Very worn rear tyre. Worst case scenario?

[mattian]

I have a Suzuki 650 with Dunlop Qualifiers. Done roughly about 23,500 kms so far and the front rubber is still mint but the rear is Very very worn. Wouldnt pass a wof inspection no way. I am in desperate need of a replacement however, financial constraints mean that I can't afford it until i've put on at least another 1000 ks.

My question is, what is the worst case scenario that I would be looking at if I keep riding on it. Some kind of major malfunction? like a blow out? How much more wear can the tyre handle and, will my riding style make much difference? ie, will riding like a nana and avoiding motorway speeds help...?

thanks.

[kiwifruit]

take the bus

[mattian]

take the bus

thanks. but its not an option. need my bike for work, to get to locations on time.

[kiwifruit]

Put yourself into debt to get the tyre you need then. Don't go about on a piece of shit putting other road users at risk

[Jonno.]

My question is, what is the worst case scenario that I would be looking at if I keep riding on it. Some kind of major malfunction? like a blow out? How much more wear can the tyre handle and, will my riding style make much difference? ie, will riding like a nana and avoiding motorway speeds help...?

thanks.

"Get rich or die trying" comes to mind.

[rie]

...pictures?

[Jantar]

Don't do it. If your tyre is that bad then stop using it right now. That little contact point of rubber is all that is between you and the road, and if its already beyond WoF standard then it is dangerous.

Not only have you lost tread, but your tyre is now squared off. That means that when you roll into a bend you are riding on an edge of rubber rather than a good solid contact area. Not only that, but the lack of rubber in the center means that your tyre has also lost its physical strength, and is likely to deform while you are riding it.

Likely scenarios are in order of probability:
1. You'll lose control and crash even with the tyre still inflated.
2. Your tyre will just go flat.
3. You will crash due to an underinflated tyre.
4. You will have a blow out, but not crash.
5. You will have a blowout and crash.

replace it now.

[mattian]

Put yourself into debt to get the tyre you need then. Don't go about on a piece of shit putting other road users at risk

Already in debt. Not making any complaints here, just asking a perfectly legititamte question.
thanks for your contribution. Next please.

[tri boy]

It will develope a punture. Go flat etc. Been there done that.
Ride conservatively and replace it when you can.
Its not the best situation to be in but thats life.
Keep your speed down and be sensible.
The "crash and die" merchants may flame me for my comments, but thats also life.

[Latte]

Just hang way off the bike, so even going straight it's using the sides. Waring - this advice may be a piss take.

If you really are hard up check with cycletreads if they have a 2nd hand to fit - reasonably priced, and although not ideal a shitload better than the possibilities pointed out ablove.

[Corse1]

Seen plenty of people (idiots) ride with canvas (or whatever it is) showing through from wear. Its false economy due to the risk DEATH:eek:

However, If you are aware of it and take it easy on the commute (ride it like a Harley :bleh:) you might get away with more miles. My rear tyre is warrantable but worn enough that I change my riding habits to in acknowledgement of the wear. I am looking for another rear now.

As others say...its the only thing between you and the road so why would you risk it on two wheels. There are emergency situations where that worn rear tyre could make the difference between....................

[cowboyz]

how worn is worn???? a worn out tyre and a worn out tyre may not be the same thing. Are the belts showing? Cracks through the tyre?

I brought a set of "completely worn out tyres" for $52 for the set and then did the 4 points on them (about 4000km) and then had to wreck them in a burnout. I couldnt beliebe what some people considered to be "completely worn out"

[Paul in NZ]

You got 23,500km from a rear tyre..... Wowsers

[yachtie10]

You got 23,500km from a rear tyre..... Wowsers

not just that dunlop qualifiers
I only got 3000k out of mine

the one thing i might add is although they may still have a small amount of tread this will go away very quickly (much quicker than the rest of the tyre went) so best scenario I think you may get 300k before you have no tread and at this time of year in the wet your asking for trouble.
Its also obvious to the Boys in blue that its not up to standard so it could cost you more not to do it

[dogsnbikes]

My question is, what is the worst case scenario that I would be looking at if I keep riding on it.
thanks.

Someone banging your head against a wall :brick: you :tugger: well you wanted worse case.... what a stupid question what do you think will happen when your arse lets go?fucking up someone else's day come's too mind

suggestion go get a second hand tyre I'm sure one of the wreakers down barrys point road will have a wof complied tyre for around $50.....and regardless of wether your bike has a current wof it is up too you to maintain it too a wof standard

if your that tight for cash speak too your employer they may just give you an advance

I was wasn't aware we had 23,500 of straight road in NZ

[Mom]

I have a Suzuki 650 with Dunlop Qualifiers. Done roughly about 23,500 kms so far and the front rubber is still mint but the rear is Very very worn. Wouldnt pass a wof inspection no way. I am in desperate need of a replacement however, financial constraints mean that I can't afford it until i've put on at least another 1000 ks.

