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Tourer
Posts: 363
Goldsboro, NC | I finally had to do it. I had to replace my front tire... at 12K miles. This tire thing is going to be expensive for me, I see.
Anyway, I thought that I had the handling of the Vision pretty much down pat. I had grown used to the tire as it wore down.
Here is the warning: Be careful for a few days after getting a new front tire. The handling characteristics change significantly.
I'm sure most of you guys know this stuff already, but I have relatively little experience. I went through my favorite twisty on the way to work this morning, all hustle and bustle, and threw the bike down to my accustomed lean level for that turn at that speed. WOW! Damn near highsided! The new tire grips so much better than the worn one that I had to relearn how the bike turns.
Yes, I know (NOW) that I should have seen it coming. I would not call this a close call... but I would call it a wake-up call. Just in case someone else rides like I do, I'm throwing this post up to help out others who might overlook the obvious like I did.
Keep it safe! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | thanks TB, personnally I'm looking forward to the new front tire as this one sucking right now and it is driving me nuts. I hear you and know what you're talking about as I always find myself pushing it too much when I get a new shoe. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | THANKS for the headup Trailbarge.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I will be getting new tires (for the first time on the Vision) at 15,000 in a few weeks. OK lets face it, I should just take it in now but I never was too smart.
Ride...er um relatively safe...sort of. |
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Tourer
Posts: 363
Goldsboro, NC | It's kinda like getting used to playing basketball in your socks, and them putting on a pair of hightops.
Almost a game-changer.
But a LOT of fun! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | One thing not mentioned beside the change in handling, is that new tires do have a coating applied during the manfacture process. I believe it's there to help preserve the tire during storage, kinda looks like a thin clear skin. In the real world, you need to exercise caution right after the install of a new tire on your motorcycle. My tire guy has told me everytime I get a new tire to be very careful in cornering for the first 20 miles or so. So take it easy and slowly scuff in the tires. New tires on any vehicle makes for a good day. 
Edited by VisionTex 2010-01-27 12:17 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 91
| I learned that the hard way years ago on a Yamaha after getting new tires. I wasn't even out sight of the dealer when I leaned into a corner and had it slip out from under me. Lunch hour rush traffic all looking at a i**T picking his bike up off the pavement. I got off lucky with only a few minor scratches. Take it easy with new tires!
Vic on 08 Vision
Red Deer |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I believe most tire manufacturers recommend 100-200 miles breakin. Several reasons for this but mainly it takes a pretty good number of heat ups and cool downs for the tire to reach its desired flex. Twenty or so miles will "scuff" the tire so you aren't riding on a bed of oil, but it takes the heating/cooling to break the tire in. |
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Tourer
Posts: 460
Centennial, CO | The lean angles definitely change when you put new rubber on. Its weird...but in a good way!
Yeah...the coating is for storage. It only takes a couple hundred miles to get it gone. Don't ride in the rain the first day and turns need to be done with more caution. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | trailbarge and all,
Thanks for the heads up on the changes that new tires require. This morning I started calling around for quotes. Cycle Gear has a 10% off sale on February 11th so I checked with them and my dealer.
My dealer, Victory of San Antonio, Kent Powersports, had an offer I could not refuse. Both Tony and Rob told me that the tires are 50% off their regular price if they do the install from now until Wednesday.
I talked to the wife and took the Vision in today for new shoes. They were installed while I waited.
My old tires looked like racing slicks after 14,600 miles. The rear had now tread in the middle four inches. The front was worn on both sides of center with no tread in those areas.
The real surprise was the rear break pads. The pad that was left on the metal was very thin and tapered to metal for the last 1/2" of the pad. I had them replaced as well.
In a few weeks I will get the full 15,000 mile check up including the forks. Before the service I will replace the front brakes and change the oil myself.
So, thanks again for the heads up on new tires. It handles well........like new!
Riding safe again.....and you should too!
Edited by radioteacher 2010-02-06 10:40 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 460
Centennial, CO | RT - We have a shop here that offers 1/2 off Dunlop's if they install. This is the daily special and while you wait. Its a NICE thing since the install and tires still ran close to 400. My old bikes were less than 200 installed. I guess its a real pain to remove the rear tire causing an extra hour or so of work. Sheez!
But hey...1/2 off makes it all worthwhile. I priced another shop and it was over 800 installed. YOUCH!
Glad you found a deal like we have. You might ask the dealer to run the special more often. The dealer here makes up for the loss in volume. He makes a killing doing any bike that roles in the door. |
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| I'd like to know how every body (But Me) is getting 14 to 15000 miles out of a set of tires? 12000 on front no more then 10300
on rear. Rear tire starts cupping about 6000. We've tryed tire press from 38-42 lbs rear front 38-40 . Always keep shock air pres checked.
Just put third set on! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | for me the pressure needs to be at least 40 and no less. Road surface will have a lot to do with it. If you are ridding on straight roads I can see it wearing fast. If you are concered about changing tires so much you might consider the darkside. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | budnbud -Your not the only one needing to change at 10,000 miles, my first rear only lasted about 9,000 miles. Your riding habits, temps, and road surfaces will effect tire wear so some will do better than others. Then there is the fact that some will ride on tires past the recommended point.
"My old tires looked like racing slicks after 14,600 miles. The rear had now tread in the middle four inches. The front was worn on both sides of center with no tread in those areas"
For me this is the absolute wrong place to get cheap! I've seen people put $500 helmets on their head then ride around on bald tires. Makes me think they want to try that $500 helmet out. There are only 2 tires keeping me off the asphalt and I want them to be in good shape! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Big Vic,
I will be the first to admit that I waited way too long before getting new tires and rear brakes. Most of my riding is commuting to and from work. No highways, no streets over 50 MPH and I am less then 10 miles from home. It was a calculated risk on my part but one that I should not have taken.
Ride Safer then me! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | ElroyJ - 2010-02-06 11:22 PM
RT - We have a shop here that offers 1/2 off Dunlop's if they install. This is the daily special and while you wait. Its a NICE thing since the install and tires still ran close to 400. My old bikes were less than 200 installed. I guess its a real pain to remove the rear tire causing an extra hour or so of work. Sheez!
But hey...1/2 off makes it all worthwhile. I priced another shop and it was over 800 installed. YOUCH!
Glad you found a deal like we have. You might ask the dealer to run the special more often. The dealer here makes up for the loss in volume. He makes a killing doing any bike that roles in the door.
James, don't let anyone tell you they had to charge extra to remove the rear wheel. It is very easy, I've done it several times myself...takes no more than 5-7minutes to get it off. Going back on it is better to have an extra set of hands, another 5 minutes. |
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| Ok the truth is out I 'am just pick'e with tires, I never let them get that wore out. And Varyder the darkside ain't happen.
There car tires they belong on a car ,not a motorcycle! When I can't afford motorcycle tires I'll stop RIDING. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Between Rockford and Sterling Illinois | Immediately go to Wilbur's Barbeque. Eat a large amount of pulled pork, cole slaw, hush puppies and sweet tea. Reflect on the experience you gained and passed on to others. Then send me a tub of Wilbur's...I miss it!!  |
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Warning about new front tire...