Royal Enfield has reinvented itself as one of the leading motorcycle brands in India. The company’s revival is nothing short of phenomenal in a sense that the brand suffered almost three decades of declining sales and product portfolio. But today Royal Enfield motorcycles like the iconic Bullet and Classic 350 have once again become a common sight on the roads.
Apart from the masculine aesthetics, these motorcycles also offer an elevated level of riding comfort which their sportier counterparts lack. But did you know that you can further enhance the ride comfort and handling characteristics of your Royal Enfield motorcycle by adjusting the tyre pressure? In today’s post we are discussing ways to optimize your Bullet and Classic 350 tyres for better ride and handling.
Recommended Air Pressure by RE
First up, let’s understand the tyre pressure guidelines set by Royal Enfield for the Bullet and Classic 350.
Model | Size | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|---|
RE Bullet 350 | 90/90-19 | 22 PSI | 32 PSI |
RE Classic 350 | 120/80-18 | 22 PSI | 32 PSI |
As you can see, the recommended PSI for Bullet 350 and Classic 350 is similar. Because both models are built on a common platform with 350cc engine displacement.
Importance of Having the Correct Air Pressure in Your Motorcycle Tyres
Here are the primary reasons why air pressure is the single most important factor in determining your motorcycle tyre’s performance and mileage:
A tyre’s strength is not determined by its sidewall or carcass but the compressed air inside it. The compressed air is what carries the overall load of the vehicle and riders.
Correct air pressure determines the size of the contact patch, thus impacting the amount of grip a tyre offers.
Very low air pressure can cause flex in the sidewall and damage the tyre.
Very high air pressure can make the tyres vulnerable to impact damage.
The ideal air pressure recommended by manufacturers is based on max load (solo / pillion / luggage) the motorcycle is designed to carry.
Now let’s understand how to tweak your motorcycle’s air pressure to optimize it for your driving style.
Striking the Perfect Balance
Automotive brands decide the optimal tyre pressure for their products after a lot of testing. The optimal tyre pressure that you find in the owner’s manual can be considered as the level at which most riders will experience a comfortable ride. But you can play around with those numbers to a small extent. Here’s how:
Increasing the tyre pressure above recommended levels
In this case, the tyres are inflated a couple of PSIs more than the recommended levels. For example, if you are mostly riding over smooth city and highway roads, your front tyres can have 24 PSI and the rear can go up to 34 PSI. In theory, the increased air pressure can give you slightly better fuel efficiency by lowering the rolling resistance of the tyres. But the actual performance will also depend on your driving habits and factors like traffic congestion.
The downside to riding with higher tyre pressure is that the ride quality gets compromised and you can feel the bumps and potholes more acutely in the saddle.
Decreasing the tyre pressure below recommended levels
In this opposing scenario, tyre pressure is reduced by a PSI or two to make the bike more pliable on bad roads and dirt patches. Reducing the tyre pressure increases the footprint for better grip. However, riding with low air pressure on a tube-type motorcycle tyre can risk tearing off the valve.
Also, reducing the tyre pressure will result in decreased fuel efficiency and tyre mileage due to the increased friction between the tyre and the road surface.
Apollo Tyres for Royal Enfield Bullet and Classic 350
For riders looking for new tyres, here are the best Royal Enfield bike tyres offered by Apollo Tyres:
ActiGrip F6
The Apollo ActiGrip F6 is a front tyre for Royal Enfield Bullet and Classic 350. This 90/90-19 motorcycle tyre is priced at ₹1,960.00, offering superior grip on all terrains. Its unique "V"-shaped tread block pattern maximizes off-road traction with increased working edges, while longitudinal grooves ensure self-cleaning and improved ride performance. Channelized independent blocks of the Apollo ActiGrip F6 provide superior on and off-road traction and stability. The tyre boasts improved mileage and durability, backed by a 5-year manufacturing warranty.
ActiZip R5
The ActiZip R5 is a rear tyre for Royal Enfield Bullet and Classic 350 motorcycles. Available in the compatible 120/80-18 size, the tyre is available for ₹2,610.00. The tyre offers superior grip in both wet and dry conditions, boasting high skid resistance. The ActiZip R5 features a new tread design for improved mileage and performance consistency, along with enhanced handling and stability due to its increased contact patch area. Its variable groove shape ensures efficient water dispersal for safety on all terrains. The tyre includes a 5-year manufacturing warranty.
In conclusion, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for maximizing the performance, comfort, and longevity of your Royal Enfield Bullet or Classic 350. While the manufacturer's recommendations provide a great starting point, understanding how slight adjustments can impact your ride allows for personalized optimization based on your riding style and road conditions. Remember to always check your tyre pressure regularly and consider investing in high-quality tyres like those offered by Apollo to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.