Author Topic: Tires! (Read 272 times)

dm_gsx1300r · « **on:** May 27, 2014, 01:05:34 PM »

I've been using the Metzler Z6 tires on the 'busa. They seem to be a bit harder and last longest (14,000 miles on one documented trip). A couple of years back I was stuck again and got a Dunlop tire. I've been documenting maintenance changes on the bike headstock so I put it on at 115,014 miles. This weekend I added another 1,000 and the tire appears to need to be changed. Unfortunately it's only after 120,500 miles.

One problem I had with the Metzler's is there are no wear bars so it's hard to know for sure when the tire needs to be changed which tended to have me on the side of the road twice to get a new tire. It's easier to tell on the Dunlop (which I do like) however they aren't lasting near as long as the Metzlers.

I have an upcoming trip to Canada (June 14th) so need to replace the rear tire. Suggestion on longer lasting SPORT-touring tires?

One thing I was considering was creating a template of the tire when it's new. Then just compare the template against the gradual wear of the tire so I know when it's time to get a replacement.

Carl

chornbe · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2014, 01:32:28 PM »

On the (back) Z6 there's nothing in the center that you can measure. So I would say when you get the new tire - and stick with what's returning good mileage - measure the inner-most points on a couple of the sipes. Whatever that measurement is, plan on tossing the tire when you're at about 20% of that. I'm pulling 20% out of my ass on a WAG, but I figure if the inner-most sipe is worn to 20%, then the center crown has to be closer to 10%. Well, the sipes do get close to the center, so maybe at the "Y" in the sipes (see pic).

/guesswork

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On the front, there's siping and tread across the center, so again, when it's 10-20% of new, you're likely looking at wearing the last little bit fast.

Get yourself a decent tread gauge and keep it in your tank bag. They're cheap; get one for the tool kit and one for the tool box(es) too.

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mxvet57 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2014, 01:57:31 PM »

This would be a good indicator that your tire needs replacing.

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JReazor · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2014, 02:11:47 PM »

The Z6 rear has a wear indicator. It's not in the center of the tire so you'll have to decide weather or not you want to trust it. Check this link.

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2014, 02:28:42 PM »

Unfortunately Smugmug is blocked at work so I can't see the wear bars. My wear bars have always been the sudden viewing of threads though

Carl

Cablebandit · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2014, 02:43:57 PM »

Um..... 14,000 miles isn't long lasting?

chornbe · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2014, 02:46:08 PM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on May 27, 2014, 02:43:57 PM

Um..... 14,000 miles isn't long lasting?

That was the Z6. He was talking about the Dunlop not being as long lasting.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2014, 03:02:37 PM »

Well yeah. I was just kind of amazed that someone could suggest making a template of a new tire as opposed to (as you mentioned) buying a 3 dollar tread depth gauge.

chornbe · « **Reply #8 on:** May 27, 2014, 03:11:33 PM »

We IT folks are an odd bunch. We do things... a little off center sometimes.

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #9 on:** May 27, 2014, 03:27:56 PM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on May 27, 2014, 03:02:37 PM

Well yeah. I was just kind of amazed that someone could suggest making a template of a new tire as opposed to (as you mentioned) buying a 3 dollar tread depth gauge.

But if it's solid in the center without any indication of life left, how do you know when you should replace the tire? Measuring the sides just gives you the amount of side tread left and unless you do a _lot_ of mountain riding or tend to ride on either side of the bike vs sitting on the seat, it doesn't really help.

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I'll have to check the pics of my tires where I've reached cord but I swear I've never seen anything that looks like a wear bar on my Z6's.

Carl

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #10 on:** May 27, 2014, 03:30:06 PM »

Here's mine from last time. I think I had a Z8 with this trip since the Z6's weren't being made any more. I don't see anything that looks like a wear bar in this picture.

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Carl

motormike · « **Reply #11 on:** May 27, 2014, 04:36:18 PM »

Have you tried a Michelin PR3?

According to this graph, they have better performance than Metzler Z6 or Z8.

http://www.allmotorcycletirereviews.com/Sport_Touring_Motorcycle_Tire_Reviews.htm

Cablebandit · « **Reply #12 on:** May 27, 2014, 06:18:38 PM »

and the PR4 is supposed to last longer. I'll be able to tell in a few more weeks, but so far it does seem to be wearing better than the PR3.

