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Ideal setting between single and pillion ride

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  • #1

    Ideal setting between single and pillion ride

    Hi guys,

    I know that my Gladiator has a set of settings for when a pillion rider is involved - rear tyre pressure goes up from 28 to 36psi and the rear suspension should be hardened.

    But my ratio of single to pillion ride is 60:40, maybe 65:35. Usually, I drop off a colleague part of the way home when returning from office.

    In such a case, should I keep the settings for a single rider or go for something in between?
    2016 Suzuki Access 125 (Matte Grey)
    2009 Yamaha Gladiator Type SS (Black Red)
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  • #2
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    • #3
      Interesting question. I wonder how manufacturer arrives at a conclusion on how much PSI. Considering a rider can be anything between 45 to 90 kilos. In such case two riders can possibly be equivalent to a single rider.

      Or lets say
      A 50 kilo rider with a 45 kilo pillion = 95
      A 70 kilo rider with a 70 kilo pillion = 140

      Thats a massive 45 kilos difference which is almost equivalent to third pillion.

      I've no idea. Just musing.

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      • #4
        Bump up your tyre pressure by 2 psi front and rear from single for a basic compensation for pillion. It mainly depends on what is the majority of your riding, single or two up...

        Increasing tyre pressure too much might help lower the rolling resistance of the bike, but remember with the added weight the brakes need to work harder, and the tyre needs a better contact patch so as to not skid under braking.


        My offerings to the gods of speed -

        - KTM Duke 200
        - Yamaha RXZ 5 speed


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        • #5
          Originally posted by kaynmantis View Post
          Interesting question. I wonder how manufacturer arrives at a conclusion on how much PSI.
          IMO, any manufacturer arrives at the PSI based on best FE
          Skill is what keeps you on a Motorcycle
          Awareness + Skill is what keeps you out of harm's way
          ATGATT + Awareness + Skill means you might Live To Ride another day

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          • #6
            Well, majority of the time, it is single rider only. And I myself weigh 77 kg.

            As per the service manual of Gladiator DLX (mine is type SS though), we have the following settings:
            Up to 90 Kg, front - 25 psi, rear - 33 psi
            90 - 162 kg, front - 25 psi, rear - 36 psi

            Type SS:
            Front: 25 psi in all cases
            Rear: 28 psi (single), 36 psi (with pillion)
            Max load: 150 kg

            By rolling resistance, I take it to mean I will be slower off starting. If the tyre is not getting damaged per se, then I guess I can keep it at single rider setting.
            2016 Suzuki Access 125 (Matte Grey)
            2009 Yamaha Gladiator Type SS (Black Red)

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            • #7
              ^^ rolling resistance is the general friction created by the tyres on the road ( not to be confused with the friction needed for braking). So it will affect everything in general, mileage, top speed, acceleration ( but then for a normal commuter its in miniscule percentages).So you can keep it at a generic setting.


              My offerings to the gods of speed -

              - KTM Duke 200
              - Yamaha RXZ 5 speed


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