HOME 1.13 TIRES AND WHEELS TIRES tubeless tires (fitted with correct size inner tubes) when mounted on laced (wire spoked) wheels. • Inner tubes must not be used in radial tires and radial tires must not be used on laced (wire spoked) wheels. Match tires, tubes, air valves and caps to the correct wheel rim. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer. Mismatching can result in damage to the tire bead, allow tire slippage on the rim or cause tire failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00023a) • Tubeless tires are used on all Harley-Davidson cast and disc wheels. • Tire sizes are molded on the tire sidewall. Inner tube sizes are printed on the tube.
• New tires should be stored on a horizontal tire rack. Avoid stacking new tires in a vertical stack. The weight of the stack compresses the tires and closes down the beads. Use inner tubes on laced (wire spoked) wheels. Using tubeless tires on laced wheels can cause air leaks, which could result in death or serious injury. (00025a) Check tire pressure and tread: • As part of the pre-ride inspection. • At every scheduled service interval. Use only Harley-Davidson approved tires. See a Harley- Davidson dealer. Using non-approved tires can adversely affect stability, which could result in death or serious injury. (00024a) 1. Inspect each tire for punctures, cuts and breaks. 2.
Inspect each tire for wear. Replace tires before they reach the tread wear indicator bars. NOTE In addition, using tires other than those specified may adversely affect motorcycle handling. Missing indicator wear bars represent less than 0.8 mm (1/32 in.) tread pattern depth remaining. NOTES • Tubeless tires fitted with the correct size inner tubes may be used on all Harley-Davidson laced (wire spoked) wheels. Protective rubber rim strips must be used with Do not inflate tire beyond maximum pressure as specified on sidewall. Over inflated tires can blow out, which could result in death or serious injury. (00027a) 3. Check for proper front and rear tire pressures when tires are cold.
Compare results against Table 1-10 WHEEL BEARINGS 2. Inspect any time the wheels are removed. Service wheel bearings: a. Inspect the play of the wheel bearings by finger while they are in the wheel. 1. Replace when bearings exceed end play service wear limit of 0.051 mm (0.002 in.) b. Rotate the inner bearing race and check for abnormal noise. c. Make sure bearing rotates smoothly. 3. Check wheel bearings and axle spacers for wear and corrosion. Excessive play or roughness indicates worn bearings. Replace bearings in sets only. See 2.27 SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS . 2009 VRSC Service: Maintenance 1-33 Table 1-10.Tire Pressures:
2009 VRSC Models LOAD TIRE PRESSURE (COLD) FRONT REAR PSI kPa PSI kPa solo rider 36 248 38 262 rider and passenger 36 248 42 290