NewTires fact or fiction?

Great info on tire break in and tire warm-up...what do you say??
How To Properly Warm Up Your Tires - Sport Rider Magazine
I have "white nuckeled it" on new buns and took it easy for the 1st 100 (this SUCKS!) miles. I have also done the f1 thing too.... How bout you?

 

Another fact about friction is that even after you've worn off the slippery mold-release compound on the center of the tyre, it still remains on the edges of the tread area until it's scrubbed off........gradually, with caution during cornering.

Tyre company literature (Dunlop at least) specifically warns about a break-in period required to scuff off the outer film from molding......

 

When I picked up a new set of Michelin PP2ct's, I was nervous about the whole break in thing. But after about 50 miles, I realized it was less a slippery tire issue and more me getting used to a new tire profile. ( think tall, round tread section vs low & flat of my old ones) I think maybe that's more of the reason for people to feel uneasy on new tires, not the rubber being slippery. After 100 miles you'd be used to the better handling and feel of a new tire.

 

tire companies (at least Pirelli and confirmed in the article) dont use mold release on the tread side of the tire (only on sidewalls). The article based on my experience is 100% accurate. Once you get tires to temperature (usually 2 laps on a track) they are ready and you can go for it. I have "cut in" my last 5 sets of tires on the track without any issues. That being said, building and maintainin heat on the street is tougher and acceleration/braking is the best source of heat. The side/side NASCAR swerving dont work on MC tires.

 

^^^^^

+1

At least for Pirellis (since thats what I run too) two laps on the track then its all out with no issues.

BZ

 

OK, we've already had the first fail post, who's going to be next to participate in the "i'm smarter than the tire engineer" game? this could be right up there with the dot5 thread....oh man, the potential is awesome.

 

we could shift to Chinese Bearings... and more misinformation based on opinion and emotions rather than facts

 

I guess GSXRs dont come new with pirellis... hehehe!
YouTube - suzuki gsxr-1000 crash!!!

 

after riding on new tires in the rain in about 40 degree weather on the track (and having no chicken strips after 10 mins), i feel all the talk about new slippery tires is bs. sure you cant go out and wack it out like the guy in the video about, but he's a shitty rider anyway. i think any responsible rider should be able to just go out and ride normally on new tires and be fine.

 

That's called 'cold' tires without throttle control.

BZ

 

It is BS Jay. I was enlightened at the track too.

BZ

 

Com'on now brother Norcal, we both know their are resident experts who know way more than the engineers who design our motorcycles.

I heard from a guy who heard it from a guy who used to race and is really fast on the street that pouring DOT 5.1 brake fluid on new tires offers phenominal grip! The brake fluid bonds to the rubber on a moleuclar level...at least thats what I was told anyway.

On a serious note. Motorcycling is the one hobby I've been a part of that is filled with old wives tales that won't go away. Case in point.

BZ

 

I've used a rag and some brake cleaner. Spray the brake cleaner on the rag, then wipe the tires. It seems to work well. I've removed a LOT of gross stuff off the tires that way.

P.S. - First and only time I dropped a bike was after 26 years of riding. I dropped a CBR600 at 5 MPH - the day after I put new tires on.

 

[OUOTE]Plain old detergent and water is not as quick but it won't hurt the tires.[/QUOTE]

I am really struggling to understand why anyone would want to wash tires or clean them with brake cleaner unless someone dripped oil on them. Is this a normal maintenance function?

Q: did you guys read the article in the OP's link?

 

I too am the type of person that would have used brake cleaner to clean my sidewalls if I thought it would let me just ride after a new tire install, that is why I posted this Sportrider info. which was very refreshing to me. I bought into all the ..YOU ARE in a "VERY" dangerous situation with those "NEW" tires.. For GOD"S sake be CAREFULL!!!!!! I have gone as far as using sand sandpaper and dawn dish soap too assure "MY SAFETY" ......." TRUE" understanding & knowledge is power!

 

I like my new tires. Nothing beats a new set of tires on a bike.... Hmmmm New tire smell. Since this is a myth or kinda one and there is some degree of release agent on the tires. The local shops all have " Be Careful on new tires" signs as you leave the shop and in the waiting room .. I know, I Know... liabilitiy issues. My tires come with some glue from the stickers etc. If it makes people feel better to take 10 mins and "scrub in " what is the harm . Confidence in your gear is a key to safe riding. I have noticed that my BT016s are sticky as all get out fresh out of the box but others may want to do some laps around the neighborhood. Knowledge is power and the more the better. Knowledge is what gives people the confidence to test the waters. I think it is all good information.

Thanks for all the posts.

 

the enemy of new tires and old tires is too much throttle and too little heat, end of story. I realize many of you are too afraid to run on the track with he-men like Bubba Zanetti and all, but based on my track experience I would tell you that 80% of the accidents I have witnessed (usually 1 per session, 7 sessions a day, 8 track days a year) are due to cold tires and too much throttle. Lowsides/Highsides galore, of those 80% of accidents I would claim 80% of them are on the first 2 laps of a session. Sessions last 20 minutes and depending on the track are 8-12 laps. In fact at NJMP, there are more rights than lefts and the first left gobbles up 80% of the accidents there - cold tires.