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Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
Subject: NEW TIRES
Well, Tuesday, April 3, 2007 I joined The Club. A club that has many
members, some very distinguished, but yet a club that I've never wanted to
join. In fact, it was more like I was drafted into this club, then
volunteered.
I have been riding an 04 DL650 for 2-2/3 years and have 51,000 miles on it.
This is my second bike, the first one was a Kaw VN750 cruiser which I had
for 15,000 miles (in just over one year). Obviously, I ride alot. I have
ridden in just about any weather. The longest I have not been on the bike
in 4 years is 11 days, and this is while living in NJ.
I am always reading about riders (many DL riders) "dropping" their bikes.
Dropping them under many conditions, and seemingly, under no conditions at
all. I know that it could happen to any of us, but was happy that it never
happened to me. Never dropped the bike, never crashed in any way. With
51,000 miles, the bike did not have a mark from hitting
anything.......................................but does now.
When I started riding, I read many articles on safety and handling and
related things (and still do). I ride hard, fast, and am focused. Always
calculating a few moves ahead, and trying to account for everything that
could happen. Sometimes I catch myself leaving too small a margin, and
hopefully back off a click or two while thinking about my 7 1/2 year old
daughter and 9 year old son who are waiting for me to get home.
Anyway, not to drag this out too much. I have my DL set up for street
riding. DL1000 seat, raised forks, clean, raked windshield, and Bridgestone
BT-020 full street tires. I've had 4 sets of these tires on this bike and
think they are excellent for street riding. Last set I pushed alittle too
far putting just over 9,000 miles on the rear. I cut the tread open to see
literally 1/8" of tread left. That is, 1/8" of rubber and belts between the
road and the air inside the tire. Had no mishaps, but made a note not to go
that far on tires again.
Well, I put on a new set of BT-020s, rode around the block after mounting
and balancing myself, very responsive, everything felt good but did not have
time for a real "break in" ride.
Three days later after work, weather was nice (50s and sunny) road was clean
of all the winter junk (rained the day before and was now nice and dry), so
I figured I'd go out for an hour or so and "scrub in" the tires.
Didn't wear all my armored stuff since I was just staying local. Had on
heavy (non MC) boots, double front Carhartt carpenter's jeans, heavy leather
jacket with a liner, FF helmet. Was dressed ok, but had my better stuff
hanging in the closet.
This is the forth set of these tires I've had on this bike. Did alittle
weaving, cornering easy at lowish speeds, trying the brakes. Tires feel
very responsive, bike feels light. Was about 10 minutes into the ride, on a
familiar road, went around a curve at about 25, a curve that I could have
easily taken at 50 or 60, was in the turn and went to lean the bike alittle
deeper, which I did. All of a sudden the bike let loose (like I hit glare
ice), I hit the road, the bike slid 75 feet down the street and settled on
the outside of the turn in the dirt and leaves. I was shocked. I thought I
was taking it pretty easy. I knew there was nothing on the road. I didn't
think I was pushing it very hard. The bike suffered minor damage. Left side
end bar weight was ground down and screw bent, handguard messed up, left
side front cowling was gouged but not cracked, passenger peg groud down a
bit, clutch lever alittle bent, tail bag slightly scuffed, small scuff on
front fender. Amazing that not more happened to the bike.
I have one quarter size road rash on my left hip, some soreness there too,
left elbow alittle sore, my entire left side lat area and shoulder blade is
sore, left shoulder is sore. Armor would have helped w/ some of this. No
other injuries that I know of. Had Xrays, seemed good. Really just feel
very beat up.
Lesson, which I thought I knew,..............................take it VERY
easy with those new tires. They have very little traction compared to worn
in ones, especially in lower temps before the tires are warmed up. I just
never thought that the traction limit could be THAT low. I would say it was
less than 1/2 the traction of a old, warm tire.
I was obviously fortunate that my injuries were not MUCH worse, and the bike
will be like before with about $250 in parts and a couple hours labor.
I know many will think, "oh, I already know this". Well, so did I.
Wear your good gear. And............................................
BE VERY, VERY CONSERVATIVE WITH THOSE NEW TIRES !!!!!!!
I felt like I had a duty to share my story with you. Hope it helps someone
out there.
GC
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
Subject: NEW TIRES
Well, Tuesday, April 3, 2007 I joined The Club. A club that has many
members, some very distinguished, but yet a club that I've never wanted to
join. In fact, it was more like I was drafted into this club, then
volunteered.
I have been riding an 04 DL650 for 2-2/3 years and have 51,000 miles on it.
This is my second bike, the first one was a Kaw VN750 cruiser which I had
for 15,000 miles (in just over one year). Obviously, I ride alot. I have
ridden in just about any weather. The longest I have not been on the bike
in 4 years is 11 days, and this is while living in NJ.
I am always reading about riders (many DL riders) "dropping" their bikes.
Dropping them under many conditions, and seemingly, under no conditions at
all. I know that it could happen to any of us, but was happy that it never
happened to me. Never dropped the bike, never crashed in any way. With
51,000 miles, the bike did not have a mark from hitting
anything.......................................but does now.
