New tires

[beherenow71]

I getting new shoes put on my bike this week. It will be the first time I've had 2 brand new tires on a bike. The salesman mentioned something about them being slippery at first and to be careful. I was just wondering if someone could explain what exactly I need to be careful doing besides just cornering and if theres any way to speed up the breaking in process I guess.

I wish I had the stuff to change the tires myself because the dealer is ripping me a new one at $68 per tire, and thats having bought the tires from them.

[scottynoface]

Tires used to come with the mold release agent on them, but I think now they've got to where they don't use it. But still, yes, new tires are a bit slippery until you break them in. The key to getting them up to shape is numerous heat cycles, get em hot then let it sit. I was cautious about the first 100 miles or so and then started getting into them, worked fine for me

You can see it at the edge of the tire here, still haven't worked over to the racing slick section so it's virgin.



What kinda tires you getting? Just curious

[beherenow71]

Bridgestone bt-016

[katman05]

Let us know how you find the 016's on the Kat. Just take it easy for 50-100 miles, no kneedragging or hard stops and you'll be fine.

[beherenow71]

I'll let you know how they are...but I don't have a Kat anymore. What Pirelli's are those Scotty? I was running Corsa's and wanted to continue using Pirelli but the dealer doesn't sell them, so gonna try Bridgestone.

[thetable]

Pretend like it is somebody else's bike for the first 50-100 miles and slowly build up lean angle and throttle brake input. They will be slippery at first, but a little riding will get the scuffed in, in short order.

[SKNL2]

$68 a tire?!?!

Good God, man! Go somewhere else! Somewhere that sells the tire you want and doesn't screw you over in the process.

A couple of tire levers, a few squares of milk carton (to prevent scratching the rim) and whatever tools you need to remove the wheels would barely cost that much. And then you would be able to change your own tires forever!

[SilentTJ]

the shop i go to only charges about 30 bucks per tire. so i would definitely start looking for a new place when it comes to getting tires changed

[jimwag81]

I assume that it's $68 a tire with the wheels still on the bike. I just had mine done and it was $60 a tire at Powersports Pro in Omaha. The other shops wanted around the same price.

[beherenow71]

There aren't many choices here. Couple other places I don't like because they look down on sport bikes, and they don't sell the tires as cheap. $68 is bringing the whole bike in. I'm going to try to take just the rear tire in tomorrow, if I have time, they only charge $35 if I do that.

edit: Jim beat me to responding, $68 is on the bike. Sadly they are expensive, but they are always real nice and helpful as they rob me blind. And to be more specific, the other places may save me $10 a tire, but their tires cost more so its a wash. On a side note, Star City Motorsports is having an open house this weekend, car and bike show on Sunday I believe, which I'm going to try to attend.

[SKNL2]

$35 is more reasonable. Still, if you know how to take the wheels off, you can change the tires yourself, too.

Independence! I have gotten to where I can change front and rear in under 2 hours start to finish. It's not that hard.

[scottynoface]

What Pirelli's are those Scotty? I was running Corsa's and wanted to continue using Pirelli but the dealer doesn't sell them, so gonna try Bridgestone.

Diablo Rosso 120/60/17 and 180/55/17. Dey's like GLEW!

[locco]

i have just asked a set of michelin pilot road for my kat.only the rear is 400 liras which is 250 dollars.
the tires are f*** expensive here.because of the damn custom taxes

[Astro4x4]

Now I know why I bought tire levers. Wow, $35 with wheels off ! Think I'm going to open a motorcycle tire shop !

[Katana1100]

changing the tires really isnt that big of a deal once you break the bead.but balencing them thats where i have trouble