Front tyre issues

[Littledumptruck]

Am Ithe only owner that seems to suffer front tyres that fall apart rather than wear out? My 850 came with almost new Tourances on it 4 years ago, the front was an EXP, whilst the rear was original Tourance. 2 years and about 10k on the rear was almost worn out, but the front started breaking up between the tread blocks on the edges. As I'd already got a nearly new spare Distanzia rear I bought a new Distanzia front, fitting the rear a little later once the Tourance was worn out. Another 2 years and about another 10k and the latest mot has just warned the rear is close at about 2mm, but the fronts going the same way as the EXP did, cracks appearing between the edge tread blocks, even though its only about half worn. I'd picked up a new Distanzia rear at a good price last year, but I'm starting to think I'd prefer something different, like the Conti Trail Attacks.

Am I just unlucky, or is this pretty normal for front GS tyres?

 

[Tsiklonaut]

Deffo not normal.

Are you running it over pressure? This can cause cracking.

Quite unusal since Tourances are very sturdy tyres imho, I've never had such issues with them and I've run both the originals and the new EXPs.

If it's a factory quality issue, then it goes under warranty, since any problem with rubber mixture or carcass is taken very seriously by the factory (their safety and quality record depends on it). I've gotten Heidenaus replaced under warranty with similar cracking issues although it was more of a "they all do that sir" issue with this model of the tyre. Never heard Tourance having any cracking issues though...

 

[Littledumptruck]

To expand a little on my tyre issue.
My 850 is currently being used by a mate who's VFR is poorly. I have now ordered a pair of trail attacks from blackcircles, I was ordering a pair for our car so £10 postage covers all four. So about £140 delivered.
Been wanting to try the contis for a while, so I'd prefer to stick them on my 1150 rather than the 850. But don't really want the hassle of removing and refitting the tyres to different rims, especially as I'm recovering from a carpel tunnel op, it'll be a while before I start playing with tyres myself.
So, as the 1150 has good tourances, and is the same age, 2000, and both are non abs, can I just swap the wheels? They look the same. I'd swap the front discs as well, and just get the contis fitted to the 850's rims when I'm able to. Anybody know?

 

[Old Codger]

Over the Years

Had 2 front Tourances crack around the block tread

Micheldever Tyres in Hants returned them with a warranty claim

Both Cheque in the post jobs with over 75% of the new price covered

Both blamed on a faulty batch

 

[Littledumptruck]

Avon haven't been so helpfull. I had a pair of Storm 2's on my Blackbird which were dire, I'm sure the front was faulty, but they weren't interested in having it back, not even to check it out. I swapped it for a new old stock Azaro, huge improvement. Now this Distanzia breaking up, I'm going off Avon big time.
Everybody said I should stick storms on the Pan I bought last year, but after the Blackbird experience I went for Michelin Pilot Road3's, which I've also got lined up for the Bird in due course.
Trail attacks arrive today for the GS though, not sure when I'll get to fit and try them, can't even ride at the moment till my hand heals.

 

[robg]

Just about to replace my front Tourance after 26K miles over 10 years of use. Am replacing with Tourance given the service they have given me.

 

[harry]

Just about to replace my front Tourance after 26K miles over 10 years of use. Am replacing with Tourance given the service they have given me.

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Just about to replace my front Tourance after 26K miles over 10 years of use.

You joke surely

 

[GSTourer]

You live in Flitwick........what do you expect?

 

[GSTourer]

You joke surely

He's not.........and don't call him surely.

 

[Giles]

....... and this friends, is why asking for advice on tyres, on an internet forum is fraught with danger ...

 

[Mzokk]

My thoughts exactly Harry!