Another tire thread (ho-hum)

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:11 pm

How long did your stock rear tire last? I'm a little over 4000 Mi and the mechanic said I should get it replaced but the shop I went to didn't have any so I'm wondering how long the stock tires usually last. I know there are a lot of variables such as riding style, weight, ect. He said I've worn about 80% of the tire. How do you tell? The metal isn't showing and the groves look a bit worn but not flat...

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 1:19 am

Get yourself a tire tread depth gauge from a auto parts store.
Usually under five bucks.

Generally we use 32nds to express new tread depth and tread remaining.

You likely will find the rear tread depth on your tire in the 3/32 to 2/32 remaining range with your gauge.
Industry rule is 3/32nds is the time to replace.......automobile, motorcycle, scooter, etc. all the same.

Most new scooter tires start in the 6/32 to 7/32nd tread depth range.
At 4000 miles, your front tire likely will only have worn one or two 32nds off.

4000 on a rear is about average life for a fast spinning scooter tire forced to carry the majority of the weight and all of the engine power driven through it.

Rob

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 2:16 am

Thanks Rob!

phatch · Post by **phatch** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 4:34 am

6500 miles...

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 6:04 am

I'm at 4200 and my rear could probably last the winter, but I don't care for the way they handle, so I'm going to go ahead and replace the tires at the next service.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 12:44 pm

phatch wrote:6500 miles...

Wow!

Thats way beyond average.
A few factors that create the variable are, closely maintaining tire pressure, operating time, speed, and weight.

Tire pressure is tough on a scooter, just like a bicycle.
The volume of air is comparatively small in comparison to a automobile tire and cold pressure changes a lot based on ambient temperature.
Pressure changes one p.s.i. for every seven degree F. change in ambient temperature.
This time of year, in Northern Il. it is not uncommon to have a 25 degree spread from one morning to the next.....this will change cold pressure three to four psi....a rather large change to a small volume tire.

Operating time, especially on a tire with low pressure, will lead to faster wear as well.....generally due to the fact the tire is presenting more tread to the ground and flexing more.
This makes it operate at a higher than designed temperature and, because the rubber is hotter (softer) it sheds rubber faster.
So, short hops, half hour or less, may allow low pressure operation, but longer hauls at higher speeds make it shed faster.

Just like your automobile, weight will speed wear.......again, even at the specified pressure, the tire is forced to flex at its maximum, making a good deal of heat and again, softening the rubber.

I have found that many states use a different mix of road material as well and some folks have found tire wear is longer in the 'Snow Belt' states.
This, because the material is more dense to prevent water from working under the substrate and lifting sections off when the water freezes (Potholes).
In the West and Southwest, the surface is more course, aiding in water runoff, but causing faster tire wear.

Bored yet?

Rob

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 3:08 pm

Robbie wrote:
phatch wrote:6500 miles...
Wow!

Thats way beyond average....

I agree. If you search the site, you'll find that 4K is about average.

CROSSBOLT · Post by **CROSSBOLT** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 4:12 pm

About 5200 miles on wifey's 150. DON"T bother with Shinko's with tubes. Wound up with a blackwall Kenda tubeless which eliminates tube problems.

Karl

Tazio · Post by **Tazio** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 10:05 pm

I got 6500 on my original rear tire. I think the big factors are how much you weigh, the tire pressures you use and how fast you scoot and corner as well as the tire brand.

SYMbionic Duo · Post by **SYMbionic Duo** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 2:19 pm

On my Citycom, i got 16k to where i should have replaced it, 18k is where i actually replaced it. note this is 16" tire..

My buddy rear usually is 4.5-6k.

The Downtown only got 4.5k (i think i was a little too aggressive with my riding, probably should have gotten 6-8k)

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 2:25 pm

Has anyone had experience with the Pirelli SL26?