Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
One hears this about bicycle tires. However the equation for sliding friction has no term for surface area.
Yes, elementary physics. But if you put surface imperfections into the equasion, tyre with lower pressure will compress and sort of follow surface imperfections - up to a point. My experience is that some 15 % bend in the tyre profile at the contact point is perfect. Too little, or too much pressure worsens traction.
As far as motorcycles go - some 10 to 20% lower than manufacturer's recommendations has always worked best for me - both dry and wet. Tyres will not last as long, but grip does improve.
Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
I get best performance in the wet with the same tire pressures I use in the dry. The reason is that the most important thing is that the tire not deform. Tires are made to corner on that part of the tread that the manufacturer expects to be in contact with the road. By lowering tire pressure, the shape of the cornering tire is altered out of spec.
Same here. I actually agree. Just my dry riding pressure is slightly below manufacturer's recommendation. Aim for that sweet spot of sligh deformation - not too much, but some.