Ok so the 900RR is going in for new tires tommorow. I decided on Metzler M-1 Sporttec tires. I'm getting the back one installed tommorow and the front installed next saturday. I know when you get new tires, they are slick due to the mold release compound on them. What is the best way to break them in? How long should I be carefull on them till I can start riding like normal again? Is there anything I can clean the tires with to help the process? Thanks in advance.

 

I like to put 75 to a 100 miles on new tires before pushing them. That may be a little consverative, but it doesn't take long to log a 100 miles.
I rode my bike 80 miles to a track day on new tires once and the first few laps were still a slippery.
Of course I was pushing more lean angle at the track.

 

First thing I noticed was that you said that you will be replacing them at different times...made me wonder why that is. Is it because you don't have a front stand? Because if it is because of that: I would say that in the long run you will save money by getting one & remove the front wheel you self instead of paying someone else to do that for you. Plus it makes cleaning your front rim easier.

As far as how long it takes to scuff in new tires: I have heard about 50 miles from the installer - that's the usual saying I think. However 50 miles of straight line riding won't scuff up the edges for you. Just hit the turns at the same speed as normal traffic takes them or a little less if you feel more comfy that way. Then slowly increase the speed as more & more of the side of the tires get scuffed up. So maybe after like a dozen of both right & left turns (sweeping ones), you should be mostly set. You will be able to see how far you are getting down also from looking at the tires & their texture to see what has & has not been scuffed & ready for harder riding.

 

Ya, good advice above. I'm in the 100 mile club -- with gradual increases in lean angle (up to full lean) as I approach the magic 100. If the weather is still cold (below 50F) then you'll have doubly slick tires. So take it easy.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I got my new rear tire put on saturday, it's great. They had to order the front, so I get that this saturday. No problems with it at all. I managed to get a couple hours of riding in this weekend. I definatly like the Metzler rear. Hopefully i'll be as happy once I have a new one on the front.