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Originally Posted by GreyGoose006
thats what i figured.
so i guess grip isnt really an issue... with wide-ish tires and such a low weight.
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this is kinda like saying tire condition isn't important.
Tire pressure is extremely crucial for bikes. Too much pressure reduces contact patch (and thereby traction) but increases longevity. Too little pressure can cause the tire to buckle in extreme example, just like a car tire, too little pressure will cause the tire to concave and "float" on the bead. Or worse case, the sidewall will callapse and the tire will buckle. In a corner, this will spell disaster. Its also worth pointing out, low pressure can greatly increase steering input, because you are increasing the rolling resistance, which aid/hinders turning effort (aka, lean initiation). Some find this disconcerting, even though (assuming its within reason) it doesn't actually effect handling negatively, just increases physical effort required
There are many factors, such as weight of the bike, type of tires used, temp outside, power of bike and riding style, and have no doubt, if you suddenly changed the pressure of someones tires without them being aware of it, and they were used to X pressure, they very well could crash from it if they attempted to ride as they normally do.
to give an extreme example, my SM (a very light bike) I run 20-25psi front and rear. My ZRX (much heavier, and much higher HP) I run 32-38 in the front and anywhere from 25 to 40 psi in the rear depending on what I'm doing and what the conditions are. Higher pressures are when I'm touring in hotter weather. lower pressures are colder temps and/or racing on a track. For example, running the higher pressures on the ZRX in cold weather, will make the bike slide around like its on ice and make it very dangerous.
Many bikers are completely ignorant of tire pressures though, and thankfully, most of those riders are overly cautious/slow by nature. Its the only thing saving them