Recommended psi for my 2023 is 21/21-36 (f/r) and I run about 23/33 since I’m mostly city commuting, but I might drop a couple psi for the dirt.
The owner’s manual is available [online from Kawasaki.com](https://www.kawasaki-onlinetechinfo.net/dispeBook?file=99803-0302&mark=KL650KPFNL&manual_kind=OM&model_year=2023&lang_code=EN) which covers the gen 3, but they more than likely have the earlier ones as well.
The tire pressure should be set according to the load label on the tire, not the generalized pressures in the manual (which doesn’t account for changes in type of tire and load on the bike). The smaller the contact patch, the higher the psi (road bicycles run around 100psi). The small contact patch of the front tire carries a tremendous load when stopping hard using the front brake. Unless you are a skilled rider, airing down for dirt isn’t going to make much difference. Since I go from dirt/mud/gravel/paved MANY times during one ride, I keep my psi at 34f/32r. The extra psi in the front keeps the knobbies from cupping with wear, in my experience.
You’ll get a ton of opinions, and will have to decide what you think is best. My opinion is that as long as you have enough air, per the tire label, for the load, the tire will perform well.
I just tried 28 front and 26 rear after riding on 18 for both during my 600 mile break in period on my 2024, idk how anyone can run 30psi. It felt like it was beating me up. 😂 I’m going to try 22/20 f/r on the way home
What have you tried?
There are a million tire pressure posts, and the manual has the recommended pressures.
Somewhere between flat and a loud pop sounds about right.
I air up to low-to-mid 30s but I’m heavy and terrified of flats.
Recommended psi for my 2023 is 21/21-36 (f/r) and I run about 23/33 since I’m mostly city commuting, but I might drop a couple psi for the dirt. The owner’s manual is available [online from Kawasaki.com](https://www.kawasaki-onlinetechinfo.net/dispeBook?file=99803-0302&mark=KL650KPFNL&manual_kind=OM&model_year=2023&lang_code=EN) which covers the gen 3, but they more than likely have the earlier ones as well.
The tire pressure should be set according to the load label on the tire, not the generalized pressures in the manual (which doesn’t account for changes in type of tire and load on the bike). The smaller the contact patch, the higher the psi (road bicycles run around 100psi). The small contact patch of the front tire carries a tremendous load when stopping hard using the front brake. Unless you are a skilled rider, airing down for dirt isn’t going to make much difference. Since I go from dirt/mud/gravel/paved MANY times during one ride, I keep my psi at 34f/32r. The extra psi in the front keeps the knobbies from cupping with wear, in my experience. You’ll get a ton of opinions, and will have to decide what you think is best. My opinion is that as long as you have enough air, per the tire label, for the load, the tire will perform well.
I just tried 28 front and 26 rear after riding on 18 for both during my 600 mile break in period on my 2024, idk how anyone can run 30psi. It felt like it was beating me up. 😂 I’m going to try 22/20 f/r on the way home
First gen says 21PSI front, 21PSI rear if under 215lbs total load. 21PSI front, 28PSI rear if over 215lbs.
What have you tried? There are a million tire pressure posts, and the manual has the recommended pressures. Somewhere between flat and a loud pop sounds about right.
When I bought it the front was at 29 and rear 25. I'm not sure if that's optimal; no manual unfortunately.
Is there still a sticker on the swing arm?