My question is, what is the worst case scenario that I would be looking at if I keep riding on it. Some kind of major malfunction? like a blow out? How much more wear can the tyre handle and, will my riding style make much difference? ie, will riding like a nana and avoiding motorway speeds help...?

thanks.

Please consider deepening your debt and replacing that tyre tomorrow, or staying off your bike till you can afford to replace the tyre, I would hate to hear of a biker injured/killed, to read on here it was you. Quite apart from the fact that you are supposed to keep your vehicle in WOF standard at all times you are playing roulette with your personal safety. Punctures are really the least of your worries, it is what happens after your tyre goes flat, or while it does you should be concerned about. That and the lack of stickability to the road surface. Lose control of your bike, crash. Collect something after you crash. Injure or kill yourself and potentially other road users. Go down as yet another statistic of biker at fault crash ( I wont call it an accident) and provide more ammo for the man to wallop us with.

Still, your call, personal responsibility and all that.

Have you ever lost control of the rear wheel of your bike before? Would you have any idea of how to prevent yourself making contact with the road surface or another vehicle when the back comes around to meet the front of your bike? Probably pay you to do some advanced rider training too, once you have a new tyre.

[cowboyz]

i missed the bit about 23k on it,,,,,,,, ummm,,,,, how????????????????????????

[marty]

Maybe in some of that last 23000kms you could have put aside less than 1cent/km to pay for a new tyre?

Worse case scenario is that you slide out in the wet, cross the centreline, go under a car, then that car crashes into a footpath with a mother walking her twins that she conceived after a 10 year struggle to get pregnant, killing both twins, and breaking mums neck, so she is paralysed from the neck down, but she wishes she was now dead with her twins, but has to live every day of her life knowing that because some clown wouldn't scrape up $60 for a tyre on his bike, her life was forwever changed - she wishes she was dead like the bike rider was.

[mattian]

23,500 because, its my only vehicle. I dont use a car.

yes, its worn to the point where it wouldnt pass a warrant and, since about a week ago, I have noticed it start to deteriorate (correct spelling?) quite alot more quickly than I expected.
Yes, I have had the rear slip out on me a couple of times in the wet, but this was when it was still quite new, ironically havent had any incidents since it started wearing out (yet)
I am hitting up some friends for cash and even going to sell my computer so,.... no more kiwibiker for a while.
Thankyou for all of your advice and concerns so far. It would be a terrible shame if someone else was to be affected by my negligence on the road. I will get my shit togheher asap.

[cowboyz]

tbh.. im thinking anyone who can get 23000 out of a rear tyre certainly wont be riding fast enough to cause any damage if the tyre goes flat (which .. really.. is all that is going to happen if it finally wears out)

[marty]

what size tyre is it?

[mattian]

what size tyre is it?

the rear is 160/60ZR17M/C (69W), tubeless. please excuse all the unecessary numbers, I am referring to my handbook.

[Gremlin]

No-one is even mentioning the fines for a tyre below legal tread depth, not sure of the exact number, but its hundreds. ie, much cheaper to spend on the rubber than the fine AND then the rubber, if you're hard up.

Worst case scenario is almost anything, including losing control and getting killed in the process.

Usual scenario, it won't be able to hold air, traction could suffer big time, and when it gets to the end of its life, it will deteriorate even faster, bringing on the usual scenario even faster.

[marty]

come on mate there's one on the north shore for sale on tardme for $40.

[mattian]

come on mate there's one on the north shore for sale on tardme for $40.

Could you please post the link?. I have been trawling through trademe and haven't seen that.

all good. Found it.

[duckonin]

thanks. but its not an option. need my bike for work, to get to locations on time.

Well buy a new fucken tyre then, or Walk...:msn-wink:

[Brian d marge]

It will develope a punture. Go flat etc. Been there done that.
Ride conservatively and replace it when you can.
Its not the best situation to be in but thats life.
Keep your speed down and be sensible.
The "crash and die" merchants may flame me for my comments, but thats also life.

