So I am the proud owner of a brand-spanking new front tyre ,a nice battleaxe 020.

Now , I seem to remember there being some talk on here about new tyres being slippery and someone suggested scrubbing the new tyre with sand paper? Is this a good idea and how careful do I need to be on my new rubber?

 

Hi Mate - personally I wouldnt bother - I have never had any issues - but admitidly I am not a fast rider.

 

Agree with Harry. Just be careful on cornering for a while, as you know in this country at this time of year the roads are not in the best of conditions (grit, **** etc.) and it's quite difficult to get tyres up to a good temp. I've got a new Maxis on the front too, not my choice, but I've been told they're ok?

 

Scrubbing a tire in = breaking in a new tire. On the street just take it easy, less than, say, 60% of full speed for the first 30-50 miles. At the track with race tires you would do a few laps at about 80% before letting it all hang out.

 

BTW- those battleaxe 020's are great tires [/quote]

Yeah I'm happy with them Steve, they were already on the bike when I bought it , so I decided to stick with 'em.

 

I'd take it easy for 100 miles or so, taking it really easy to start then taking it easy on roundabouts, corners and braking, some may consider this a little cautious, I'd rather be sure, 100 miles aint that far.

Calv

 

Read this article. All the myths exposed.

New Tires

 

When I got my new set of Pilot Road 2s I just rode them like normal after they warmed up. The tires were SO good that I felt more comfortable right away than I had on the tires I'd just taken off even if I'd been on a good, long ride.

What I did do to test them a little (maybe foolish) was on mild lean turns I'd give the bike a bit of throttle to see if the rear slipped. I'm very comfortable spinning up the rear usually. The tires were fine from the start.

As long as they were mounted properly, balanced right and have the right air pressure I'd say just ride as normal.

 

Great article. I still find it takes a little while to get a good positive feel on new tires but that could just be getting used to the difference between old & new.