2006 Buell Lightning: Maintenance 1-23
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TIRES AND WHEELS 1.7
TIRE INFLATION
1WARNING1WARNING
Use only Buell approved tires. See a Buell dealer. Using
non-approved tires can adversely affect stability, which
could result in death or serious injury. (00133a)
1WARNING1WARNING
Do not inflate tire beyond maximum pressure as speci-
fied on sidewall. Over inflated tires can blow out, which
could result in death or serious injury. (00027a)
Check tire pressure and tread:
● Before every ride.
Check for proper front and rear tire pressures when tires are
cold. Compare pressure against Ta ble 1-7.
TIRE REPLACEMENT
See Figure 1-18. Treadwear indicator bars will appear on tire
tread surfaces when 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) or less of tire tread
remains. Arrows on tire sidewalls pinpoint location of wear
bar indicators. Always remove tires from service before they
reach the treadwear indicator bars (1/32 in. [0.8 mm] tread
pattern depth remaining).
New tires are needed if any of the following conditions exist.
1. Tire wear indicator bars become visible on the tread sur-
faces.
2. Tire cords or fabric become visible through cracked side-
walls, snags or deep cuts.
3. A bump, bulge or split in the tire.
4. Puncture, cut or other damage to the tire that cannot be
repaired.
WHEEL BEARINGS
Never use compressed air to “spin-dry” bearings. Very
high bearing speeds can damage unlubricated bearings.
Spinning bearings with compressed air can also cause a
bearing to fly apart, which could result in death or seri-
ous injury.
Check front and rear wheel bearings for wear:
● Every time a wheel is removed.
● When storing or removing the motorcycle for the season.
Check wheel bearings for wear and corrosion. Excessive play
or roughness indicates worn bearings. Replace bearings in
sets only.
Table 1-7. Tire Pressures
TIRE
PRESSURE FOR
SOLO RIDING
PRESSURE
AT GVWR
Dunlop
Front 36 PSI 248 kPa
Same as
solo riding
Rear 38 PSI 262 kPa
Pirelli
Front 34 PSI 234 kPa
Same as
solo riding
Rear 36 PSI 248 kPa
Figure 1-18. Tire Wear Indicator–Dunlop Only
Figure 1-19. Tire Tread Pattern and Wear Bar
Pirelli Scorpion Sync
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Wear indicator bar
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Wear indicator sidewall arrow
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