Tyre warning - are they getting low?

[AllanB]

This post is in response to a recent one where I read someone was after a new rear tyre as his existing one was down to the threads. I expressed my concern. I’ve read often on KB of people claiming to be ‘down to the cords’ on a tyre. I’ve seen a few around town as well. Shudder.

I’ve just replaced my rear tyre and I’ll admit to being fairly anal regarding tyres. I err on the side of caution and change rears as soon as they reach the makers wear indicator strips. Fronts earlier as the handling tends to crap out as they wear down.

Anyway if you are running a bald or near bald tyre note the following – modern tyres are very thin – the Michelin sport tyre I removed got a hacksaw run through it and had the following left in the centre:

Exterior rubber (pre cord) – 1.2mm
Cords (steel belts etc) – 1.0mm
Internal rubber (inside of tyre) – 2.0mm

The absolute total left in the centre of this tyre was 4.2 mm.


Many complain about the cost of tyres, I've decided to look at them as good value – we can now purchase road legal tyres that offer the performance found a few of years ago in a race tyre that wear relatively well for a modest price.
Dual compound sport touring tyres offer the best of both worlds – life and stick.

Budget for your tyres – stick $10 in a jar every week for tyres.

Now go out and check your treads.

Today's sermon has been brought to you by the letter T

[Motu]

But it got a WoF only 4 months ago!

[Blackshear]

All I know is that my rear has a flattish centre.
When I get my WoF*, I'll ask and stuff.

*Anyone in the Birkdale/Glenfield/Albany area do bike WoF's?
I assume it's not exactly the same as cars.

Cheers, Regardless.

[AllanB]

But it got a WoF only 4 months ago!

Classic!!!! :woohoo:

I think the most common phrase at WOF time regarding a motorcycle tyre is - 'but there is plenty of tread on the edges'..........

[Blackshear]

Classic!!!! :woohoo:

I think the most common phrase at WOF time regarding a motorcycle tyre is - 'but there is plenty of tread on the edges'..........

Better the edges than the middle :sweatdrop

[FJRider]

All I know is that my rear has a flattish centre.
When I get my WoF*, I'll ask and stuff.

*Anyone in the Birkdale/Glenfield/Albany area do bike WoF's?
I assume it's not exactly the same as cars.

Cheers, Regardless.

The "flat spot" indicates tyre wear...The more tyre wear... The bigger the liklelyhood of a puncture. If tread depth in centre is less than legal....
A current sticker only means it was legal at the time of test. If after being stopped, you are found to have a tyre that is not up to LEGAL standard... the officer MAY give YOU a ticket for operating a vehicle that is not up to WOF standard.... have a nice day :sunny::sunny::sunny:
p.s. its exactly the same as cars... but they don't check the seat belts or the wiper's... (unless you have them fitted)

[cowboyz]

two things

have you got a clearer pic for interests sake.
and if I put away $10/week for tyres will you pay the balance for the year?

[FJRider]

two things

have you got a clearer pic for interests sake.
and if I put away $10/week for tyres will you pay the balance for the year?

$10 bucks a week for a year barely pays for ONE tyre, and on a ZX9R... it wont LAST a year...

[Taz]

$10 bucks a week for a year barely pays for ONE tyre, and on a ZX9R... it wont LAST a year...

It will if you don't ride it.......

[Blackshear]

The "flat spot" indicates tyre wear...The more tyre wear... The bigger the liklelyhood of a puncture. If tread depth in centre is less than legal....
A current sticker only means it was legal at the time of test. If after being stopped, you are found to have a tyre that is not up to LEGAL standard... the officer MAY give YOU a ticket for operating a vehicle that is not up to WOF standard.... have a nice day :sunny::sunny::sunny:
p.s. its exactly the same as cars... but they don't check the seat belts or the wiper's... (unless you have them fitted)
Well not flat spot, as in no tread, just less tread than the sides. (Still has the... forgive me, water-canal-thingies. Maybe 5mm or so.)
First automobile! Cars scare me.
I'm sure I read somewhere to check that the WoF-givers were a speciality-type person, but no problem.
Hopefully they fail me on my front right fork, so I have to stop it leaking all over my front guard.

Damn wages...

[FJRider]

It will if you don't ride it.......

You dont buy ZX9R's to NOT ride it, even riding like a pansy is counted as riding.... in some circles...:rolleyes:

[cowboyz]

$10 bucks a week for a year barely pays for ONE tyre, and on a ZX9R... it wont LAST a year...


Trying to make a deal here and your stuffing it up.

My bike is my main mode of transport and I can make a $300 tyre last about 3 months. Gets kinda expensive really.


It will if you don't ride it.......

I didnt buy it to leave it in the garage.

[Mike748]

Trying to make a deal here and your stuffing it up.

My bike is my main mode of transport and I can make a $300 tyre last about 3 months. Gets kinda expensive really.

