Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Motorcycle tire pressure, motorcycle tire, factory construction

Question
I have a 1980 KAWASAKI 1000 LTD and I am curious to know why the original tire pressure stamped on the bike is set as 24 psi/rear and 26 psi/front.
This seems rather low, and I know the current tires may have been changed a few times. The tires on the bike currently are both Bridgestone Spitfires, front 100/90-19 and rear 130/90-16 load range B. I am at a loss as to where to go from here..... the internet is full of contradictory information. Thanks in advance.  

Answer
Those tire pressures were for the original tires that came on the bike from the factory. Construction was far different back then. I cannot imagine being able to control that LTD (what is it, like 850 pounds?) on pressures that low.

Pressure is very much a personal choice. Modern radials run well anywhere between 28 and 42 psi. I'd go midway between the load range on the tires and the factory recommendation, then adjust it upwards or downwards from there to get it to your liking.

I imagine you'll wind up somewhere in the range of 36 front 38 rear.

Pat