Spare tire conundrum

T'Pring · Post by **T'Pring** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:02 pm

After removing my spare to put into use, I found a 'crease' [photo] in my never-used tire caused by the bracket to which it is attached [photo - at the screwdriver's tip]. The tire is a typical Zippy 3 [not bulbous/meaty].

1. Should this be a concern for the integrity of the tire?

2. Has anyone else had this happen?

Thanks

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:40 pm

I've never seen that before. Sidewall damage always concerns me. I think the best option is to replace it before you need it.

That being said, in an emergency (while your waiting for your new tire to arrive) I would probably use it and replace it as soon as possible.

Steady Teddy · Post by **Steady Teddy** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 2:36 am

I have seen that on every Stella 2T I have owned... which is more than a few. I never had an issue with one that had that crease... the rubber is just dented, not torn in any way that would cause a weakened condition. I think you are fine with it. And if ya do change it out, where ya gonna put your spare tire that it won't happen again? Unless you mount it to the 3 in 1 rack, maybe?

Ted

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 2:40 am

That sure as hell looks worn from vibration to me, rather than dented.

You could certainly put something between the tire and the bracket to protect the tire.

Rippinyarn · Post by **Rippinyarn** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 5:28 pm

Yes, that happens on my Bajaj and on my Vespa P200. It's just pressing into the rubber there. If you are paranoid about it, place a sheet of thin plastic or cardboard in between the tire and the ridge when you put the tire on. I might also try setting the spare out a tiny bit (to avoid fouling the cowl) with some nuts on the bolts under the tire. I don't think that you have anything to worry about with the crease.

A fun experiment would be to mount your spare on the back, run it for a week and see if you can still find the crease. I bet that it would be much harder to find after some miles.