When I started riding, I read many articles on safety and handling and
related things (and still do). I ride hard, fast, and am focused. Always
calculating a few moves ahead, and trying to account for everything that
could happen. Sometimes I catch myself leaving too small a margin, and
hopefully back off a click or two while thinking about my 7 1/2 year old
daughter and 9 year old son who are waiting for me to get home.
Anyway, not to drag this out too much. I have my DL set up for street
riding. DL1000 seat, raised forks, clean, raked windshield, and Bridgestone
BT-020 full street tires. I've had 4 sets of these tires on this bike and
think they are excellent for street riding. Last set I pushed alittle too
far putting just over 9,000 miles on the rear. I cut the tread open to see
literally 1/8" of tread left. That is, 1/8" of rubber and belts between the
road and the air inside the tire. Had no mishaps, but made a note not to go
that far on tires again.
Well, I put on a new set of BT-020s, rode around the block after mounting
and balancing myself, very responsive, everything felt good but did not have
time for a real "break in" ride.
Three days later after work, weather was nice (50s and sunny) road was clean
of all the winter junk (rained the day before and was now nice and dry), so
I figured I'd go out for an hour or so and "scrub in" the tires.
Didn't wear all my armored stuff since I was just staying local. Had on
heavy (non MC) boots, double front Carhartt carpenter's jeans, heavy leather
jacket with a liner, FF helmet. Was dressed ok, but had my better stuff
hanging in the closet.
This is the forth set of these tires I've had on this bike. Did alittle
weaving, cornering easy at lowish speeds, trying the brakes. Tires feel
very responsive, bike feels light. Was about 10 minutes into the ride, on a
familiar road, went around a curve at about 25, a curve that I could have
easily taken at 50 or 60, was in the turn and went to lean the bike alittle
deeper, which I did. All of a sudden the bike let loose (like I hit glare
ice), I hit the road, the bike slid 75 feet down the street and settled on
the outside of the turn in the dirt and leaves. I was shocked. I thought I
was taking it pretty easy. I knew there was nothing on the road. I didn't
think I was pushing it very hard. The bike suffered minor damage. Left side
end bar weight was ground down and screw bent, handguard messed up, left
side front cowling was gouged but not cracked, passenger peg groud down a
bit, clutch lever alittle bent, tail bag slightly scuffed, small scuff on
front fender. Amazing that not more happened to the bike.
I have one quarter size road rash on my left hip, some soreness there too,
left elbow alittle sore, my entire left side lat area and shoulder blade is
sore, left shoulder is sore. Armor would have helped w/ some of this. No
other injuries that I know of. Had Xrays, seemed good. Really just feel
very beat up.
Lesson, which I thought I knew,..............................take it VERY
easy with those new tires. They have very little traction compared to worn
in ones, especially in lower temps before the tires are warmed up. I just
never thought that the traction limit could be THAT low. I would say it was
less than 1/2 the traction of a old, warm tire.
I was obviously fortunate that my injuries were not MUCH worse, and the bike
will be like before with about $250 in parts and a couple hours labor.
I know many will think, "oh, I already know this". Well, so did I.
Wear your good gear. And............................................
BE VERY, VERY CONSERVATIVE WITH THOSE NEW TIRES !!!!!!!
I felt like I had a duty to share my story with you. Hope it helps someone
out there.
GC
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:39:31 GMT, "Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com >
wrote:
>
>BE VERY, VERY CONSERVATIVE WITH THOSE NEW TIRES !!!!!!!
>
>I felt like I had a duty to share my story with you. Hope it helps someone
>out there.
Well I never like to hear of anyone crashing and all things considered
I am sure you would have preferred to avoid this one. Glad to hear it
wasn't more serious.
I suspect your loss of traction was a combination of a few things. As
you mentioned the new tires and cold temperatures. This time of year,
even after a good rain, in my corner of the world there can be a film
of dust left on the surface of the road.
--
24 hours in a day
&
24 beer in a case
Coincidence?
I think not
On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:39:31 GMT, "Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com >
wrote:
>
>BE VERY, VERY CONSERVATIVE WITH THOSE NEW TIRES !!!!!!!
>
>I felt like I had a duty to share my story with you. Hope it helps someone
>out there.
Well I never like to hear of anyone crashing and all things considered
I am sure you would have preferred to avoid this one. Glad to hear it
wasn't more serious.
I suspect your loss of traction was a combination of a few things. As
you mentioned the new tires and cold temperatures. This time of year,
even after a good rain, in my corner of the world there can be a film
of dust left on the surface of the road.
--
24 hours in a day
&
24 beer in a case
Coincidence?
I think not
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
"Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com > wrote in message
news:7gFRh.101$ok6.93@trnddc07...
> Subject: NEW TIRES
>
>
> Well, Tuesday, April 3, 2007 I joined The Club. A club that has many
> members, some very distinguished, but yet a club that I've never wanted
> to join. In fact, it was more like I was drafted into this club, then
> volunteered.
>
....
