For a solo rider, MT 15 tyre pressure should read 32 psi ahead and 36 psi behind on a cold gauge. The rear takes more air because it carries more of the weight and is a wide radial.
Cold means the bike has not been ridden for a few hours. Check in the morning or at a pump near home. A reading taken after a fast run will be several psi higher than the real cold value.
MT-15 fitment card
- Front tyre
- 100/80-17 52P, tubeless
- Rear tyre
- 140/70 R17 66H, radial tubeless
- Wheels
- 17 inch alloy, front and rear
- Tyre pressure (cold)
- Front 32 psi, rear 36 psi riding solo
- Brakes
- 282 mm front disc, 220 mm rear disc, with ABS
- Battery
- 12 V, 4.0 Ah
MT 15 tyre pressure chart
| Riding | Front 100/80-17 | Rear 140/70 R17 |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | 32 psi | 36 psi |
| With pillion | Owner's manual | Owner's manual |
A two up number appeared in just one listing we checked, which is not enough to print. Your manual's tyre page lists the loaded value. The MT-15 pillion seat is small, and riders often carry a backpack too, so look this up once and note it on your phone.
Unit conversion
- Front 32 psi: roughly 2.2 bar, 221 kPa.
- Rear 36 psi: roughly 2.5 bar, 248 kPa.
Need a different value converted? Try the tyre pressure converter.
Front and rear are different on purpose
A common mistake at pumps is filling both ends to the same number. If the rear is left at 32, the radial flexes more than intended, heats up, and the back of the bike feels vague on fast corners. If the front is filled to 36, steering gets nervous over ripples and tar joints. Keep the 4 psi gap.
Pump routine for the MT-15
- Unscrew both caps first.
- Tell the attendant 32 front, 36 rear, and watch the display.
- The rear valve is close to the disc; press the nozzle straight and firmly so no air escapes.
- Squeeze the tyre after filling; if it felt soft before, look for a nail.
- Screw the caps back.
Forecourt machines can drift 2 psi or more from true. A pocket gauge under the seat costs little and settles arguments with the attendant. Unsure how to hold one? Follow our pocket gauge method.
Effects of running the wrong numbers
Low pressure makes the bike slow to turn, wears the shoulders of both tyres, and on a radial rear it can cause the sidewall to heat up on highway stretches. It also raises the chance of rim damage when a speed breaker comes up suddenly. High pressure reduces the rubber in contact with the road, so the rear can step out over wet paint or a metal drain cover.
Hot afternoons and long parking
Indian summer tarmac gets very hot. A bike parked in the sun for an hour will read higher even without being ridden, so do not bleed air at that point. Check again in the shade next morning. If the bike stands for weeks, the tyres can drop a few psi; top them up before the first ride rather than riding gently to the pump on soft rubber for many kilometres.
Rain and expressway runs
During the monsoon, keep the standard figure; dropping pressure buys no extra traction. For expressway rides, check pressure before you leave and look over the rear tread for embedded stones. Tubeless construction means a nail tends to cause a slow hiss rather than a blowout; catch it early and a roadside plug repair sorts it.
Questions owners ask
What is the MT 15 tyre pressure front and back?
Solo: 32 psi ahead, 36 psi behind, checked before the tyres warm up.
Should I add air when carrying a pillion?
Usually the rear needs more. Use the loaded figure in your owner's manual.
Can I fill 30 psi for a softer ride?
Not advised. Under inflation wears the tyres faster and makes the bike handle poorly, especially the radial rear.
Why does my reading rise after riding?
Air expands as tyres warm up. Always compare against cold readings.
How often should I check MT15 tyre pressure?
Weekly, and before any long ride. Slow seepage hides well in tubeless rubber.