Perhaps you should just run a car tire.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #13 on:** May 27, 2014, 07:11:04 PM »

Quote from: dm_gsx1300r on May 27, 2014, 03:30:06 PM

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That is what most of my tires look like when I get rid of them. Impressive side wear but ultimately the center wears out first. Might I suggest a second set of wheels with soft tires for when you're wailing the curvy roads where you live. The other set is really, really hard tires for your daily commute and distant extended trips.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #14 on:** May 27, 2014, 07:13:29 PM »

And btw, the little thing in the tread on the right side, is a wear bar.

You're welcome.

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #15 on:** May 27, 2014, 08:20:09 PM »

Quote from: kneescrubber on May 27, 2014, 07:13:29 PM

And btw, the little thing in the tread on the right side, is a wear bar.

You're welcome.

The little bit of flashing at the center right or the little knob on the far right just under the fender?

Carl

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #16 on:** May 27, 2014, 08:23:42 PM »

Quote from: JReazor on May 27, 2014, 02:11:47 PM

The Z6 rear has a wear indicator. It's not in the center of the tire so you'll have to decide weather or not you want to trust it. Check this link.

Damn, I'm telling you, I don't recall seeing those tread bars. But I didn't know about the TWI stamp either. Learn new things every day.

Thanks for that

Carl

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #17 on:** May 27, 2014, 08:27:07 PM »

Quote from: motormike on May 27, 2014, 04:36:18 PM

Have you tried a Michelin PR3?

According to this graph, they have better performance than Metzler Z6 or Z8.

http://www.allmotorcycletirereviews.com/Sport_Touring_Motorcycle_Tire_Reviews.htm

Humorously you have this quote about the Z6:

Quote

# 9 Metzeler Z6
The Metzeler Roadtec Z6 is generally considered to be less long-lasting compared to the Metzeler ME 880, but provides better traction. Generally positive reviews of the tire regarding wet and dry handling. There is a consistent complaint about not having wear bars. Some have reported they have been stranded because they did not know the tires needed replacing. Metzeler warns that you should not run a Z6 rear without the Z6 front because they were designed to work together for water dissipation.

I don't know if the TWI isn't generally known or if there really aren't wear bars on _all_ models of Z6 tires. The one in the Smugmug was identified as a 'B' tire. Maybe the non'B' tire didn't have wear bars?

Carl

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #18 on:** May 28, 2014, 06:36:15 AM »

Okay, ordered the Metzler Z6 from Motorcycle Superstore. Should be here before the weekend. I'll run the bike down to Denver where I normally get tires mounted but I'll check for that TWI and look for the wear bars.

Carl

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2014, 12:17:21 PM »

My sprockets and oil filter showed up Saturday and my tire arrived yesterday. Just waiting on the chain. I also need to get the tire mounted. The guys I used to use aren't around any more apparently.

Carl

dm_gsx1300r · « **Reply #20 on:** June 04, 2014, 08:15:05 AM »

Process:

1. Removed the trunk.
2. Got bike on rear stand.
3. Removed the passenger seat.
4. Removed the rider's seat.
5. Unbolted the tank and raised it.
6. Removed the side plastics.
7. Removed the coolant reservoir.
8. Removed the front sprocket cover.
9. Stuck a broom handle into the spokes of the rear tire.
10. Removed the thread protector.
11. Removed the front sprocket nut.
12. Removed the front sprocket washer.
13. Broke the chain and removed it.
14. Removed the front sprocket.
15. Installed the new front sprocket.
16. Put the front sprocket washer, nut, and thread protector back in place.
17. Unbolted the rear brake.
18. Removed the rear tire.
19. Removed the rear sprocket.
20. Removed the hub.
21. Installed the new rear sprocket.
22. Removed the wheel bushings.

Need to run the wheel and new tire down to get it mounted. Then want to clean and inspect the bike before putting things back together. Replace the brake and clutch fluids. Replace the oil and filter. Clean the air filter. Replace the front and rear brakes (rear need it, front are at about 30% but I figure I should replace them anyway).

Carl

Cablebandit · « **Reply #21 on:** June 04, 2014, 02:40:24 PM »

Makes me glad I have shaft drive.