>
> This is the forth set of these tires I've had on this bike. Did alittle
> weaving, cornering easy at lowish speeds, trying the brakes. Tires feel
> very responsive, bike feels light. Was about 10 minutes into the ride,
> on a familiar road, went around a curve at about 25, a curve that I
> could have easily taken at 50 or 60, was in the turn and went to lean
> the bike alittle deeper, which I did. All of a sudden the bike let
> loose (like I hit glare ice), I hit the road, the bike slid 75 feet down
> the street and settled on the outside of the turn in the dirt and
> leaves. I was shocked. I thought I was taking it pretty easy. I knew
> there was nothing on the road. I didn't think I was pushing it very
> hard. The bike suffered minor damage. Left side end bar weight was
> ground down and screw bent, handguard messed up, left side front cowling
> was gouged but not cracked, passenger peg groud down a bit, clutch lever
> alittle bent, tail bag slightly scuffed, small scuff on front fender.
> Amazing that not more happened to the bike.
>
> I have one quarter size road rash on my left hip, some soreness there
> too, left elbow alittle sore, my entire left side lat area and shoulder
> blade is sore, left shoulder is sore. Armor would have helped w/ some
> of this. No other injuries that I know of. Had Xrays, seemed good.
> Really just feel very beat up.
>
I'm glad you weren't too beat up Joe. I'll be taking my first ride of the
season tomorrow and will be facing a lot of dirt on asphalt along with the
possibility of ice in the shadows. I'll be thinking of you.
Robert
"Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com > wrote in message
news:7gFRh.101$ok6.93@trnddc07...
> Subject: NEW TIRES
>
>
> Well, Tuesday, April 3, 2007 I joined The Club. A club that has many
> members, some very distinguished, but yet a club that I've never wanted
> to join. In fact, it was more like I was drafted into this club, then
> volunteered.
>
....
>
> This is the forth set of these tires I've had on this bike. Did alittle
> weaving, cornering easy at lowish speeds, trying the brakes. Tires feel
> very responsive, bike feels light. Was about 10 minutes into the ride,
> on a familiar road, went around a curve at about 25, a curve that I
> could have easily taken at 50 or 60, was in the turn and went to lean
> the bike alittle deeper, which I did. All of a sudden the bike let
> loose (like I hit glare ice), I hit the road, the bike slid 75 feet down
> the street and settled on the outside of the turn in the dirt and
> leaves. I was shocked. I thought I was taking it pretty easy. I knew
> there was nothing on the road. I didn't think I was pushing it very
> hard. The bike suffered minor damage. Left side end bar weight was
> ground down and screw bent, handguard messed up, left side front cowling
> was gouged but not cracked, passenger peg groud down a bit, clutch lever
> alittle bent, tail bag slightly scuffed, small scuff on front fender.
> Amazing that not more happened to the bike.
>
> I have one quarter size road rash on my left hip, some soreness there
> too, left elbow alittle sore, my entire left side lat area and shoulder
> blade is sore, left shoulder is sore. Armor would have helped w/ some
> of this. No other injuries that I know of. Had Xrays, seemed good.
> Really just feel very beat up.
>
I'm glad you weren't too beat up Joe. I'll be taking my first ride of the
season tomorrow and will be facing a lot of dirt on asphalt along with the
possibility of ice in the shadows. I'll be thinking of you.
Robert
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
> I'm glad you weren't too beat up Joe. I'll be taking my first ride of the
> season tomorrow and will be facing a lot of dirt on asphalt along with the
> possibility of ice in the shadows. I'll be thinking of you.
>
> Robert
Roibert,
Wasn't me who went down but a friend. I just thought his info was detailed
enough and good to be worthy of a repost with his permission.
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
> I'm glad you weren't too beat up Joe. I'll be taking my first ride of the
> season tomorrow and will be facing a lot of dirt on asphalt along with the
> possibility of ice in the shadows. I'll be thinking of you.
>
> Robert
Roibert,
Wasn't me who went down but a friend. I just thought his info was detailed
enough and good to be worthy of a repost with his permission.
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:39:31 GMT, "Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com >
wrote:
>Subject: NEW TIRES
<snip>
Excellent post and something to consider, Joe. Thanks.
I suspect the cold temperature played a large role in this. Even with
worn-in tires, I've been surprised how little cornering traction I
have in cold weather. Gotta take it real easy under those conditions.
--
Home page: * xidos.ca
On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:39:31 GMT, "Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com >
wrote:
>Subject: NEW TIRES
<snip>
Excellent post and something to consider, Joe. Thanks.
I suspect the cold temperature played a large role in this. Even with
worn-in tires, I've been surprised how little cornering traction I
have in cold weather. Gotta take it real easy under those conditions.
--
Home page: * xidos.ca
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
"Road Glidin' Don" <langkd_NO_SPAM@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:4618390b.110893396@shawnews.ed.shawcable . net ...
> On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:39:31 GMT, "Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com >
> wrote:
>
>>Subject: NEW TIRES
> <snip>
>
> Excellent post and something to consider, Joe. Thanks.
>
> I suspect the cold temperature played a large role in this. Even with
> worn-in tires, I've been surprised how little cornering traction I
> have in cold weather. Gotta take it real easy under those conditions.
CLIP
Coldness we are used to... And you are right! He (we sometimes) ride from
here in NJ up to the Canadian border in the Adirondack state park where he
has a house. We've ridden in 0 degree days before and on salt-sheen covered
roads...
The difference between my riding style and his is that I "saunter"
everywhere and hardly ever take a turn aggressively... I've NEVER scraped a
peg on the Valkyre and only did it twice on my old Vulcan. Once on purpose
and once test riding it like a dirt bike before I knew anything...
