Scrubbing new tyres, yay or nay? [Archive]

tigertim20

19th July 2009, 17:44

h_tron

19th July 2009, 18:29

hmmm not too sure if thats reccomended practise, i know when i got my new bike both front and rear were new and ended up scrubbing them in the rain cause i was to excited to ride:banana:. in saying this im up in auck where you would be very pressed to get ice. in saying that, im sure not even a scrubed in tyre could save you on ice:sleep:

sil3nt

19th July 2009, 18:36

from what i have read around here just go out and ride as the tyres are not as slippery as you think. But i can't speak from experience. Just think about how many people here buy new tyres and how many of them crash on them. Can't think of anyone in the short time i have been here.

AllanB

19th July 2009, 18:43

I's say NO for a couple of reasons.

80 grit is way too coarse if you go down that road - rub some across the existing tyre - see the extra grooves it makes :( 150 would be my pick (but I'd not do it anyway.

The main reason not to is I foresee your hand holding the grippy sandpaper getting pulled up under the tail due to the rotating grippy tyre and shredding a lot of skin if not worse :doctor:

If you really want to sand it leave the engine off and just slowly rotate the wheel by hand.

I'm presuming you are taking the wheels in and then fitting them to the bike yourself otherwise they will scrub in on the way home anyway!

My advise with new tyres is to go for a gentle long ride and get them heated, gently turning into corners etc. I believe heat removes any residue. I have never had any issues using this method.

Many recommend a ride on a unsealed road to rough them up.

mossy1200

19th July 2009, 18:45

sorry if this is a dumb question. but here goes.
getting me bike a nice new shiney tyre in a few days. Now I hear all the time about people who go tits-up cos their new tyre is slippery from the silicon or whatever they spray in the moulds.
So, scrubbing the tyre in. There any reason why I cant put the bitch on centre stand, chack it in gear, have someone hold the throttle so the tyre is rotating, and hold some 80 odd grit sand-paper gently to the tyre surface as it rotates to scrub the fucker in? thoughts? is it gonna fuck my new tyre? I dont wanna wait a few hundy k's riding round in dunedins ice everyday to scrub the bastard in.....sanding will help but not very much because heat cycles are required to get the componds mixed and working.Run it around on roads you know are in good condition and ride like your in the wet.
Get it lent over bit by bit so that your mixing some new surface with some scuffed surface.
If your real worried find a race rider and borrow his tyre warmers for a few short heat cycles.Then head out with them warmed up.

Jantar

19th July 2009, 18:49

Ride gently over Three Mile Hill and down to Whare Flat like its all black ice. Then once you hit the gravel give it heaps. Within 5 kms your tyres will be nicely scrubbed in.

kiwifruit

19th July 2009, 18:49

No, it may give you a false sense of security

YellowDog

19th July 2009, 18:56

Sandpaper won't do much at all. It is the rounded parts that need to be clear of the residue as you need these for cornering.

Just take it easy for couple of days. They will bed in in a very short time. Not such a big deal.

Sidewinder

19th July 2009, 19:01

if you want to yea but just dont be a pussy, far only takes like a lap or two on the track to scrub in a new tyre, and the 1st bit of the rubber has the best grip

tigertim20

19th July 2009, 19:10

sweet cheers people. never had a brand new tyre before, I dont usually keep a bike long enough to need one!!

Sidewinder

19th July 2009, 19:12

sweet cheers people. never had a brand new tyre before, I dont usually keep a bike long enough to need one!!

put it this way, they wont kill you just have some respect for them

grusomhat

19th July 2009, 20:39

Do a search and you'll quickly realise that doing something on a bike while it's in gear is a bad idea. Certainly worse when sticking your hand near moving wheels.

PirateJafa

19th July 2009, 20:43

What the FUCK?

You've just paid GOOD MONEY for those tyres - don't go sodding wasting both your rubber AND sandpaper. I seem to recall some retard was advocating doing this to some learner riders - don't listen to them, it's a waste of time and effort.

Plus sandpaper will do sod all anyway - the oils and shit are well into the rubber already - the only way to scrub tyres in is by RIDING on them. It's not hard too - just don't ride like a *complete* tool for all of maybe 100km, and then you can take it for a good hard thrash.

It really isn't rocket science!

Virago

19th July 2009, 20:49

...don't go sodding wasting both your rubber AND sandpaper. I seem to recall some retard was advocating doing this to some learner riders...

