Small cracks in rear tyre

[LockieP]

Just got back from local Motorrad garage having had the footrest circlips replaced. On the health check video they’ve highlighted cracks in the centre of the rear tyre that go the whole circumference. Tyres were fitted 3 month ago & I’ve done around 5000m since 90% motorways. Continental TA 3’s that I’ve not had before. Manufacture date 1623. Should I be concerned? Thanks.

 

[DJ123]

i've had multiple sets of TA3's and not seen this before.

Are the cracks deep, or only surface level?

 

[LockieP]

i've had multiple sets of TA3's and not seen this before.

Are the cracks deep, or only surface level?

Seem to be surface level. The tech at BMW didn’t seem concerned. I hasten to add they were fitted by an independent guy who services my bike. Unfortunately he’s closed this week so I can’t contact him.

 

[Bigcats]

You should seriously consider contacting Continental directly as tyres do have warranties etc

Contact | Continental tyres

General Contact for Marketing, Company, Technical and Media Requests.

www.continental-tyres.co.uk

 

[GSMarky]

I would definitely make Continental aware - they'd be keen to see I'm sure.

I had some Pirellis that did a similar thing on a car and cracked. Pirelli sent a tech' out who insisted they were all replaced!

 

[LockieP]

I would definitely make Continental aware - they'd be keen to see I'm sure.

I had some Pirellis that did a similar thing on a car and cracked. Pirelli sent a tech' out who insisted they were all replaced!

Thanks. I’ve emailed Continental with some pics (thanks Bigcats for the link) & I think I’ll avoid riding until l hear anything &/or I can get my fitter to have a look.

 

[Buttertub]

Last time i saw anything similar was on my car, the tyres were about 4 year old ( i don't do many miles in the car) and the tyres rubber was starting to split. A tyre tech told me modern tyre rubber has a finite life so i just replaced the lot.
Yours are nowhere near that age so that shouldn't be the reason and i've never seen anything like that on my bikes even when they've had the tyres on a few years. Getting them checked out, as your doing, is a wise move, better to be safe than sorry after the event.

 

[GSMarky]

Thanks. I’ve emailed Continental with some pics (thanks Bigcats for the link) & I think I’ll avoid riding until l hear anything &/or I can get my fitter to have a look.

Wise - good luck.

 

[Morety]

Worth checking the manufacture date (not the purchase date) which should be noted within a small square on the sidewall. I've seen this with older tyres before in which the compound degraded over time (hardened) on a bike where the manufacturer's date stamp showed them as 6 yrs old. Personally, I think you're wise not to ride on those until changed for fresh rubber. Compound has failed in shear under load to create those cracks.

 

[HGS]

He put manufacture details in 1st post - 1623
Which indicates tyres produced in the 16th week of 2023

 

[LockieP]

By way of an update to those interested.
I emailed the technical helpline at Continental who replied that without seeing the tyre it was difficult to assess but if BMW weren’t overly concerned (they weren’t) then keep an eye on it. My supplier/fitter was closed until Monday so I’ve not been riding my bike.
Monday I spoke to Podge at SBS who supplied & fitted the tyres & he said to send him photos which I did. Podge said he’s never seen a problem like this. He sent the pics to Cambrian Tyres who are the main importer of Continental tyres in the UK. Tyre was replaced today by Podge foc & Cambrian’s rep is collecting the defective tyre tomorrow. I said to Podge I’d be interested in what they find but he said chances are they’ll just issue him with a credit. We’ll both be keeping a close watch on the wear of the new tyre!
So great service as ever from Podge at SBS & not so great service from the technical help at Continental.
Thanks for everyone’s input on this.

 

[Bigcats]

By way of an update to those interested.
I emailed the technical helpline at Continental who replied that without seeing the tyre it was difficult to assess but if BMW weren’t overly concerned (they weren’t) then keep an eye on it. My supplier/fitter was closed until Monday so I’ve not been riding my bike.
Monday I spoke to Podge at SBS who supplied & fitted the tyres & he said to send him photos which I did. Podge said he’s never seen a problem like this. He sent the pics to Cambrian Tyres who are the main importer of Continental tyres in the UK. Tyre was replaced today by Podge foc & Cambrian’s rep is collecting the defective tyre tomorrow. I said to Podge I’d be interested in what they find but he said chances are they’ll just issue him with a credit. We’ll both be keeping a close watch on the wear of the new tyre!
So great service as ever from Podge at SBS & not so great service from the technical help at Continental.
Thanks for everyone’s input on this.

Awesome outcome for yourself and thank you for letting us know

 

[GSMarky]

By way of an update to those interested.
I emailed the technical helpline at Continental who replied that without seeing the tyre it was difficult to assess but if BMW weren’t overly concerned (they weren’t) then keep an eye on it. My supplier/fitter was closed until Monday so I’ve not been riding my bike.
Monday I spoke to Podge at SBS who supplied & fitted the tyres & he said to send him photos which I did. Podge said he’s never seen a problem like this. He sent the pics to Cambrian Tyres who are the main importer of Continental tyres in the UK. Tyre was replaced today by Podge foc & Cambrian’s rep is collecting the defective tyre tomorrow. I said to Podge I’d be interested in what they find but he said chances are they’ll just issue him with a credit. We’ll both be keeping a close watch on the wear of the new tyre!
So great service as ever from Podge at SBS & not so great service from the technical help at Continental.
Thanks for everyone’s input on this.

Result & thanks for the update.

 

[Buttertub]

By way of an update to those interested.
I emailed the technical helpline at Continental who replied that without seeing the tyre it was difficult to assess but if BMW weren’t overly concerned (they weren’t) then keep an eye on it. My supplier/fitter was closed until Monday so I’ve not been riding my bike.
Monday I spoke to Podge at SBS who supplied & fitted the tyres & he said to send him photos which I did. Podge said he’s never seen a problem like this. He sent the pics to Cambrian Tyres who are the main importer of Continental tyres in the UK. Tyre was replaced today by Podge foc & Cambrian’s rep is collecting the defective tyre tomorrow. I said to Podge I’d be interested in what they find but he said chances are they’ll just issue him with a credit. We’ll both be keeping a close watch on the wear of the new tyre!
So great service as ever from Podge at SBS & not so great service from the technical help at Continental.
Thanks for everyone’s input on this.

That's a good outcome for ya, despite continental, and gives you peace of mind.

Its also helpful to others just to keep an eye out if anyone else gets the issue.