Cold makes a huge difference... Beware of it salt sheen (covering of
dissolved salt that is invisible in many cases), sand, gravel, release
agents on new tires, dead raccoons in a turn, etc. All need to be
considered.
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
"Road Glidin' Don" <langkd_NO_SPAM@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:4618390b.110893396@shawnews.ed.shawcable . net ...
> On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:39:31 GMT, "Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com >
> wrote:
>
>>Subject: NEW TIRES
> <snip>
>
> Excellent post and something to consider, Joe. Thanks.
>
> I suspect the cold temperature played a large role in this. Even with
> worn-in tires, I've been surprised how little cornering traction I
> have in cold weather. Gotta take it real easy under those conditions.
CLIP
Coldness we are used to... And you are right! He (we sometimes) ride from
here in NJ up to the Canadian border in the Adirondack state park where he
has a house. We've ridden in 0 degree days before and on salt-sheen covered
roads...
The difference between my riding style and his is that I "saunter"
everywhere and hardly ever take a turn aggressively... I've NEVER scraped a
peg on the Valkyre and only did it twice on my old Vulcan. Once on purpose
and once test riding it like a dirt bike before I knew anything...
Cold makes a huge difference... Beware of it salt sheen (covering of
dissolved salt that is invisible in many cases), sand, gravel, release
agents on new tires, dead raccoons in a turn, etc. All need to be
considered.
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
On Apr 7, 12:39 am, "Joe" <faked-but-wo...@yunx . com > wrote:
> Subject: NEW TIRES
>
> Well, Tuesday, April 3, 2007 I joined The Club. A club that has many
> members, some very distinguished, but yet a club that I've never wanted to
> join. In fact, it was more like I was drafted into this club, then
> volunteered.
>
> I have been riding an 04 DL650 for 2-2/3 years and have 51,000 miles on it.
> This is my second bike, the first one was a Kaw VN750 cruiser which I had
> for 15,000 miles (in just over one year). Obviously, I ride alot. I have
> ridden in just about any weather. The longest I have not been on the bike
> in 4 years is 11 days, and this is while living in NJ.
>
> I am always reading about riders (many DL riders) "dropping" their bikes.
> Dropping them under many conditions, and seemingly, under no conditions at
> all. I know that it could happen to any of us, but was happy that it never
> happened to me. Never dropped the bike, never crashed in any way. With
> 51,000 miles, the bike did not have a mark from hitting
> anything.......................................but does now.
>
> When I started riding, I read many articles on safety and handling and
> related things (and still do). I ride hard, fast, and am focused. Always
> calculating a few moves ahead, and trying to account for everything that
> could happen. Sometimes I catch myself leaving too small a margin, and
> hopefully back off a click or two while thinking about my 7 1/2 year old
> daughter and 9 year old son who are waiting for me to get home.
>
> Anyway, not to drag this out too much. I have my DL set up for street
> riding. DL1000 seat, raised forks, clean, raked windshield, and Bridgestone
> BT-020 full street tires. I've had 4 sets of these tires on this bike and
> think they are excellent for street riding. Last set I pushed alittle too
> far putting just over 9,000 miles on the rear. I cut the tread open to see
> literally 1/8" of tread left. That is, 1/8" of rubber and belts between the
> road and the air inside the tire. Had no mishaps, but made a note not to go
> that far on tires again.
>
> Well, I put on a new set of BT-020s, rode around the block after mounting
> and balancing myself, very responsive, everything felt good but did not have
> time for a real "break in" ride.
> Three days later after work, weather was nice (50s and sunny) road was clean
> of all the winter junk (rained the day before and was now nice and dry), so
> I figured I'd go out for an hour or so and "scrub in" the tires.
>
> Didn't wear all my armored stuff since I was just staying local. Had on
> heavy (non MC) boots, double front Carhartt carpenter's jeans, heavy leather
> jacket with a liner, FF helmet. Was dressed ok, but had my better stuff
> hanging in the closet.
>
> This is the forth set of these tires I've had on this bike. Did alittle
> weaving, cornering easy at lowish speeds, trying the brakes. Tires feel
> very responsive, bike feels light. Was about 10 minutes into the ride, on a
> familiar road, went around a curve at about 25, a curve that I could have
> easily taken at 50 or 60, was in the turn and went to lean the bike alittle
> deeper, which I did. All of a sudden the bike let loose (like I hit glare
> ice), I hit the road, the bike slid 75 feet down the street and settled on
> the outside of the turn in the dirt and leaves. I was shocked. I thought I
> was taking it pretty easy. I knew there was nothing on the road. I didn't
> think I was pushing it very hard. The bike suffered minor damage. Left side
> end bar weight was ground down and screw bent, handguard messed up, left
> side front cowling was gouged but not cracked, passenger peg groud down a
> bit, clutch lever alittle bent, tail bag slightly scuffed, small scuff on
> front fender. Amazing that not more happened to the bike.
>
> I have one quarter size road rash on my left hip, some soreness there too,
> left elbow alittle sore, my entire left side lat area and shoulder blade is
> sore, left shoulder is sore. Armor would have helped w/ some of this. No
> other injuries that I know of. Had Xrays, seemed good. Really just feel
> very beat up.
