ST3 Tire Pressure

[azduc]

I just wore out the rear tire on my ST3S with 8400 miles on it. I haven't been able to get a consistent recommendation on tire pressure. Owners manual only gives a suggested range, and that's in millibars. What pressure do you ST owners run?

[tc]

I'm replacing mine at 6000 miles so 8400 sounds good to me.  I usually run them about 32psi but allowing for inaccuracies of the gages say 30 to 34. I'm picking mine up with new tires tomorrow so I'll ask the dealer what they put in. (ST3 2006).  I could have put a few more miles on but I'm leaving on a trip so new tires for the road.

[DFH]

I just wore out the rear tire on my ST3S with 8400 miles on it. I haven't been able to get a consistent recommendation on tire pressure. Owners manual only gives a suggested range, and that's in millibars. What pressure do you ST owners run?

If in doubt check the TYRE MANUFACTURES web-site. All the big tyre brands will have a homologated tyre(s) for each bike as the German TuV type approval system requires individual approvals for each fitment. It is, or was last time I looked, illegal in HunLand to fit a non-type approved tyre. As the ST3 is a strong seller in Germany all the brands will have a listing with sizes and pressures.  Each tyre brand will have a better idea of pressures suitable for their specific product rather than the generic guess of Ducati handbook

Running Pilot Roads? Check the Michelin site. Running Z6's, Check the Metzler site...

DFH  

[RickC1957]

8400 miles...not bad! I run 38 front and 42 rear, which is max pressure. When we went out to the Rockies last year, Steven (gasguzzler on CLSB) was running 32 in the rear and the tire didn't make it to 3500 miles Running low pressure, at high speeds, for long periods will trash a tire. This year when we went out to Colorado, ran the pressures I always run, and he came back with plenty left on the tire, and we did 4800 miles. Yes, with the higher pressure the tire takes longer to heat up, you give up some grip, not much, but the tires last much longer.  

[azduc]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'm on the right track. I run 36 -38 in front and 38 - 40 rear usually, depending on load. Take the 8400 miles with a grain of salt, because the rear is showing the steel belt in the center!

[R Doug]

Whatever you do, don't go by the Ducati Manual in regards to tire pressure.  I can't remember what Duc recommends, but it's insanely low for normal street riding.  I went through the stock set of Pilot Roads on my ST3 in under 6,000 miles when running Ducati's reccommended levels.  

[Desmo Demon]

With my ST2, these are my typicals...

1) 34/34 - very spirited, 100% twisties
2) 36/36 - Regular, everyday riding, solo, 90+% twisties
3) 36/38 - regular, everyday, two-up, 90+% twisties
4) 42/42 - 100% superslab, SS1000 riding

I typically get 3500 miles front and 2500 rear for sport rubber and 4500 front and 3500 rear with sport-touring rubber.

[Oilhed]

Whatever you do, don't go by the Ducati Manual in regards to tire pressure.  I can't remember what Duc recommends, but it's insanely low for normal street riding.  I went through the stock set of Pilot Roads on my ST3 in under 6,000 miles when running Ducati's reccommended levels.  

They recommend 33 front, 37 or 38 rear which I've used on my original Pilot Roads and I'm over 6,000 miles with some squaring but plenty of tread.  Avons recommend 38/40 or 40/42.

[ST3Andy]

Dam, I'm almost embarrassed to say I got 11,800 miles out of my stock Pilot Roads on my ST3 . And I could have gotten a couple K more out of the front. 34 front and 36 rear all the time. I'm 175 lbs. and ride from aggressive to slabbing. An even mix all around. I found the wear to be exceptional and also great tires in the rain. Put new Roads on over the winter. Wish I new about the Pilot Road II's then.

[azduc]

11K plus? Yikes! I was thinking of just going with the OEM BT020 on the rear and leaving the front this time, but maybe it would be cheaper in the long run to just replace both with the Pilot Road II's.