Why would you rub down learner riders with sandpaper...?

PirateJafa

19th July 2009, 20:51

Why would you rub down learner riders with sandpaper...?
Because they were dumb enough to consider sandpapering their new tyres. Justifiable assault, I think the judge would agree...

hospitalfood

19th July 2009, 21:00

well i disagree with most, it will do no harm giving it a light sand. did it to the new diablo rosso on the rear of my buell a few weeks ago.

if you manage to get your hand trapped in your bike, give up bikes you are to stupid!

you still need to heat it up though, and a light sand will not help much though it does some good and no harm.

mossy1200

19th July 2009, 21:01

Because they were dumb enough to consider sandpapering their new tyres. Justifiable assault, I think the judge would agree...
with 1200 wet/dry how long would it take to justify an assault charge?
Im picking 80 grit would be to quick.

zx rider

19th July 2009, 21:08

I was recently told (at a Puke' trackday) to wipe CRC 'brake clean' all over the tread and wipe dry with a second cloth.
It works, no more silicone release compound and good grip right to the edge. I was on the edge within 5 k's and no slide at all.:2thumbsup

gatch

19th July 2009, 21:21

Why on earth would you want to spray harsh solvents onto your tyre, brief or not ???

beyond

19th July 2009, 21:26

I scrub a new tyre in less than 20kms.
You have to get the sucker heated to expend the residues from the mould and get it bedded right.

I head out of the tyre shop using a dry road where possible and get into a light or no traffic area and start throwing the bike from side to side, gradually at first at around 50kmh and just keep building up the lean angle and not keeping it on one side for long so as not to cause slippage.

I weave backwards and forwards like this for a couple of K's at 50kmh and then start opening her up increasing the weave distance for a couple more K's. Then stand up on the pegs and look over the front and all the shiny stuff from about 5mm in from the edge should all be gone. Then I start riding normally but a little more gentle on the corners and start picking up the pace every few K's. By the time 20kms are up the tyres are ready for anything you can throw at them :)

Pixie

20th July 2009, 09:10

I haven't read such a load of crap (this thread) since the last time I was on KB

gwigs

20th July 2009, 09:25

Just ride it ....take it easy for a while......dont be worry wart:(
Sanding tyres FFS ...Harden up ride it.

TOTO

20th July 2009, 12:39

waste a fucking good tyre with sand paper ...thats so 2008.

Just go ride it. I've scrubbed new tires in the rain on two occasions now. No problem as long as you are smooth and take it easy.

MarkH

20th July 2009, 13:50

waste a fucking good tyre with sand paper ...thats so 2008.

Just go ride it. I've scrubbed new tires in the rain on two occasions now. No problem as long as you are smooth and take it easy.

Toto has ridden more kms than just about anyone here - and his advice seems pretty good too. Like the man says - go for a ride!

Think about this: What is more fun - sanding a tyre with some sandpaper or taking your bike out for a ride? If you don't like riding then why have a bike? Take it easy and go out for a cruisey ride and above all - enjoy yourself!

PirateJafa

20th July 2009, 14:17

Toto has ridden more kms than just about anyone here - and his advice seems pretty good

You do realise that Toto is the person who I first heard spreading this daft idea around? :rofl:

Cheshire Cat

20th July 2009, 14:27

Eat a snickers! Get some nuts! and ride.

MarkH

20th July 2009, 15:55

You do realise that Toto is the person who I first heard spreading this daft idea around? :rofl:

That doesn't mean that I can't agree with the post that I quoted. If I disagreed with what he said I would be happy to say so.

slofox

20th July 2009, 17:44

Last time I got new hoops on the bike I asked the dude how long to scrub 'em in. He said "When you forget they're new, they'll be scrubbed in."
Took about 5 km as I remember....I warmed them up by accelerating hard and then slamming on the brakes for a bit...got some pretty funny looks though...

2wheeldrifter

20th July 2009, 18:01

Heat in the the tire is aim really, just get them nice and warm/hot. To do that you do not have to ride like your in a GP race! Rain,hail or shine.... common sense prevails.....

You should be able to feel what the tires are doing and how the bike feels etc etc etc.......

MarkH

20th July 2009, 18:02

Took about 5 km as I remember....I warmed them up by accelerating hard and then slamming on the brakes for a bit

I am not too sure that you have described the best way to scrub in tyres - I wouldn't recommend doing it that way.

slofox

20th July 2009, 18:10

I am not too sure that you have described the best way to scrub in tyres - I wouldn't recommend doing it that way.

