How to ensure your tires are properly inflated

Start with the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended pressures. Do not exceed the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure. That value is printed on the sidewall. Now that you have your boundaries, I recommend using the 10% rule to dial in the correct pressure for your riding style and your bike. Consistently using the same tire pressure gauge which you have deemed reasonably accurate, check your tire pressures when they are cold. After you have ridden a bit and have gotten them up to temperature, one of your normal rides, stop and immediately check the tire pressures. Don't wait too long after you stop to take the readings. Do it before you even take off your helmet.

If your cold tire pressure was correct, your hot tire pressure will be approximately 10% higher than your cold tire pressure. If your hot tire pressure is more than 10% higher than your cold tire pressure, that means your side walls are flexing too much because your cold tire pressure is too low. If your hot tire pressure is less than 10% higher than your cold tire pressure, that means your side walls are not flexing enough because your cold tire pressure is too high. Next time your tires are cold, make the necessary adjustments and repeat the exercise. The results will vary depending on whether you are riding solo, two up, solo with gear, interstate or twisties, summer or winter, high altitude or sea level. Eventually you will end up with a reference log for the different conditions.

If you do this, you will optimize the combination of tire life, performance and gas mileage.