Agreed , but later on people have suggested second hand tyres ,,,

Rental companies , give away tyres , as they have already been paid for

Ive even had grass in the damn things to get me home ,,,,,,,,,( not that kind ,,, )

Stephen

[Brian d marge]

You got 23,500km from a rear tyre..... Wowsers

Speed masters ,,, 23 000 MILES, and I would be impressed

Awesome tyres square edged , hard as ,,,,,,,

Stephen

[Smifffy]

IMO if you really think that this is a legitimate question, you don't deserve to hold a licence.

[jonbuoy]

I have a Suzuki 650 with Dunlop Qualifiers. Done roughly about 23,500 kms so far and the front rubber is still mint but the rear is Very very worn. Wouldnt pass a wof inspection no way. I am in desperate need of a replacement however, financial constraints mean that I can't afford it until i've put on at least another 1000 ks.

My question is, what is the worst case scenario that I would be looking at if I keep riding on it. Some kind of major malfunction? like a blow out? How much more wear can the tyre handle and, will my riding style make much difference? ie, will riding like a nana and avoiding motorway speeds help...?

thanks.

Worst case scenario - Dying to save on a second hand tyre.

[FJRider]

Worst case scenario - Dying to save on a second hand tyre.

Nahhh .... YOU having a blowout and some poor bugger (in an effort to avoid hitting YOU )... hits something ELSE ... and gets killed ...

[ellipsis]

....tyres are such wonderful things...we spend hours talking about them...even more thinking about them...we spend heaps on them...they do more for looking after your safety and well being, than your mum ever could...they are the last bit between all your foolishness and reality...the best of the best can win a GP alone at times...to have no thought about your tyres is to have no regard for your life....simple as...ever hit the tarmac at even slower speeds...50 to 60 k...fuck it hurts...costs too...

[Smifffy]

Nahhh .... YOU having a blowout and some poor bugger (in an effort to avoid hitting YOU )... hits something ELSE ... and gets killed ...

Since we're talking worst case:

..and then your interview with the POPO is broadcast on 'motorway patrol' and everyone gets to see how it turns out.

[discodan]

KB can be quick to judge but I have been in the same situation as I'm sure have a lot of people.

I have a WOF-able tyre you can have for free if you can somehow get from from Palmy up to you. Send me a PM if your keen.

[Gibbo89]

get your parents/wife/mistress to shout you a tyre for a early xmas/b day gift. if that costs too much, get all 3 mentioned above to pitch in for a tyre together

:msn-wink:

[MSTRS]

Bike shops that do tyres (all of them?) have a heap out the back that were taken off to fit new for others. There's often some in the pile that are just fine (wofable). Pays to have a look and get your hands dirty. Just pay for fitting.

[nodrog]

thanks. but its not an option. need my bike for work, to get to locations on time.

Not to be rude, but I am thinking that if you are getting that sort of milage out of those tyres, the bus might actually be faster, or walking for that matter.

Fanny

[FROSTY]

mattian Give me a yell on the dog n bone. I'll get ya a new Dunlop or Metzler -You fit it now and square me up for the tyre once the pingers have come in.

[Dadpole]

Any minute now, someone will chastise you for not spending $2000 on riding gear too...:bleh:

[Juzz976]

I have a Suzuki 650 with Dunlop Qualifiers. Done roughly about 23,500 kms so far and the front rubber is still mint but the rear is Very very worn. Wouldnt pass a wof inspection no way. I am in desperate need of a replacement however, financial constraints mean that I can't afford it until i've put on at least another 1000 ks.

My question is, what is the worst case scenario that I would be looking at if I keep riding on it. Some kind of major malfunction? like a blow out? How much more wear can the tyre handle and, will my riding style make much difference? ie, will riding like a nana and avoiding motorway speeds help...?

thanks.

Might get away with another 1000k, I've only lost 1 good friend this way.
Mind you he was the only one of my friends who would ride on a worn tyre.

[cowboyz]

Might get away with another 1000k, I've only lost 1 good friend this way.
Mind you he was the only one of my friends who would ride on a worn tyre.

riding on bald tyres makes you forget where you live?

[Juzz976]

riding on bald tyres makes you forget where you live?

No, but they can blow out and you can hit an oncoming vehicle.

[Kornholio]

Bike shops that do tyres (all of them?) have a heap out the back that were taken off to fit new for others. There's often some in the pile that are just fine (wofable). Pays to have a look and get your hands dirty. Just pay for fitting.

Yeah thats what my mate does... Be surprised what you find in there and most of them are usually just squared off... Meh its cheap rubber...