>
> Lesson, which I thought I knew,..............................take it VERY
> easy with those new tires. They have very little traction compared to worn
> in ones, especially in lower temps before the tires are warmed up. I just
> never thought that the traction limit could be THAT low. I would say it was
> less than 1/2 the traction of a old, warm tire.
>
> I was obviously fortunate that my injuries were not MUCH worse, and the bike
> will be like before with about $250 in parts and a couple hours labor.
>
> I know many will think, "oh, I already know this". Well, so did I.
> Wear your good gear. And............................................
>
> BE VERY, VERY CONSERVATIVE WITH THOSE NEW TIRES !!!!!!!
>
> I felt like I had a duty to share my story with you. Hope it helps someone
> out there.
>
> GC
>
> --
>
> Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
>
> Currently Riding The "Mother Ship" * yunx . com /valk.htm
>
> Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ? * tinyurl . com /5apkg
Good reminder of new tires. I'm glad your friend wasn't hurt beyond
what happened. He sounds like a very experienced rider with plenty of
mileage under his belt, which drives home the point all the more to
those of us with less mileage & exp since resaddling (probably not a
word, but that's never stopped me before :).
What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
but I'm not sure where I got that from.
Greg
On Apr 7, 12:39 am, "Joe" <faked-but-wo...@yunx . com > wrote:
> Subject: NEW TIRES
>
> Well, Tuesday, April 3, 2007 I joined The Club. A club that has many
> members, some very distinguished, but yet a club that I've never wanted to
> join. In fact, it was more like I was drafted into this club, then
> volunteered.
>
> I have been riding an 04 DL650 for 2-2/3 years and have 51,000 miles on it.
> This is my second bike, the first one was a Kaw VN750 cruiser which I had
> for 15,000 miles (in just over one year). Obviously, I ride alot. I have
> ridden in just about any weather. The longest I have not been on the bike
> in 4 years is 11 days, and this is while living in NJ.
>
> I am always reading about riders (many DL riders) "dropping" their bikes.
> Dropping them under many conditions, and seemingly, under no conditions at
> all. I know that it could happen to any of us, but was happy that it never
> happened to me. Never dropped the bike, never crashed in any way. With
> 51,000 miles, the bike did not have a mark from hitting
> anything.......................................but does now.
>
> When I started riding, I read many articles on safety and handling and
> related things (and still do). I ride hard, fast, and am focused. Always
> calculating a few moves ahead, and trying to account for everything that
> could happen. Sometimes I catch myself leaving too small a margin, and
> hopefully back off a click or two while thinking about my 7 1/2 year old
> daughter and 9 year old son who are waiting for me to get home.
>
> Anyway, not to drag this out too much. I have my DL set up for street
> riding. DL1000 seat, raised forks, clean, raked windshield, and Bridgestone
> BT-020 full street tires. I've had 4 sets of these tires on this bike and
> think they are excellent for street riding. Last set I pushed alittle too
> far putting just over 9,000 miles on the rear. I cut the tread open to see
> literally 1/8" of tread left. That is, 1/8" of rubber and belts between the
> road and the air inside the tire. Had no mishaps, but made a note not to go
> that far on tires again.
>
> Well, I put on a new set of BT-020s, rode around the block after mounting
> and balancing myself, very responsive, everything felt good but did not have
> time for a real "break in" ride.
> Three days later after work, weather was nice (50s and sunny) road was clean
> of all the winter junk (rained the day before and was now nice and dry), so
> I figured I'd go out for an hour or so and "scrub in" the tires.
>
> Didn't wear all my armored stuff since I was just staying local. Had on
> heavy (non MC) boots, double front Carhartt carpenter's jeans, heavy leather
> jacket with a liner, FF helmet. Was dressed ok, but had my better stuff
> hanging in the closet.
>
> This is the forth set of these tires I've had on this bike. Did alittle
> weaving, cornering easy at lowish speeds, trying the brakes. Tires feel
> very responsive, bike feels light. Was about 10 minutes into the ride, on a
> familiar road, went around a curve at about 25, a curve that I could have
> easily taken at 50 or 60, was in the turn and went to lean the bike alittle
> deeper, which I did. All of a sudden the bike let loose (like I hit glare
> ice), I hit the road, the bike slid 75 feet down the street and settled on
> the outside of the turn in the dirt and leaves. I was shocked. I thought I
> was taking it pretty easy. I knew there was nothing on the road. I didn't
> think I was pushing it very hard. The bike suffered minor damage. Left side
> end bar weight was ground down and screw bent, handguard messed up, left
> side front cowling was gouged but not cracked, passenger peg groud down a
> bit, clutch lever alittle bent, tail bag slightly scuffed, small scuff on
> front fender. Amazing that not more happened to the bike.
>
> I have one quarter size road rash on my left hip, some soreness there too,
> left elbow alittle sore, my entire left side lat area and shoulder blade is
> sore, left shoulder is sore. Armor would have helped w/ some of this. No
> other injuries that I know of. Had Xrays, seemed good. Really just feel
> very beat up.
>
> Lesson, which I thought I knew,..............................take it VERY
> easy with those new tires. They have very little traction compared to worn
> in ones, especially in lower temps before the tires are warmed up. I just
> never thought that the traction limit could be THAT low. I would say it was
> less than 1/2 the traction of a old, warm tire.
