MY 2008 GSA WITH ESA - TYRE WEAR PROBLEMS

Andy B

Andy B

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Okay - so I'm on my second set of tyres (and going to have to go to the third set very soon!). First were OE Bridgestone’s, then after 6,000 miles went to Conti Trail Attacks (very pleased with these by the way!) Now done 12,000miles. In both cases a change at the rear was brought about by to squaring off, but it is the front that is the issue.

Loads of tread. Both front tyres started to go a bit 'V' shaped, but the main issue is the blocking effect where the tread blocks are at uneven heights. They’ve both done the same - hence the new front at 6k (and again soon!).

Talking to an independent bike maintenance guy today he says this is caused by incorrectly adjusted suspension. Because the bike's got ESA I don't think I have much control over this.

Anyone had the same problem? Anyone with a bit more technical knowhow than me care to comment on the problem?
 
I have the same issue with the Battlewings I have been using. My guess is that the block pattern is allowing the edges of the blocks to wear faster than the centre. The blocks will move around more at the edge under braking and will wear more. The same is also happening on the rear. I don't think its got anything to do with ESA (I have ESA as well) just a fact of life using dual sport rubber on the road especially if you are hard on the brakes or acceleration:augie.

I am going to try a pure road tyre which I think may be more stable from this point of view. I took a look at my K1100RS front which has Roadsmarts on and the tread pattern wear is very even so I'm buying a set for the GSA and will see if the same is true.
 
I am on my second GSA, this one has the ESA and I have exactly the same issue with my tyres wearing out prematurely. The original Tourances and replacement Trail Attacks on my previous GSA lasted about 12000 front and 9000 rear and the Trail Attacks on my current GSA are both almost gone at 6500.
I assume it is related to the ESA as I haven't changed my riding, (but I do play with the settings).
 
Andy B said:
Talking to an independent bike maintenance guy today he says this is caused by incorrectly adjusted suspension. Because the bike's got ESA I don't think I have much control over this.
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He is talking bollox. It's caused by cornering with a closed throttle or front brake (so weight transfer is to the front tyre) on "trail" type rubber where the blocks move when the front is "pushed" by the force going through it.
The fact it didn't happen on previous bikes simply means you have more confidence in the front end of this one so push it a bit harder.
 
AdamA said:
He is talking bollox. It's caused by cornering with a closed throttle or front brake (so weight transfer is to the front tyre) on "trail" type rubber where the blocks move when the front is "pushed" by the force going through it.
The fact it didn't happen on previous bikes simply means you have more confidence in the front end of this one so push it a bit harder.
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for once i compleatly agree with adama,front end on these bikes very good,tyre wear like that to be expected
 
JJH said:
I was told it was tyre presure and to run 25/29 front/rear all the time. JJH
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Thats what I run all the time - still have the issue. I just think its the big blocks on the dual sport tyres which are thicker than a road tyre and the edges just get more punishment under hard braking and cornering.
 
Every bike I've had has done this to a certain degree. If you look hard you'll see the same on sportsbike tyres, scooter tyres as well as the more obvious effect you see on the dual purpose blocky tyres.
 
GSmonkey said:
Every bike I've had has done this to a certain degree. If you look hard you'll see the same on sportsbike tyres, scooter tyres as well as the more obvious effect you see on the dual purpose blocky tyres.
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Yep. It's just the movement of the tread.
On a tyre that has "islands" in the tread (i.e. individual blocks not a continuous band of rubber like more road orientated rubber) it is more pronounced (look at MX/Enduro knobblies for the extreme) due to more possible movement of the tread block.
The heavier the bike and the more weight transferred to the front tyre, (be it through braking, closing the throttle or just simply riding the front hard) the more pronounced it is also.
 
Common issue on the RT. The front would develop a very strange profile and by 7.5k became really very nasty to ride (read: scary, very).

The Road Attacks I had were much better though than the original Michelin Pilot Roads.

Haven't noticed it on the GSA though. Front was changed at about 9k and the profile was fine.
 
Interesting!! I can see good logic in the answers put forward.

The only thing that I can think has changed between my old 05 GS and my current 08 GSA is the size of the fuel tank (and the ESA of course). I haven't changed my riding style in any way, and generally as a habit I try to avoid braking in bends - and certainly not excessive.

I'm thinking of going back to Tourances for my next change as I've not tried them on the GSA. Anybody have any views on whether one make of trye over another is better on the front end wear for a GSA?
 
How much of a problem is it in reality?

From your comments I'm assuming it's not affecting the performance/handling of the machine and the sort of mileage you're changing at is not unusual.

Perhaps try a 'pure' road tyre next. I can't reccomend highly enough the Avon Azaro/ST combo which works really well on the GS. The new Dunlop Roadsmarts also seem to be getting a good rep. too.

Andres
 
You're right. Part of this is about drawing comparison with experience of the past. For as long as I can remember I've always managed two rear tyres to every front and the GSA seems to be both tyres at 6ish k. In the scheme of things, circa £100 extra a year for the peace of mind of having good tyres is not a lot to pay.

I'm not sure about going for an all road tyre. It's tempting, but I live down a half mile farm track and that little bit of extra tread pattern does make a difference in the winter months.
 
Andy B said:
...The only thing that I can think has changed between my old 05 GS and my current 08 GSA is the size of the fuel tank (and the ESA of course). ...
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and the steering geometry :
Suspension travel front / rear
GSA:210 mm / 220 mm GS:190 mm / 200 mm

Wheelbase
GSA: 1,510 mm GS: 1,507 mm

Castor
GSA: 89mm GS: 101mm

Steering head angle
GSA:65.2° GS:64.3°

Could be related:nenau
 
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Good point.

It'll be due a 12k service very soon. I'll see whether North Oxford can give me an explanation!:augie
 
Ive a 2009 Fully loaded GSA and have the same 'problem' but it affects the bike IMO in no way - in fact, i just had the right footpeg scraping the ground again about 2 hrs ago - Origanal Tourance EXP's at 5000 miles but needing a change by 6 i reckon - gonna go for Anakee 2's as i liked them before on my first GS.
 
Trail tyr'es V; road tyres

"....I am going to try a pure road tyre which I think may be more stable ..." There does not seem to be any reason why a road tyre should not be used on a GS which never ventures off the tarmac; However although I keep thinking of 'converting' evry time I am almost ready I run into a poor stretch of road (ther are plenty around here) and Ii am glad to be on 'trail tyres.
 
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