I hope this question doesn't sound to stupid. I've got about 1500 miles on my bike and tires, and the other day I noticed that the contact patch on my rear tire is a bit offset to one side. Not too bad, just noticeable. Does that make sense? I do alot of commuting to and from work, so I'd expect to see wear right down the center of the tire. Its my first bike, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I don't feel like anything is wrong. Just curious if it might be a sign that my wheel is tracking wrong or something. Appreciate you feedback.

 

Even straight roads normally have a slight camber on them to aid drainage, which will wear one side of the tyre a little more when your upright. Only very slight though.

 

Thanks for the feedback Anubis. I read your piece about your trackday at Infineon...good piece. After a bit more time I mean to get out to a track day. Thanks again.

 

? Not my piece bro, but thanks for the credit.

 

First and foremost - No question is stupid. They are asked for insight b/c some people don't know things. It's better that you do ask to not hurt yourself or the bike. It also helps the people who are curious about the same thing, but to chicken to ask.

Second - Driving the same way on the same road will wear your tire in the same spot. Some riders favor a side on their bike, which can contribute to wear. Whether it be one side more than the other you must always keep your eye on this. Think of your bike tires as your car tires, but put your bike tires in a class as delicate as glass. YOU CAN'T ROTATE THESE PUPPIES! Look, you are already on 2 wheels, unstable, and traveling at high speeds...anything goes wrong with those precious tires, your *** will be hurting.

My suggestion is to check your forks, your turning/riding style and try to make an adjustment from there. You may be leaning more to the left but counterstear more to the right or whatever. You should try to save these tires since they only have 1500 miles by balancing the wear, but at the same token if you can't correct this problem, get your *** a new tire!