>
> I was obviously fortunate that my injuries were not MUCH worse, and the bike
> will be like before with about $250 in parts and a couple hours labor.
>
> I know many will think, "oh, I already know this". Well, so did I.
> Wear your good gear. And............................................
>
> BE VERY, VERY CONSERVATIVE WITH THOSE NEW TIRES !!!!!!!
>
> I felt like I had a duty to share my story with you. Hope it helps someone
> out there.
>
> GC
>
> --
>
> Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
>
> Currently Riding The "Mother Ship" * yunx . com /valk.htm
>
> Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ? * tinyurl . com /5apkg
Good reminder of new tires. I'm glad your friend wasn't hurt beyond
what happened. He sounds like a very experienced rider with plenty of
mileage under his belt, which drives home the point all the more to
those of us with less mileage & exp since resaddling (probably not a
word, but that's never stopped me before :).
What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
but I'm not sure where I got that from.
Greg
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
On 7 Apr 2007 10:16:52 -0700, "oasysco" <wilderkommen@yahoo . com >
wrote:
>What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
>but I'm not sure where I got that from.
I always heard 50 mi. But I always wondered. The bottom of the tire
must scrub off pretty quick, but it's the edges that you worry about,
the part you use in hard cornering. There's no way to break it in
without hard cornering before it's broken in!
On 7 Apr 2007 10:16:52 -0700, "oasysco" <wilderkommen@yahoo . com >
wrote:
>What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
>but I'm not sure where I got that from.
I always heard 50 mi. But I always wondered. The bottom of the tire
must scrub off pretty quick, but it's the edges that you worry about,
the part you use in hard cornering. There's no way to break it in
without hard cornering before it's broken in!
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
Blazing Laser wrote:
> On 7 Apr 2007 10:16:52 -0700, "oasysco" <wilderkommen@yahoo . com >
> wrote:
>
>> What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
>> but I'm not sure where I got that from.
>
> I always heard 50 mi. But I always wondered. The bottom of the tire
> must scrub off pretty quick, but it's the edges that you worry about,
> the part you use in hard cornering. There's no way to break it in
> without hard cornering before it's broken in!
There's a great big empty parking lot near my house that's great for
scrubbing in new tires. Just watch out for the sand.
Blazing Laser wrote:
> On 7 Apr 2007 10:16:52 -0700, "oasysco" <wilderkommen@yahoo . com >
> wrote:
>
>> What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
>> but I'm not sure where I got that from.
>
> I always heard 50 mi. But I always wondered. The bottom of the tire
> must scrub off pretty quick, but it's the edges that you worry about,
> the part you use in hard cornering. There's no way to break it in
> without hard cornering before it's broken in!
There's a great big empty parking lot near my house that's great for
scrubbing in new tires. Just watch out for the sand.
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
> I always heard 50 mi. But I always wondered. The bottom of the tire
> must scrub off pretty quick, but it's the edges that you worry about,
> the part you use in hard cornering. There's no way to break it in
> without hard cornering before it's broken in!
The heat of running the tires down a highway help break them in... But not
nearly as good as actually removing the release agent physically... some
folks use sandpaper by hand....
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
> I always heard 50 mi. But I always wondered. The bottom of the tire
> must scrub off pretty quick, but it's the edges that you worry about,
> the part you use in hard cornering. There's no way to break it in
> without hard cornering before it's broken in!
The heat of running the tires down a highway help break them in... But not
nearly as good as actually removing the release agent physically... some
folks use sandpaper by hand....
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
"Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com > wrote in
news:vzVRh.225$ok6.29@trnddc07:
> The heat of running the tires down a highway help break them in...
> But not nearly as good as actually removing the release agent
> physically... some folks use sandpaper by hand....
Brass brush, Simple Green, wrinsed with gobs of water...
--
RCOS #7
IBA# 11465
* imagesdesavions . com
"Joe" <faked-but-works@yunx . com > wrote in
news:vzVRh.225$ok6.29@trnddc07:
> The heat of running the tires down a highway help break them in...
> But not nearly as good as actually removing the release agent
> physically... some folks use sandpaper by hand....
Brass brush, Simple Green, wrinsed with gobs of water...
--
RCOS #7
IBA# 11465
* imagesdesavions . com
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
> Good reminder of new tires. I'm glad your friend wasn't hurt beyond
> what happened. He sounds like a very experienced rider with plenty of
> mileage under his belt, which drives home the point all the more to
> those of us with less mileage & exp since resaddling (probably not a
> word, but that's never stopped me before :).
>
> What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
> but I'm not sure where I got that from.
100 Miles is possibly good... But I personally wipe the tires down with a
rag wet with gasoline... The gasoline will NOT penetrat mroe than a tiny
little bit into the rubber but will remove the release agents... Plus,
everyone who worries about gasoline ruining their rubber hasn't sampled the
stuff that they run over in the road...
That's what I do. It works for me.
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
> Good reminder of new tires. I'm glad your friend wasn't hurt beyond
> what happened. He sounds like a very experienced rider with plenty of
> mileage under his belt, which drives home the point all the more to
> those of us with less mileage & exp since resaddling (probably not a
> word, but that's never stopped me before :).