Mind you have ridden with the cords showing all the way around, feels a bit spongy and never got a blowout... mind you, watch the acceleration as they tend to spin up a bit...esp if they steel cords(sparky lol)

[cowboyz]

you think that would make the car stop so he could ask for directions home?

[avgas]

Most likely what will happen is you will be riding. The road will be a little damp, you will only be doing about 10kph.......and all of a sudden the rear will just slide away from you.
Happened to me a few times.

Buy a new tyre.

[cowboyz]

bleh.. more than likely.. it will just go flat.


loving the sensationalism!

[Gremlin]

loving the sensationalism!
Hey, he said "worst case scenario"

The novelists in us got all excited and read "create the most inventive worst case scenario possible". :bleh:

But people's points are valid... plenty of us have seen some nasty stuff.

[cowboyz]

Hey, he said "worst case scenario"

The novelists in us got all excited and read "create the most inventive worst case scenario possible". :bleh:

But people's points are valid... plenty of us have seen some nasty stuff.

oh,,,, my bad!!!!



well.. there was this one time... at band camp.. I was riding my bike and the tyre was like a bald and I stopped at the lights and this whole car full of really hot chicks pull up next to me and the looked at me in this really keen way and then looked at my tyre and pointed and laughed and drove off....
It was almost the best day of my life... cause chicks dig tyres!

[avgas]

riding with a bald tyre will get your hot girlfriend pregnant.
Whats your address?

[yachtie10]

So have you sorted it

if not what size is it?

[MaxCannon]

On Tuesday in the wet I had a huge moment on a worn tyre.
Ironically I was on my way to the bike store to get a new set fitted.
The rear was down to the treadwear markers, got 11,000km out of it which for a fairly sticky sports tyre seemed pretty good (Metzler M3).

So anyway - I'm moving across to the left lane of the motorway to exit when all I see all the traffic ahead in my lane slowing rapidly.
The left lane is empty.
Just as I indicate and start pulling into the lane I see a guy coming up the left lane at a massive rate of knots.
Click down into second, wind on the gas, no more than I usually do and suddenly the rear breaks free and I'm drifting up the motorway.
The revs are whipping up the dial, the speedo is hardly moving, back end trying to come and see whats happening up front.
Fortunately I avoid a highside and the bike grips, bucks, snorts and shoots forwards.

Successfully up the bike shop, new rubber fitted and normal grip restored.

If everything is working properly tyres should be the only part of your bike touching the ground.
Check your pressures
Check the condition of the tyre.
Don't ride on worn out rubber, it could make the difference between getting there in one piece of being loaded into an ambulance / hearse.

[awayatc]

had lots of fun to and from cold kiwi.....
bike gained heaps of power,
arse broke out everywhere....
Guy at garage laughed his head off 2 days later when I went for WOF....
Rear tyre...?:facepalm:
Oops.......
lucky...
(12000 km's)

[marty]

Hey, he said "worst case scenario"

The novelists in us got all excited and read "create the most inventive worst case scenario possible". :bleh:

But people's points are valid... plenty of us have seen some nasty stuff.


Absolutely - he asked for worst case - that's what he was given.

I've ridden a big bore down to the canvas and done 1/2 a Coro Loop on it - I didn't die. Had a couple of slidie moments but that was cranked over on the edge leaving black crayon marks.... got 1200kms out of that tyre :)

Had to trailer it to Boyds the following day for a new tyre. Of interest is that once down to the cords a Battlax is about 1mm thick....

Saw a Kwak14 in Hamilton the other day with full canvas showing on the centre of the tyre - as it blasted past at warp factor on Cobham Drive. He didn't appear to be dying either.

[Owl]

bleh.. more than likely.. it will just go flat.


loving the sensationalism!

Well you are the master of both worn and fucked!:not:

:lol:

[AllanB]

Saw a Kwak14 in Hamilton the other day with full canvas showing on the centre of the tyre - as it blasted past at warp factor on Cobham Drive. He didn't appear to be dying either.

Yeah but he is obviously already brain-dead.

[SMOKEU]

The tyre on the rear of my bike has just managed to hit the wear indicators. Seems like I should fork out for a new one.

[MSTRS]

Of interest is that once down to the cords a Battlax is about 1mm thick....


I got a Pilot Sport close to the cords. They weren't showing, but the tyre felt they should have been. Off the rim and I could see daylight through it...

[mattian]

So have you sorted it

if not what size is it?

Thankyou! Yes, all sorted. Brand new Dunlop Qualifier 2. Much nicer than the original one it came with too.
Holy sheeeiiittt. I can't believe the difference and what a moron I was riding around on it before. Feels like a totally different bike.