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View Full Version : Newbie question on tyres



Magneto
15th December 2013, 21:13
Hi from Auckland -
I've just bought a new Suzuki 250cc cruiser, just about to pop it in for its first 1,000km service this week.
I understand that the tyres need wearing in as well as the mechanics ... something to do with their molding, with more not-so-grippy chemicals on their surface.
My question is: how long timewise / how many kms is this a factor?
Not that I go particularly fast (I can't - the first 1,000 kms are to be half-throttle and under), or corner hard, nor do I go on long trips in inclement weather ... just curious.

Gremlin
15th December 2013, 21:20
When tyres are brand new, there will be a shiny like appearance to the area that contacts the road. As you ride, this wears off. Then it will only be on the sides, and as you lean around corners, these shiny sections will reduce to just near the edges. Essentially, the shiny section is the more slippery part, and where it's dull is where you've worn it off.

It depends how you run the tyres in (100km of motorway will do little for the edges) but ease into it. The tyres might be slippery to begin with, but I usually find once I've gone down a few roads, perhaps if it's quiet gently weaving. Then, some easy corners, progressively increasing the lean angle, and within a couple of 100km, they're good to go. Some tyres will be ready sooner than this, but basically, you're wearing off the shiny part.

Magneto
17th December 2013, 21:48
Thanks - a very clear answer!

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