holes !!