Under pressure

[baffa]

Well not actually.
I have a rear tyre that has started dropping pressure very quickly. Metzeler M3 180 55 17 on a 97 Fireblade, must have developed a slow leak, because it goes from 42 psi, to about 35 in the space of a day or so.
I'm assuming it's developed a (not so)slow leak, but are there other common causes, like a leaking valve?

More importantly, opinions on M3s? The old tyre is old, interested in seeing what a new M3 is like.

[Gremlin]

Could be damage to the tyre, leaking valve...

Often also more likely as the tyre wears down, debris in the tyre (like bits of glass) is more likely to puncture through, causing slow leaks etc. Recently I had a problem with the front tyre losing pressure overnight, but not while riding. Turned out something needed tightening around the valve.

If you can, take the tyre off the bike and chuck it in a water bath... if not, get it checked out.

[p.dath]

I'll put my money on a simple explanation; like a nail or pin stuck in the tyre. They tend to seal fairly well ... utill you pull them out.

[nzspokes]

Remove the valve cap and put a little water on the valve, if it bubbles then tighten it. Even if it doesnt tighten it.

[whowhatwhere]

Loving the M3's on my bike, though I'm not riding anything like a Fireblade. Seems to be quite a steep profile on the rear, though likely as I'm 10mm wider on the rear than stock.

Hmmm, 2mm left on the front after 5,000km (though there seemed to be bugger all there to start with) and 4mm on the rear after 2,000km - so maybe not so flash for wear.

[baffa]

Damn, I was hoping I'd see near to 10K. Just fitted a new M3 on the rear this morning, will see how we go.
All I did once getting it fitted was ride to work. I have the worlds biggest chicken strips at the moment

[HenryDorsetCase]

OK, I saw the thread title, and immediately heard the bassline in my head.


I have nothing further to add.

[ducatilover]

Remove the valve cap and put a little water on the valve, if it bubbles then tighten it. Even if it doesnt tighten it.

This.

Just the same as checking a push bike

[Rhys]

Remove the valve cap and put a little water on the valve, if it bubbles then tighten it. Even if it doesnt tighten it.

Add a little dish wash detergent to the water it makes it easy see any leaks

[caspernz]

It's only a tyre...man, just buy a new one. Problem solved

[theseekerfinds]

I'm onto my second set of M3s on my 'Blade and I'm loving them. the 'nui hill eats them but they are a choice tyre. I don't get anywhere near 10K from a set though but they have minimal chicken strips so get that all over wear which helps. they were friggin awesome at Manfeild when i did a track day there too and I even find them sweet as in the wet, and extreme wet weather. I have been looking at the new Bridgestone (016 I think it is) but will see how the boys at Motomart price them up compared to the M3s.

pressure wise mine have dropped from 1 - 2 psi over a week if I leave the bike and take the car to work but have seen a decent drop of 8-10 psi over a three week no ride period previously, but as a rule they sit around 38-39 when I ride to work daily and I check them once a week at my local BP.

I give the Metzeler M3 two big thumbs up.

[baffa]

Thanks for the feedback theseekerfinds.

I dont have any complaints about the M3s. Interestingly though, I had the rear spinning up slightly as I pulled out of my driveway recently.
In fairness the tyre was still green, and cold, and I was well leant over, but it woke me up pretty quickly.