Careful In The Cold

Front tire was shot so I replaced it late last fall to be ready for that first spring ride – mistake. I was less than a mile from the shop on a mild corner at about 60mph and went down like I hit a patch of ice. Just a reminder for those first few spring rides that cold tires + cold road = loss of traction. Let the tires warm up. In my case the new tire compounded the probability of something going really bad – let those new tires go through at least a couple heat cycles before even modest riding.

The bike slid down the road on its right side and came to a gentle stop on the shoulder of the road. Damage limited to plastic parts and a few bent pieces. Picked the bike up and rode back to the shop – I think I was gone for about 10 minutes. Its repaired and in the garage ready for that first ride.

I slid for a ways and ended up doing a gentle back flip into the ditch right at the end. Tore up my jacket and trashed the helmet but, other than the embarrassment, I only got a scrap on the arm and a groin pull that took a couple weeks to heal. Another reminder: keep jacket tight on torso and sleeves because armor won’t help if it doesn’t stay in place.

 

sorry to hear about the stack. glad you are ok.

 

Glad your ok. Sounds like the bike made it out good also. At that speed it could have been a lot worse. Atgatt works. Better the helmet than the head. Cold tires and cold pavement makes for some surprises at times. Happened to me one on a friends bike I just finished working on. I told him it was all ok, but no he wanted me to test ride it. Getting on highway going thru a good curve front tire (ribbed type) washed out. Glad he had crash bars on it at the time. I showed him they work.

 

Crashed on cold tyres more than a few times when I lived in NJ, used to do 10,000 to 12,000. If your serious you gota have a one piece thermal suit along with some sort of electrics, (vest & gloves.) At least you didnt have your leathers bunch up and grab a piece of skin! Don't ask, had a big black and blue mark on my arse from that! Leathers gota fit baggy need not apply...glad your ok, all that other shit can be replaced.

One crash during a winter ride was on new tyres that had an entire trip back from the shop, second left turn, I was on my arse (tyres musta had 50 miles on them) I dont use Dunlop tyres anymore cause of that shit. Only Michelins for me...

 

Good thing you're ok man.

I would suggest though that it was the brand new tire as the main culprit. I've heard horror stories about new tires in any atmosphere.

 

More than likely.
The mold release on the new tire takes some time to scrub off even in warm/hot weather.
The shop I deal with really makes a point of trying to get this across to anyone buying new tires.
Those that don't listen sometimes get a reminder that they usually remember.

Also, the brand specific comment about slick new tires might be questionable. My Michelin PR2s "looked" to have about as much mold release residue as any Dunlops I have used. Treating them all with caution would seem like a good idea.

As an aside, I seem to need to log close to 100 miles with gradually increasing lean angles before I feel comfortable with new tires.
We have a stretch of somewhat abrasive blacktop that I go merrily weaving my way down the road for the first few miles. Any one watching is probably tempted to call a cop.

 

Glad your OK. That's the important thing.

New tires make me skittish as hell. I hate breaking in new tires, and usually go about 200 miles before really putting them to the test.

I actually like to gently ride new tires through some type of crushed gravel/dirt road after they heat up. Maybe its mental, but they just seem to feel better after that.

 

Bummer but glad your both OK.

 

Glad you're alright. I just put mine sideways about an hour ago. Not sure what the cause was. It's in the upper 30's and I had been out for about 45 minutes. The rear was warmed up. I just pulled onto a quiet side road, got the bright idea to hit the gas and around I went. Went back to see if there was an oil spot or something but didn't find any. It's the second time this winter. Maybe it's time for a new rear. Any tire recommendations for a '99?

 

Michelin Pilot road 2 is a very good tyre.

Cheers
Simon

 

Anyone know of anyway to scuff a new tire before riding on it or is heat and riding the only way?

 

Just ride it. Getting the tires up to temp is all it takes. I took my brand new tires to the track and it still had the sticker glue on it. I didn't even try to get that off. I just rode it (relatively) easy the first couple of laps and then let er' rip. No problems at all. No tire warmers either.

Edit:
Don't do this on a cold track. Bad medicine.

 

Ride it :smile:

Cheers
Simon

 

The mold release thing is now an old wives tale.

However, riding hard on cold tires is not!

BZ

 

Also please remeber to air down the tires, running at 40 - 42 psi will make you hit the pavement fast.
I've run 28 psi on 28 degree days and around 30-32 when riding up to about 50 degrees. ( tires Metzler M-3 also same on the older M-1's ) 2 psi higher on the front

 

Sorry to hear about your oops, last year had several brown trouser moments in cold wet Alpine weather on well scrubbed in Dunlop Q2s at the time, was surprised because I'd never had the same step outs or squirms on my previous 2* Michelin R2s & 3* earlier Pilot Powers in similar condition. I now have R3s and have never had any moments in cold wet slippery conditions even riding over jaggered wet snakes up another cold mountain last year.

Last year a Gixxer 1000 riding mate slipped over over strangely slow in front of me up a winding mountain range for seemingly no reason, he had new Metzler M5s with 100 miles on some earlier twisties and thought them scrubbed in, when looking closely at the tyre even though Metzler advertise they don't use release compound the edges had what felt like a buttery waxy substance on them that wasn't evident at an earlier stop that must have rose to the tyres surface from his riding that morning..

 

Right on! Back in the day, MC tires were hand made. The molds are dies and are smooth like a baby's behind. New rubber needs to be warm and scuffed some. Anybody who pops on a new set of rubber and starts playing Ricky Racer is FUBAR or is gonna get that way quick.. Same deal for those few who just change out one tire or because grandpa could do it with his tractor mix and not match rubber are going down. Maybe not today or tomorrow but soon.