>
> What is the proper break-in period? I've always thought it was 100mi,
> but I'm not sure where I got that from.
100 Miles is possibly good... But I personally wipe the tires down with a
rag wet with gasoline... The gasoline will NOT penetrat mroe than a tiny
little bit into the rubber but will remove the release agents... Plus,
everyone who worries about gasoline ruining their rubber hasn't sampled the
stuff that they run over in the road...
That's what I do. It works for me.
--
Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R
Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
* yunx . com /valk.htm
Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
* tinyurl . com /5apkg
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
I got some new tires on my Rebel in February. First thing I did
was I took some sandpaper and I went around and rubbed up the entire
surface. Then I took the bike out to an empty parking lot and just
went around slowly gradually increasing the lean, and I did this for
about a half hour. For about 200 miles or so I was easy on the brakes
and riding. The tires are Pirellis and they are great, big
improvement.
I have some Chen Shin tires on my Vino 125 (I also had them on my
Rebel, as I bought it used). They wear like iron, but don't have alot
of grip, especially when they were new. And they take forever to
break in fully . Hundreds of miles. On one ride with my dad, he was
complaining about the brakes on his scooter, and I got stupid and I
let him ride the Vino so I could test out the brakes on the 50cc, even
though he's only got experience riding a 50cc that had drum brakes.
He locked the front wheel very easily and down he went (at least he
wore a helmet, jeans, gloves, and a windbreaker), and I got a couple
hundred dollars in damage to the scooter. What garbage tires.
Unfortunately, I don't feel like going through the hassle right now of
replacing them ,so I just go easy on them. Shame on Yamaha for
equiping them, though. There are so many other better alternatives.
My only guess is that both the Vino and Cheng Shin come from Taiwan,
so it's easier for them to source the tires.
I got some new tires on my Rebel in February. First thing I did
was I took some sandpaper and I went around and rubbed up the entire
surface. Then I took the bike out to an empty parking lot and just
went around slowly gradually increasing the lean, and I did this for
about a half hour. For about 200 miles or so I was easy on the brakes
and riding. The tires are Pirellis and they are great, big
improvement.
I have some Chen Shin tires on my Vino 125 (I also had them on my
Rebel, as I bought it used). They wear like iron, but don't have alot
of grip, especially when they were new. And they take forever to
break in fully . Hundreds of miles. On one ride with my dad, he was
complaining about the brakes on his scooter, and I got stupid and I
let him ride the Vino so I could test out the brakes on the 50cc, even
though he's only got experience riding a 50cc that had drum brakes.
He locked the front wheel very easily and down he went (at least he
wore a helmet, jeans, gloves, and a windbreaker), and I got a couple
hundred dollars in damage to the scooter. What garbage tires.
Unfortunately, I don't feel like going through the hassle right now of
replacing them ,so I just go easy on them. Shame on Yamaha for
equiping them, though. There are so many other better alternatives.
My only guess is that both the Vino and Cheng Shin come from Taiwan,
so it's easier for them to source the tires.
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
On Apr 8, 1:10 am, "Magnulus" <magnu...@bellsouth . net > wrote:
> I got some new tires on my Rebel in February. First thing I did
> was I took some sandpaper and I went around and rubbed up the entire
> surface. Then I took the bike out to an empty parking lot and just
> went around slowly gradually increasing the lean, and I did this for
> about a half hour. For about 200 miles or so I was easy on the brakes
> and riding.
I put some new tires on my Street Glide back in October. After
trailering the bike home from the dealer, I put the bike up on my shop
lift, carefully started it, and put it in first gear. I then took #00
steel wool and carefully cleaned the rear tire with it soaked in 3M
adhesive remover, making sure that I covered all the treaded area of
the tire as it rotated slowly, in first gear. I then clamped my
electric drill in my portable work table with a rubber sanding drum
chucked into it, and carefully placed the work table so that the
rubber drum engaged and then began rotating the front tire. I then
took #00 steel wool and carefully cleaned the front tire with it
soaked in 3M adhesive remover, making sure that I covered all the
treaded area of the tire as it rotated slowly. Letting the bike sit
and the tires cool for a day, I then repeated the cleaning procedure
with #1500 sandpaper and Methyl ethyl ketone (MEC) while being careful
to wear a respirator. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool
for a day. The next day, I repeated the cleaning sequence with #1000
sandpaper and Castrol Super Clean. Again, I let the bike and tires
sit and cool for a day. The next day, I repeated the cleaning
sequence with #600 sandpaper and Armor All General Purpose Automotive
Cleaner. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool for a day. The
next day, I repeated the cleaning sequence with #200 sandpaper and
Meguiers Swirl Remover #9. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and
cool for a day. The next day, I repeated the cleaning sequence with
#80 sandpaper and Mothers Rubbing Compound.
The next day, I removed the bike from the shop lift and thoroughly
degreased and washed it. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool
for a day. The next day, I carefully walked the bike arond my cul-de-
sac 150 laps, at varying lean angles. Again, I let the bike and tires
sit and cool for a day. The next day, I started the bike and rode it
at various speeds ranging from 3 mph to 11 mph inside my neighborhood,
taking care to wear my armored Aerostich Roadcrafter, full face Shoei
RF1000 helmet, roadracing gloves and boots for protection.
Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool for a day. The next
day, I took the bike out onto local roads and byways, avoiding sand,
oil, wet patches, potholes, intersections, multi-lane highways, cars,
islands, dividers, paint stripes, toll booths, and other potential
hazards. I made sure my speed never exceeded 23 mph. Again, I let
the bike and tires sit and cool for a day. The next day, I repeated
the process, allowing myself speeds up to 25 mph.
After breaking the new tires in this way for 500 miles, I felt that it
was time to take the bike out for a longer, more strenuous ride. I
rode to Florida for Bike Week, only to discover when I arrived that my
tires were completely bald.
So I had Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson
megadealer put new tires on my Street Glide. After trailering the
bike home from the dealer, I put the bike up on my shop lift,
carefully started it, and put it in first gear. I then took #00 steel
wool and carefully cleaned the rear tire with it soaked in 3M adhesive
remover, making sure that I covered all the treaded area of the tire
as it rotated slowly, in first gear......
On Apr 8, 1:10 am, "Magnulus" <magnu...@bellsouth . net > wrote:
> I got some new tires on my Rebel in February. First thing I did
> was I took some sandpaper and I went around and rubbed up the entire
> surface. Then I took the bike out to an empty parking lot and just
> went around slowly gradually increasing the lean, and I did this for
> about a half hour. For about 200 miles or so I was easy on the brakes
> and riding.
I put some new tires on my Street Glide back in October. After
trailering the bike home from the dealer, I put the bike up on my shop
lift, carefully started it, and put it in first gear. I then took #00
steel wool and carefully cleaned the rear tire with it soaked in 3M
adhesive remover, making sure that I covered all the treaded area of
the tire as it rotated slowly, in first gear. I then clamped my
electric drill in my portable work table with a rubber sanding drum
chucked into it, and carefully placed the work table so that the
rubber drum engaged and then began rotating the front tire. I then
took #00 steel wool and carefully cleaned the front tire with it
soaked in 3M adhesive remover, making sure that I covered all the
treaded area of the tire as it rotated slowly. Letting the bike sit
and the tires cool for a day, I then repeated the cleaning procedure
with #1500 sandpaper and Methyl ethyl ketone (MEC) while being careful
to wear a respirator. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool
for a day. The next day, I repeated the cleaning sequence with #1000
sandpaper and Castrol Super Clean. Again, I let the bike and tires
sit and cool for a day. The next day, I repeated the cleaning
sequence with #600 sandpaper and Armor All General Purpose Automotive
Cleaner. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool for a day. The
next day, I repeated the cleaning sequence with #200 sandpaper and
Meguiers Swirl Remover #9. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and
cool for a day. The next day, I repeated the cleaning sequence with
#80 sandpaper and Mothers Rubbing Compound.
The next day, I removed the bike from the shop lift and thoroughly
degreased and washed it. Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool
for a day. The next day, I carefully walked the bike arond my cul-de-
sac 150 laps, at varying lean angles. Again, I let the bike and tires
sit and cool for a day. The next day, I started the bike and rode it
at various speeds ranging from 3 mph to 11 mph inside my neighborhood,
taking care to wear my armored Aerostich Roadcrafter, full face Shoei
RF1000 helmet, roadracing gloves and boots for protection.
Again, I let the bike and tires sit and cool for a day. The next
day, I took the bike out onto local roads and byways, avoiding sand,
oil, wet patches, potholes, intersections, multi-lane highways, cars,
islands, dividers, paint stripes, toll booths, and other potential
hazards. I made sure my speed never exceeded 23 mph. Again, I let
the bike and tires sit and cool for a day. The next day, I repeated
the process, allowing myself speeds up to 25 mph.
After breaking the new tires in this way for 500 miles, I felt that it
was time to take the bike out for a longer, more strenuous ride. I
rode to Florida for Bike Week, only to discover when I arrived that my
tires were completely bald.
So I had Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson
megadealer put new tires on my Street Glide. After trailering the
bike home from the dealer, I put the bike up on my shop lift,
carefully started it, and put it in first gear. I then took #00 steel
wool and carefully cleaned the rear tire with it soaked in 3M adhesive
remover, making sure that I covered all the treaded area of the tire
as it rotated slowly, in first gear......
Re: Post From a Friend Who Crashed...
"tomorrow@erols . com " <tomorrow@erols . com > wrote in
news:1176014039.981063.253310@w1g2000hsg.googlegroups . com :
> So I had Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson
> megadealer put new tires on my Street Glide. After trailering the
> bike home from the dealer, I put the bike up on my shop lift,
> carefully started it, and put it in first gear. I then took #00 steel
>
You are so full of shit...
--
RCOS #7
IBA# 11465
* imagesdesavions . com
"tomorrow@erols . com " <tomorrow@erols . com > wrote in
news:1176014039.981063.253310@w1g2000hsg.googlegroups . com :
> So I had Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson
> megadealer put new tires on my Street Glide. After trailering the
> bike home from the dealer, I put the bike up on my shop lift,
> carefully started it, and put it in first gear. I then took #00 steel
>
You are so full of shit...
--
RCOS #7
IBA# 11465
* imagesdesavions . com