I didnt buy it to leave it in the garage.

I wouldn't mind having that issue at times, unfortunately if I don't make an effort to get out soon I'm going to have flat spots on the tyres!

[FJRider]

Well not flat spot, as in no tread, just less tread than the sides. (Still has the... forgive me, water-canal-thingies. Maybe 5mm or so.)
First automobile! Cars scare me.
I'm sure I read somewhere to check that the WoF-givers were a speciality-type person, but no problem.
Hopefully they fail me on my front right fork, so I have to stop it leaking all over my front guard.

Damn wages...

To even tyre wear...do ALL corners at least twice.
Some WOF issuer's do not do bikes, that is their choice. ASK...
With a stuffed fork seal, handling is suspect... combined with suspect back tyre... I'm glad it's YOU riding it... Dont post in a few weeks... I binned it, you'll hear o lot of "we told you so's"

[TaNkSlApT]

*Anyone in the Birkdale/Glenfield/Albany area do bike WoF's?
I assume it's not exactly the same as cars.


a good customer that i used to deal with when i was repping on the shore with a bike cert was glenfield autobahn on i think its glenfield rd? maybe wairau rd, i cant remember where it changed. behind the mobil anyway

[FJRider]

Trying to make a deal here and your stuffing it up.

My bike is my main mode of transport and I can make a $300 tyre last about 3 months. Gets kinda expensive really.



I didnt buy it to leave it in the garage.

Buy cheap tyre's...thats what ya get. I know some on similar bikes paying over $1000 bucks a set. How many km's ya getting ...???

[swbarnett]

Hopefully they fail me on my front right fork, so I have to stop it leaking all over my front guard.

Damn wages...
If they don't they don't deserve a license perform WOF inspections.

I had a fork seal break on my bike and it felt exactly like the tyre was way soft. Handling was shit. Don't ride the bike until you get it fixed.






And before anyone tries to be a smart ass and says that handling on the GN is shit anyway, it's been pretty good since I put a pair of Avon Roadriders on.

[AllanB]

My bike is my main mode of transport and I can make a $300 tyre last about 3 months. Gets kinda expensive really.

Hmm that $10 is not going to cut it! :crybaby:

What are you running?

At $300 x 4 per annum plus a pair of fronts to boot (+$500) you're spending $1700 a year on rubber!

Shit, I consider getting as new scooter and saving the Kawa for weekend fun :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[FJRider]

That's on a bad year... a good year costs more...

[Shadows]

All I know is that my rear has a flattish centre.
When I get my WoF*, I'll ask and stuff.

*Anyone in the Birkdale/Glenfield/Albany area do bike WoF's?
I assume it's not exactly the same as cars.

Cheers, Regardless.

I tend to replace my tyres when that happens. They've usually got truckloads of tread left in them in the middle, but as soon as you start to get that squared off cross-section the bike tends to want to drop into corners all of a sudden, instead of rolling in nice and smooth - and that reduces the enjoyment factor for me.

Besides, as they say, good tyres in good condition is the cheapest and best insurance on a bike that you can get.

[cowboyz]

Buy cheap tyre's...thats what ya get. I know some on similar bikes paying over $1000 bucks a set. How many km's ya getting ...???

Pilot road 2s I get about 12000 out of,
Racetecs about 9000
MeZ4s about 13000.

I switch between these 3 tyres.

But my real solution is to run ex race tyres for commuting.

Last racetec rear did 5000km. for $40


Hmm that $10 is not going to cut it! :crybaby:

What are you running?

At $300 x 4 per annum plus a pair of fronts to boot (+$500) you're spending $1700 a year on rubber!

Shit, I consider getting as new scooter and saving the Kawa for weekend fun :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Often thought about gettting a 125cc scooter to save the 9. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldnt have sold my 600. Such is life.


That's on a bad year... a good year costs more...

That is worthy of a bling.

[Owl]

Buy cheap tyre's...thats what ya get. I know some on similar bikes paying over $1000 bucks a set. How many km's ya getting ...???

I can't say I've ever seen any tyres that expensive!

[McDuck]

I used cheep rubber at one time. I recon i am down 600-800 bucks after insurance payed out as a result. So an extra 100 bucks worth of tyre. Bugger.

[NordieBoy]

Dealer buy price on my front tyre was $25.
Bugger charged me $50! (inc fitting).

It's not confidence inspiring but hasn't misbehaved for the last 15000 odd km.

[pritch]

(Still has the... forgive me, water-canal-thingies. Maybe 5mm or so.)

Is "sipes" the word you are looking for?

It was costing me $20 per week for sport touring tyres which put me off buying sport tyres as that would have put it up to $30.

The moped has cut back on that, being used for the commuting. So has the crap weather.

Every cloud has a silver lining?

[cowboyz]

I used cheep rubber at one time. I recon i am down 600-800 bucks after insurance payed out as a result. So an extra 100 bucks worth of tyre. Bugger.