Shhhhhhhh - I exaggerate for effect y'know...

Flip

20th July 2009, 18:34

Well I just use a bit of truck wash and give them a scrub. Seems to emulsify most of the slime, wash it off, then I go for a gentle ride. Works for me.

FROSTY

20th July 2009, 18:55

Because they were dumb enough to consider sandpapering their new tyres. Justifiable assault, I think the judge would agree...
Ohh fuck--someone had better go tell Andrew Stroud he's wrong then. :devil2:
Seen in the pits with some 400 grit paper and water scrubbin the glaze off his tyres at the 2008 nationals
Then I was on Shauns 675 at Taupo with 2.0km on the clock and 2 laps in scraping my knee. -NOT a testimant to my rideing ability or lack of just that the tyres scrubbed up that fast Modern tyres seem to have less release product on em and scrub in faster

PirateJafa

20th July 2009, 19:19

Ohh fuck--someone had better go tell Andrew Stroud he's wrong then. :devil2:
Seen in the pits with some 400 grit paper and water scrubbin the glaze off his tyres at the 2008 nationals
Then I was on Shauns 675 at Taupo with 2.0km on the clock and 2 laps in scraping my knee. -NOT a testimant to my rideing ability or lack of just that the tyres scrubbed up that fast Modern tyres seem to have less release product on em and scrub in faster
Don't worry, I'll do it next time I see him.

Right before teaching him how to ride, while on my ZXR250.

crazyhorse

20th July 2009, 19:21

The boys at the bike shop always tell riders to take it easy. Heaps of guys drop their bike leaving the shop. Its not hard to scrub them in - just be sensible and a few km's down the road, you'll be fine - its when you give it a fistful you'll have more problems.

Ride like you do if the road is wet - that'll help. I haven't dropped a bike yet, and have had heaps of tyre changes, and I like to use all my tyres.

Squiggles

20th July 2009, 19:23

Seen in the pits with some 400 grit paper and water scrubbin the glaze off his tyres at the 2008 nationals

I presume he then chucked them in the warmers and got em up nice and toasty and tacky...

I prefer the just ride it gently or take it up and down a gravel road method myself

fatzx10r

20th July 2009, 19:41

spray some brakeclean on the tyre then wipe it off. still if you just take it easy for the first few km's then you wont have any probs

MDR2

20th July 2009, 20:00

Tim, only just changed the rear on my bike the other week and have ridden in wet and icy conditions since then. It's all gravey. flick me a text on sunday if you're keen, well go for a stromp up the motorway and back. Tada! broken in.

shrub

20th July 2009, 20:09

Some interesting opinions here. Some I agree with and others....

I have seen quite a few people wipe out on new tyres because they believed that you don't need to bed them in and I have seen more than one person wipe out because they forgot. Bedding in tyres is really important if you don't like binning your bike.

There is nothing wrong with using sandpaper - the amount of wear on your tyre will be about the equivalent of riding around the block, but it's a little time consuming and don't do it with the engine running - I have seen really clever people get bits jammed in machinery that display similar characteristics to rotating wheels. Brakleen on a rag and wiped over your tyre works well, but don't spray it directly on your tyre and it's a good idea to give your tyre a hose down afterwards as brakleen in tread grooves is not necessarily a good thing.

The best approach is to ride carefully for 20 - 30 ks, and finding gravel works really well - after that take it easy for the next 20 - 30 ks and then relax and ride normally. Don't whatever you do use the full power/slam on the brakes approach - I watched a guy bin his bike doing that about 2 weeks ago.

Conquiztador

20th July 2009, 21:55

I'll do it for you! Leave the bike with me for a week and all sorted...

BigOne

20th July 2009, 22:25

Laava

20th July 2009, 22:36

FFS. Just go out for a quiet ride, and lay off the throttle for 10k or so.
As for running the bike in gear? have you ever heard of a thing called a JSA? In any place of work, some thing like a rotating wheel would be regarded as a serious hazard. But not at home. Thats why there are so many idiots in the emergency rooms on Saturday.......
Yeah but it's an easy way of cleaning the chain! Just get a sturdy cloth soaked in kero and apply to rotating chain. The nearer you are to the sprocket the less the chain flops up and down. Also I like to have it in a higher gear, say 3rd or 4th, with the choke out a bit, to speed the process up a bit! If you are quick you can do the teeth on the rear sprocket as well, one at a time!

tigertim20

20th July 2009, 23:09

Fuck me! I seem to have inadvertently raised a rather contentious issue!, ok, my response...

