Why you don't want cheap tyres

**Biff** · 12th June 2007, 22:41

McJim - my 2c:

Tyres deteriorate in quality at different rates, depending on their composition (cost?). When I've bought cheap Chinese tyres in the past I found they tended to harden up after the second year (if I hadn't already binned them because of shit handling/grip).

On the other hand I had a ZZR1100 with a Bridgestone (BT010?) I rarely used some years ago, and the tyre on that bike lasted at least 5 years until I sold the bike. It didn't appear to loose any of it's original handling qualities during that time.

**sugilite:Me** · 12th June 2007, 22:44

Originally Posted by McJim

'd be grateful for one of the knowledgeable site members to give us a hint about tyre life (in terms of years despite low mileage for example) at what point is it prudent to take a tyre and flipitinnabin despite the fact there's still tread on it - 2 years, 3?

Thats is a very subjective question as so many variables come into play. (garaged or not/ride styles/style of bike etc) Generally speaking it is the sun that degrades tyres over time. Rule of thumb is, if a tyre starts to lose grip early under brakes, or starts sliding earlier than normal in wet conditions, give it the flick....

**McJim** · 12th June 2007, 22:47

Originally Posted by Biff

When I've bought cheap Chinese tyres in the past I found they tended to harden up after the second year.

We had a nasty experience with a nasty tyre that used to just let go without warning on corners. Threw the missus off so I tried it and it threw me off too. No visible deterioration and plenty of tread (ask MSTRS he saw the tyre too and thought it would be fine).

Her RG150 now sports a fairly new set of BT039SS tyres - lovely rubber IMO.

**discotex** · 12th June 2007, 22:50

Originally Posted by crashe

Hi Matt,
Nice to meet you...... and yep you were damned lucky with that tyre.... good on you for spotting it when you did.

Kerry had only just got off the plane from being at the Isle of Man..... when we sent him out to pick your bike up.

PS: The tyre is out the front of the building in the pile of the other old and worn out tyres. We put it out there last night before closing up.

Nice to meet you as well

Kerry sure had that airport warrior look going... Or is that just his normal look?

There's nothing quite like flying to totally stuff the body clock. Staying up to watch the Louis Vuitton cup probably came close.

You guys were so right. That Avon feels more sure-footed and grips a million times better. Was planning on going for a decent ride to finish breaking it in tonight but was thwarted by the rain. Fingers crossed for a fine(ish) day tomorrow.

**Biff** · 12th June 2007, 22:54

Originally Posted by McJim

We had a nasty experience with a nasty tyre that used to just let go without warning on corners. Threw the missus off so I tried it and it threw me off too. No visible deterioration and plenty of tread (ask MSTRS he saw the tyre too and thought it would be fine).

I bought a new cheapo (forget the brand) rear last year. Initially the handling was fine, nice and sticky on the outside, firm in the middle, just like a dual compound should be like. Then within a month it became a nasty little bastard, which became lethal on white lines in the rain rain. Scary shit. I threw that heap o' crap away having only done around 1100k.

I think the brand name may have been three initials....possible....hmmm.

**surfchick** · 12th June 2007, 23:03

weeeeeeeeer
thats an ugly blobby you had there mate.... booby blobby booby blooby...
I had two tyres blow out in the front wheel in the last few years - scary as stuff to loose yer steering at 100pkh. you did well enough to get off the m-way in time

good plan to get nice nu sticky tires to replace the boob tire. nicer when tires come without their very own landscaped boob-feature adding oval to yer ride