Squared Tyres

[Jed]

Don't mind usual mickey taking but would appreciate some serious answers aswell.

My rear tyre is starting to become squared-off (tech term i think) - this is I think due to a mixture of 90% of my riding is on the motorway and me being relatively inexperienced and probably don't lean as much as the more "experienced" rider.

Whilst i know this is to be expected, is there anything I need to be aware off or do i.e. change pressures, less stability, do i need change the tyres earlier than normal etc etc ??

 

[Timolgra]

Great post and very much in the right section

Just make sure you use a pressure guage that uses PSI as it's units

 

[Jed]

Pressures kept at recommend levels as per the book.
Bike is a GS12, tyres are Tourance EXP.

 

[Wapping]

Jed, anybody (aged and experienced or nappied newcomer) will square off their tyres if 90% of their riding is on motorways.

Keep the tyres at the manufacturer's recommended pressures.

Most bikes (irrespective of the rider) spend most of their lives closer to the upright position than leaned right over. If in doubt, think to yourself how straight the most majority of roads are between the (comparatively few) bends. Obviously motorways and indeed the majority of all major roads are at the upper end of straightest of all. All that the more experienced rider will do is work their tyres harder in the (few) bends they encounter.... their tyres will still square off, just more slowly if they do fewer motorway miles, that's all. The compound (in simple terms, how the outer carcass of the tyre is put together) will also make a bit of difference, too. A very 'soft' sports tyre with a very rounded profile will square off faster than a 'harder' more touring biased tyre.

If you are a real newcomer - and are (perhaps) nervous of bends - it may well pay dividends to get yourself some additional training. Don't be put off, it's not girly and does not make your willy shrink. There are some very good instructors and courses out there.

You are coming on my beginner's jaunt to France, are you not? Perfect! You are exactly the sort of bod the day is designed for. We can have a chat about it then, if you like. Or drop me a PM.

Cheers,

Richard

 

[jonnywave]

Them tyres

Pressures kept at recommend levels as per the book.
Bike is a GS12, tyres are Tourance EXP.

Hi Jed, although you are probably taking it easy around the corners, the EXP s are pretty soft tyres. I had a pair and only just got 3k on them. They are very sticky but I found too soft. The standard Tourances are far more durable.
IMHO

 

[Rasher]

I reckon 90-100 psi should help reduce the squaring problem

 

[OldCroc]

I reckon 90-100 psi should help reduce the squaring problem

What's that in Bars?

 

[Doc Savage]

I squared my tyres off slightly after a bimble around the continental land mass.

When riding now, I'm ok with the fact that the transition from upward to the angle in which I need to stay at round bends may not be as smooth or as precise as a shiny new rear tourance,

But - as I am a tight bastard and want every penny out of my rubber, I have learned to make the necessary allowances

If it bothers you to the point of distraction, change it. for the sake of 140 quid the arse ache of an off is miniscule in comparison. don't have an un-neccessary distraction

good luck

 

[Wapping]

I reckon 90-100 psi should help reduce the squaring problem

Jed, you should engage Rasher in a PM exchange on tyres for the 1200GS; he's done all the research and voiced assorted opinions (including those of his 'tyre man').... though the 90-100 psi twist is a new one.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245137&highlight=tyre

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245150&highlight=tyre

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259809

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258372

Be prepared for a wait before he replies, though.... he's busy fitting (or not) his quick action throttle.


PS There are a million and one threads on "What tyre is best for my 1200?". A skim through a few will perhaps give you an idea what bods like and dislike in the world of black rubber.

 

[Jed]

All thanks for the responses.

I guess in summary - all is normal.
keep the pressures right - which i do.
take some more training - i've signed up for IAM and am going to do the BM Off-road training.
when tyres due for a change - decide if i want sticky (less longevity) or hard for longer life.

Richard - it is me coming to France so see you there.

thanks again.

 

[snerkler]

Hi Jed, although you are probably taking it easy around the corners, the EXP s are pretty soft tyres. I had a pair and only just got 3k on them. They are very sticky but I found too soft. The standard Tourances are far more durable.
IMHO

You must ride hard (waiting for the obvious innuendos) as mine have done 3800 so far and still have plenty of life

 

[muppix]

i've signed up for IAM

IAM can be very valuable, but remember to try to understand the reasons behind The System as opposed to just blindly following it, which is what far too many people tend to do. Also, ask your social rep (who is a close friend of mine if you go for the Thames Vale group) about the Look, Lean and Roll course. That'll sort you out a treat.

You can also minimise squaring-off by reducing your speed on the motorway. The GS isn't known for its aerodynamics, and shaving 10mph off your cruising speed will make a surprising difference.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

My local MOT tester (he's at least 60) reckons that in all his time MOTing bikes, he's only ever seen ONE tyre that was down to the wear bars and wasn't squared off.

I'm glad to say it was MINE, on my supermoto We have a lot of twisty roads around here

 

[Weekday Rider]

A squared off tire definitely dose not handle so well.Usually though it happens over so many miles that you do not realize how bad it got until you change tires.One of the things I notice a lot is that they make the bike wobble at slow speeds on white lines.Like having your tires under inflated.That first ride on a set of scrubbed in new tires on a twisty road though,isnt that just the best!

 

[springonion]

Jed, I've got exactly the same issue at the moment on mine. I ride with Anakee's and since I've been travelling down the motorway everyday (75+ mile round trip) its squared mine off a treat.

Tyre pressures are fine but I put it down to just staying upright most of the time and "making progress".

I'm almost on the markers and I'm finding that leaning it right over is now getting to be a bit of a surprise so I'm getting mine changed in the next week or so as the slight flick you get when leaning hard (to get you over the ridge) is getting a bit un-nerving.

my two pennith is that its just normal stuff for this type of riding.