Motorcycle Tread Life?

V1GiLaNtE · (This post was last modified: 07-06-2018, 10:28 AM by V1GiLaNtE.)

Riders of MM. In your "real world" applications what would you say is a fair estimate for mileage out of rear tire? I've had these Battlax BT-023s on the SV for 5k+ miles. They've seen daily commuting in DC for 3 months, 300+ mile trips on weekends, a trackday, and plenty of aggressive street riding.

I've notice for some time now the rear of the SV in turns (read: hard lean) feels "wiggly"? Tire pressure is always setup for manufacturer's spec, I've dumped the old shock and now have the ZX10r shock in the rear. I'm having a hard time distringuishing if it's me (riding position), road conditions, tires or a combo. I would say prior to Mayish the bike did not feel this way.

Is it possible due to the increased wear in the center of the tire from regular riding has produced a "ridge" which is where I feel the bike wiggling?

Time for a new tires? I'm thinking my next set will be more "sport" oriented.

Note: I don't feel the confidence to push the bike as hard I used to.

Senor_Taylor · 07-06-2018, 11:34 AM

You have chicken strips? NERD

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Apoc · 07-06-2018, 12:21 PM

Chicken strips can be a problem, but hardening of the rubber is likely your greatest concern.

http://www.acmecyclechicago.com/notes-fr...qpbk0p9xca

V1GiLaNtE · (This post was last modified: 07-06-2018, 01:04 PM by V1GiLaNtE.)

(07-06-2018, 12:21 PM)Apoc Wrote: Chicken strips can be a problem, but hardening of the rubber is likely your greatest concern.

http://www.acmecyclechicago.com/notes-fr...qpbk0p9xca

"Chicken strips" are probably about 1/4" or less? Not too many places to need/get full lean in the area. I'm gonna drop the tire pressure a bit and see what happens. Additionally, need to check manufacture date of the tires.

.RJ · 07-06-2018, 01:31 PM

Tires may be getting squared off. Motorcycle tires don’t last long.

V1GiLaNtE · 07-09-2018, 09:44 AM

Update from the weekend:

Tires definitely feel "soft" and can easily get a fingernail in them. Checked the manufactured date and they were made the 23rd week of 2016. So they are roughly 2.5 years old.

Dropped the tire PSI to 31F/34R as well as softened up the compression. BIG DIFFERENCE. I found a great mountain pass here in VA and took several "laps" up and down pushing more and more as I got familiar with the road. Definitely was able to scrub the tires back down to my original chicken strips (<1/4") prior to lack of confidence. However, I got a nice surprise when I went to downshift coming off the mountain and there was no shifter.. The bolt had backed out and I had to pull over and tighten it back up. Time for lock-tite and to go over every bolt on the bike.

I think I'll up my compression about half a turn and see how she goes. Currently 3 turns counterclockwise. Can't wait to throw a set of springs in it up front.

***GTBrandon*** · 07-09-2018, 10:18 PM

My old tires felt the exact same way, I couldn’t tell if it was something loose on the bike or me not being planted enough. As soon as I got the new tires it went away. Granted this was switching from 12 year old tires to brand new Michelins, but still

V1GiLaNtE · 07-10-2018, 08:58 AM

(07-09-2018, 10:18 PM)GTBrandon Wrote: My old tires felt the exact same way, I couldn’t tell if it was something loose on the bike or me not being planted enough. As soon as I got the new tires it went away. Granted this was switching from 12 year old tires to brand new Michelins, but still

New tires will literally change the way a bike feels. It's unreal.

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