Because they were dumb enough to consider sandpapering their new tyres. Justifiable assault, I think the judge would agree...
ah, well shit. it was just a question, I am no noob, riding for a few years,I just change bikes that frequently, that I have gone 8+ years on the road without having to buy a new rear!

well i disagree with most, it will do no harm giving it a light sand. did it to the new diablo rosso on the rear of my buell a few weeks ago.
if you manage to get your hand trapped in your bike, give up bikes you are to stupid!
.
lol, yep, any one that would be retarded enough to manage to get any part of themselves stuck in a moving part trying this wouldnt have survived getting a bike licence or a bike in the first place!

Just ride it ....take it easy for a while......dont be worry wart:(
Sanding tyres FFS ...Harden up ride it.

Thats EXACTLY what I wanna do. Havent ridden for 3 weeks cos the chain and sprockets are fucked (which are getting replaced at the same time) and when I pick the bike up, I would rather spend the 2-3 mins with sandpaper (if it was a legit way of sorting the problem) than half an hour weaving around and scrubbing it in, so I could just take the bitch for a fuckin good RIDE!!!!

Heat in the the tire is aim really, just get them nice and warm/hot. To do that you do not have to ride like your in a GP race! Rain,hail or shine.... common sense prevails.....

You should be able to feel what the tires are doing and how the bike feels etc etc etc.......

Ahh, fuck yes! finally, a simple answer, that explains exactly why it should be ridden,rather than someone being a dick and wanking on with personal opinions. thanks for the facts, didnt know heat was the issue!

Seems this has wound a few people up eh?

Muppet

20th July 2009, 23:29

Just go for ride and take it easy, forget the sandpaper, used to own the same as bike you (same colour too) never had any problem with new tyres. Your CBR has 85 odd bhp, unless you give it what-o it's not going to throw you off.

Skyryder

20th July 2009, 23:32

No, it may give you a false sense of security

That's my take too.

Just go for a long ride nice and easy in the corners and let nature do it's work.

Skyryder

tigertim20

20th July 2009, 23:37

yeah will take it for a ride. was just a thought, as I know of other people who have done it and reckoned it worked 'sweet as', but thought I would check it first, in case I fucked a$300 tyre, which to me, is a small fucking fortune!

fatzx10r

21st July 2009, 07:10

that I have gone 8+ years on the road without having to buy a new rear!

plz tell me your secret, im sick of paying for tyres lol

naphazoline

21st July 2009, 08:29

I was recently told (at a Puke' trackday) to wipe CRC 'brake clean' all over the tread and wipe dry with a second cloth.....:2thumbsup

+1

I use "Wurth" brake cleaner in this fashion,and yer good to go!:headbang:

Mikkel

21st July 2009, 10:27

Scrubbing in tyres - YAY! Good fun on a motard...

The motard mantra - less is more - also holds true in this regard, not just in regards to weight, cylinders, gauges, bells and whistles...

Less grip is more fun :yes:

Alas the fun lasts less than 10 km in this way :(

jetboy

21st July 2009, 10:30

I bought new Bridgestone Battleaxes for my beast and rode straight away, gently at first with the odd zig zag on a straight road, riding harder as a went along. Had no issues with them at all. I ride alot in the wet (often pissing-down-wet) and they are magic.

tigertim20

21st July 2009, 15:57

plz tell me your secret, im sick of paying for tyres lol

Dont keep one bike for long enough to wear the tyre down. I had a habbit of getting a bike, playing woth ot for 6 months, then flicking it off. I guess shredding tyres all the time is the price you pay for having a ZX10, you lucky bastard!!!

Mystic13

21st July 2009, 17:22

I kind of think this weaving sandpaper braking etc stuff is unwarranted. I've scrubbed in heaps of tyres. I just ride out and ride normally. I wouldn't cane it through the first few corners but tyres nowadays are much different to a few years back.

Having said that there is the youtube vid of the guy on the new Suzuki who gives the brand new bike a handful and loses it in the parking lot. The bike doesn't even make the street.

Putting it in gear on the centre stand is risky and again there is a recent post on this.