Are you sure it was the tyres fault?

There is a difference between cheap rubber and inexpensive tyres.

Paid $20 for the racetec that is on the front of the 9 at the moment. about 4mm of tread left on it.
Paid $230 for the rear that I am about to go take off (MeZ4) and put a pilot power 2CT on ($40)

Are you claiming racetecs and pilot powers are cheap rubber?

[Stromble]

All I know is that my rear has a flattish centre.
When I get my WoF*, I'll ask and stuff.

*Anyone in the Birkdale/Glenfield/Albany area do bike WoF's?
I assume it's not exactly the same as cars.

Cheers, Regardless.

All Road in Glenfield do... just off Archers road. Also theres a bike wreckers on Barrs point road in Takauna opposite Holeshot..

[McDuck]

Are you sure it was the tyres fault?Partly. While a lot of the bin was my lack of talent i feel strongly if i had had a good quality tyre on the back i would be up for new undies not riding gear.

There is a difference between cheap rubber and inexpensive tyres.
I feel this is quite obvious what i ment, not eveybody can get hold of those sorts of deals.
Paid $20 for the racetec that is on the front of the 9 at the moment. about 4mm of tread left on it.
Paid $230 for the rear that I am about to go take off (MeZ4) and put a pilot power 2CT on ($40)

Are you claiming racetecs and pilot powers are cheap rubber?

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[FJRider]

Often thought about gettting a 125cc scooter to save the 9. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldnt have sold my 600. Such is life.



That is worthy of a bling.


9's are much more fun...

That's life... and TA...:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[McJim]

Classic!!!! :woohoo:

I think the most common phrase at WOF time regarding a motorcycle tyre is - 'but there is plenty of tread on the edges'..........

I know I need to change my front tyre - it passed the WOF coz although it had worn edges there was still plenty of tread in the centre! :rofl:

[Blackshear]

If they don't they don't deserve a license perform WOF inspections.

I had a fork seal break on my bike and it felt exactly like the tyre was way soft. Handling was shit. Don't ride the bike until you get it fixed.


Yup, only has about 3ish cm of travel before it 'locks up' and makes the sorta knock noise as the fork goes back to whence it came.
Brakes are awfully touchy on my bike, nothing to compare it to, but still touchy.
I'll find that Spectrum place people talk of highly on Wednesday.


I tend to replace my tyres when that happens. They've usually got truckloads of tread left in them in the middle, but as soon as you start to get that squared off cross-section the bike tends to want to drop into corners all of a sudden, instead of rolling in nice and smooth - and that reduces the enjoyment factor for me.

Besides, as they say, good tyres in good condition is the cheapest and best insurance on a bike that you can get.
Did a burnie in 2nd, once upon a time. Didn't realize it would actually have that much of an impact rolling into a corner, let alone with a bit o throttle chucked in. Pity really. They only had 500k's on em. LEARNED MY LESSON!
Being a noob at this game (Even clipped a fucking roundabout kerb this morning on my exhaust, goddamn), I can barely get the bike angled enough without catching the pegs/stand. Not that I should need to corner that aggressively anyway.
So I'll have the chicken strips and no center by the time I get new wheels.


Is "sipes" the word you are looking for?

It was costing me $20 per week for sport touring tyres which put me off buying sport tyres as that would have put it up to $30.

The moped has cut back on that, being used for the commuting. So has the crap weather.

Every cloud has a silver lining?
Until my funds are drastically strained (I live with mother dear, rent's only 70$ a week) money isn't TOO much of a problem with me. Just not buying diablo corsas anytime soon.


All Road in Glenfield do... just off Archers road. Also theres a bike wreckers on Barrs point road in Takauna opposite Holeshot..

Sweet as, worrying too much over nothing =)

[Owl]

Are you sure it was the tyres fault?

There is a difference between cheap rubber and inexpensive tyres.

Paid $20 for the racetec that is on the front of the 9 at the moment. about 4mm of tread left on it.
Paid $230 for the rear that I am about to go take off (MeZ4) and put a pilot power 2CT on ($40)

Are you claiming racetecs and pilot powers are cheap rubber?

How did you find the racetecs in the wet?

[cowboyz]

How did you find the racetecs in the wet?

really good. had more slides on the MeZ4s than anything else.

[The Pastor]

you had 4.2mm of tread left when you changed the tyre? CRAZY!

[Blackshear]

If they don't they don't deserve a license perform WOF inspections.

I had a fork seal break on my bike and it felt exactly like the tyre was way soft. Handling was shit. Don't ride the bike until you get it fixed.






And before anyone tries to be a smart ass and says that handling on the GN is shit anyway, it's been pretty good since I put a pair of Avon Roadriders on.

180$ both seals done in a shade over an hour on friday. Now who's gonna convince the boss to drive me down during work time (Not break) and pick it up ;).