Tyre wear question

[nerrrd]

My tyres are getting visibly worn but I'm not sure how long I should leave them before replacing? Probably a stupid question, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

Front tyre looks OK on the sides but the tread groove running down the centre would be down to maybe 1mm in depth - was pointed out to me at the last warrant that it's getting low.

Rear tyre is worn across the grooves running from each side of the tyre on an angle to the side wall. The leading edge of the groove is rounded off while the trailing edge has developed a slight lip not unlike where excess rubber has been squeezed out of gaps in the mold, only much shorter. In between the grooves there's some stippling on the rubber.

I didn't take a note of the mileage when they were new, but it's got to be 15,000kms or more. Tyres are Metzler Roadtec Z6s. So far I've not noticed any lack of grip, which is why I'm a little reluctant to bite the bullet and replace them. I'll be doing some open road riding at the end of the month, don't want to suddenly discover I should have replaced them before I left - however i do ride like a nana.

Any advice appreciated.

[EJK]

Got some photos? That'd help.

[Gremlin]

First up, the law notes:
Tread Depth: http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/technical-bulletins-general/guidance-tyre-tread-depth

Motorcycle Tyres and Wheels: http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/motorcycles/tyres,-wheels-and-hubs/tyres-and-wheels

On another note, the Z6 has a solid centre strip in the tyre. This makes it hard to gauge exactly how much life is left in the tyre, and suddenly, you're looking at strands. Note the depth of strips closest to the centre, whether the centre is worn down, and figure out how close it is to end.

Grooves rounding off at points, in itself, is not a reason to replace tyres. Yes, photos would help.

[haydes55]

Bite the bullet. Better safe than sorry. It just takes one bit of canvas sticking through to make you lose grip. Chance to try out some T30's

[AllanB]

Burnout then replace ........

[mossy1200]

No doubt they are the tires that were on it when you got it. Have a look at the serial numbers. First 4 numbers will be month and year. They are likely old and hard as well.

New tyres are always a good idea.

[nerrrd]

Did take some pics but the quality isn't all that great :o, anyway here they are:

285785

285786

[bogan]

Burnout then replace ........

Some good wisdom there...

[Madness]

Did take some pics but the quality isn't all that great :o, anyway here they are:

That rear looks as square as a square thing. Cough up for new tyres, it'll feel like a new bike after riding on that. Oh, ride some roads with moar corners too!

[nerrrd]

Burnout then replace ........

Reckon my bike would shake itself to bits before the tyre blew :lol:.


No doubt they are the tires that were on it when you got it. Have a look at the serial numbers. First 4 numbers will be month and year. They are likely old and hard as well.

Found three sets of numbers, fecked if I know which one?

Front: E483 4610 or 75R-0054163 or 81/K207
Rear: E487 1511 or 75R-0053849 or 202/K074


That rear looks as square as a square thing. Cough up for new tyres, it'll feel like a new bike after riding on that. Oh, ride some roads with moar corners too!

Yeah must lean bike over more in future (cluck, cluck)...actually noticed some small splits in the side wall on the rear while looking for the numbers above, a sure sign of age I think.

Thanks for the responses, thinking now the bullet needs to be bitten.

[EJK]

I once squeezed out 500kms more out of a tyre condition like that. It was a hypersport tyre aswell (Bridgestone BT14). :eek:

[nzspokes]

Reckon my bike would shake itself to bits before the tyre blew lol.



4610
1511


.

46th week of 2010
15th week of 2011

[mossy1200]

Reckon my bike would shake itself to bits before the tyre blew lol.



Found three sets of numbers, fecked if I know which one?

Front: E483 4610 or 75R-0054163 or 81/K207
Rear: E487 1511 or 75R-0053849 or 202/K074




Yeah must lean bike over more in future (cluck, cluck)...actually noticed some small splits in the side wall on the rear while looking for the numbers above, a sure sign of age I think.

Thanks for the responses, thinking now the bullet needs to be bitten.

Front made in 46th week of 2010
Rear made 15th week of 2011

Not to bad age wise but not great either.
They are squared and will feel bad going into a corner. Also not the best grip wise when leaned over. Time to replace and do both at same time not just the rear.

[nerrrd]

46th week of 2010
15th week of 2011

Cheers, not so old after all then.

[nerrrd]

Front made in 46th week of 2010
Rear made 15th week of 2011

Not to bad age wise but not great either.
They are squared and will feel bad going into a corner. Also not the best grip wise when leaned over. Time to replace and do both at same time not just the rear.

Thanks, will do. Too much commuting probably.

[nerrrd]

So got a new set fitted for $499 thanks to Motohaus. Always seems to rain when I get new tyres. Asked Cycletreads about the T30s but they reckoned there wasn't a front available in my size so happy to stick with what I know.

Now I just need to get new brake discs front and rear (existing are some of the thinnest he's seen, apparently) then I can look forward to the 40,000k service in a month or two. Not cheap these motorcycles. :crazy:

[Gremlin]

Look on the bright side. You're replacing your discs because they're thin. I'll be replacing my discs shortly because they vary in thickness, which gives you a poor man's ABS when braking.

[DMNTD]

So got a new set fitted for $499 thanks to Motohaus. Always seems to rain when I get new tyres. Asked Cycletreads about the T30s but they reckoned there wasn't a front available in my size so happy to stick with what I know.

FFS that must feel a bunch better now (re you posted pix)!
Be grateful, a single rear tyre for my wee cruiser is $500 on its own :facepalm:

[nerrrd]

Look on the bright side. You're replacing your discs because they're thin. I'll be replacing my discs shortly because they vary in thickness, which gives you a poor man's ABS when braking.

Plus I only have two discs, not three. And you probably get the stock BMW ones? He tried to get a quote from Experience for mine, they wouldn't look it up 'cos nobody ever gets them once they hear the price. Money well spent though, braking is quite important.


FFS that must feel a bunch better now (re you posted pix)!
Be grateful, a single rear tyre for my wee cruiser is $500 on its own :facepalm:

Yep, there's quite a bit more tread on the new ones, and boy am I grateful, that's a lot for one tyre!

[Gremlin]

Plus I only have two discs, not three. And you probably get the stock BMW ones?
Heeeeell no. Learnt the hard way when I got a bill for $660+ for pads all round the first time. New standing order to never have BMW pads again. I have never asked about the price of BMW discs. Too many reporting issues with the discs.

There's a trader on TM, Hawkes Bay area I think, advertising discs, so I'll give him a shot before considering importing from the UK or the like.

[sinfull]

FFS that must feel a bunch better now (re you posted pix)!
Be grateful, a single rear tyre for my wee cruiser is $500 on its own :facepalm:

That's some seriously good rubber for a GN lol

[sinfull]

Just a tag in




There's a trader on TM, Hawkes Bay area I think, advertising discs, so I'll give him a shot before considering importing from the UK or the like.

This fella ? (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/brakes/auction-625037841.htm)

Don't have the f 650 listed on that auction but a question wouldn't hurt, see if he has em or can get em !

Worth looking through this lot (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xf650c s+brake+rotors&_nkw=f650cs+brake+rotors&_sacat=0&_from=R40) and working out $ exchange but could see it being much of a muchness if you keep in mind anything over $399 could well cop duty and be held up in customs

[DMNTD]

That's some seriously good rubber for a GN lol

Heh...I've tweaked it somewhat :scooter:

[sinfull]

Heh...I've tweaked it somewhat :scooter:


286103


You scoundrel .... how could you