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@stylec avatar
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between scooters
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Hooked
@stylec avatar
between scooters
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UTC quote
I'm shopping around for new tires for my GTS. I've read a lot of posts here on tires, but I still have a question that none of the posts has answered (probably because the question hasn't been asked ).

I ride two-up very frequently, so I've kept the rear tire pressure at around 37psi on the Savas as recommended by Piaggio. I keep it at 37 even when I'm riding solo (I'm aware that that means less traction). Though, if I'm alone and planning to take it on the freeway or do some twisties, I will reduce the tire pressure to 29. My question is: is there such a tire that wouldn't require this pressure adjustment when going from one to two-up riding? Or any suggestions for dealing with this issue?
@michael_moore avatar
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Molto Verboso
GTS(me)/GTV(wife)
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
I don't think so.

You could split the difference, but I think your current approach is sounder.
@2011super avatar
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2021 GTS 300 Touring
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@2011super avatar
2021 GTS 300 Touring
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UTC quote
If you keep one of these tire guages on hand then it is very easy and quick to drop the tire pressure down for 2 up riding. It just takes a few seconds per tire. For quickly inflating the tires these work nicely but might be overkill for some. There are cheaper models at Walmart.

I wish there was a tire that could do it all but I find myself chaging tire pressure more often than I like so these gte a real workout. A Tire Monitoring System is a very nice addition when you are having the tires changed.
@scootr74 avatar
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2006 Piaggio Fly 150
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Hooked
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2006 Piaggio Fly 150
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Location: On Your Six!
UTC quote
Re: Yet Another Question About Tires :-)
StyleC wrote:
is there such a tire that wouldn't require this pressure adjustment when going from one to two-up riding? Or any suggestions for dealing with this issue?
Having dealt with tires on many different vehicles (when I worked as a mechanic), I can tell you the recommended tire pressure is the best bet for all applications. The exception would be if you were going over rock (offroad). A slightly deflated tire pressure works better in that instance.
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2002 ET4 & 1980 100 Sport
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2002 ET4 & 1980 100 Sport
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UTC quote
Going back and forth on the tire pressure seems kinda anal. I try to keep the pressure at what it should be. As for twisties, I always make sure my pressure is high, or else I experience wobbles on turns.
@ifixjets avatar
UTC

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01 ET2 - 01 ET4 -- 05 GT200L / 05 PX150 / 23 Triumph Bonneville T-120 Chrome Edition / 23 Triumph Scrambler 900 / 23 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer / 24 Honda Trail 125
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Ossessionato
@ifixjets avatar
01 ET2 - 01 ET4 -- 05 GT200L / 05 PX150 / 23 Triumph Bonneville T-120 Chrome Edition / 23 Triumph Scrambler 900 / 23 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer / 24 Honda Trail 125
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UTC quote
I keep one of these under the seat in my tool kit, works great.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=19436&department=674&Division=6
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@suit_scoot avatar
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Vespa GTS 250ie, and a GO-PED hehe!
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UTC quote
i ride with the rear tire at 2.2 bar all the time. i like the harder ride.
@emcosa avatar
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GT200, LX150, Lambretta LD150, Lambretta B 125, Lambretta D150, 1949 Vespa Rod Model
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@emcosa avatar
GT200, LX150, Lambretta LD150, Lambretta B 125, Lambretta D150, 1949 Vespa Rod Model
Joined: UTC
Posts: 368
Location: San Diego
UTC quote
best thing to do is leave the tire preasure the way Vespa requires, you are putting to much thought to it. I have the Pirelli gts tires on my GT200. rides perfect on the freeway, hard mountain riding, and 2 up. I did replace my suspention to Bitubo, I noticed the stock suspention to be a little on the soft end. Always keep in mind it's scooter!!!!!!!!
UTC

Addicted
Joined: UTC
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Addicted
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UTC quote
Ifixjets wrote:
I keep one of these under the seat in my tool kit, works great.

Now if there was one with nitrogen.....
@andrew avatar
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Molto Verboso
2006 Fly 150
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Molto Verboso
@andrew avatar
2006 Fly 150
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Posts: 1459
Location: Metro Detroit, MI
UTC quote
emcosa wrote:
best thing to do is leave the tire preasure the way Vespa requires, you are putting to much thought to it. I have the Pirelli gts tires on my GT200. rides perfect on the freeway, hard mountain riding, and 2 up. I did replace my suspention to Bitubo, I noticed the stock suspention to be a little on the soft end. Always keep in mind it's scooter!!!!!!!!
He is changing the tire pressure according to what Vespa recommends for either single rider or rider+passenger. So he is currently trying to do what Vespa requires.
@greasy125 avatar
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Sergeant at Arms
Weird 80's Vespas & Cool Vintage Lambrettas
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Location: The state of insanity, SoCal
 
Sergeant at Arms
@greasy125 avatar
Weird 80's Vespas & Cool Vintage Lambrettas
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Posts: 15121
Location: The state of insanity, SoCal
UTC quote
most every bike i see for collision work has one thing in common(besides the crash damage) underinflated or worn, crappy tires.

take care of your donuts, they're the only thing keeping you shiny side up.

that being said, if you ride solo and frequently find yourself two up, it's okay to be a little high or to split the difference. just keep in mind when you're riding solo that your suspension settings and tire pressue is geared toward having two people on board and adjust your riding style accordingly.

best,
-greasy
@emcosa avatar
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Banned
GT200, LX150, Lambretta LD150, Lambretta B 125, Lambretta D150, 1949 Vespa Rod Model
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Location: San Diego
 
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@emcosa avatar
GT200, LX150, Lambretta LD150, Lambretta B 125, Lambretta D150, 1949 Vespa Rod Model
Joined: UTC
Posts: 368
Location: San Diego
UTC quote
greasy125 wrote:
most every bike i see for collision work has one thing in common(besides the crash damage) underinflated or worn, crappy tires.

take care of your donuts, they're the only thing keeping you shiny side up.

that being said, if you ride solo and frequently find yourself two up, it's okay to be a little high or to split the difference. just keep in mind when you're riding solo that your suspension settings and tire pressue is geared toward having two people on board and adjust your riding style accordingly.

best,
-greasy
Well said, I have never changed my tire pressure, it is set for 2 riders, I just adjust my riding style.

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