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Tyres

Disclaimer.
The contents of this page are suggested solutions to members, of problems submitted by fellow members. Make sure you are competent to undertake changes and/or adjustments, and that you do not compromise the safety of any vehicle.

Subject:- Tyre Selection

This question was asked by a member:-

Having now done almost 8000 miles I am informed that I need to change both tyres fitted to my 2006 STX Pan. What would fellow members recommend as the best tyre option to fit to my bike.

These replies were submitted by members:-

1. Bridgestone without a doubt. - Paul

2. Bridgstone are a well documented choice, and used by many club riders, but others are content with Avons and Firestone. If your choice of tyre turn out to have a stability or wobble problem, try adjusting the tyre pressures up or down, but no beyond 6psi either way from those stated in your hand book. If you intend to ride in the higher speed range, lowering the pressure could promote 'weaving' or 'wobble'

3. My 1300 is 4 years old now with 28.000 miles on her, She has had 020s (Bridgestone) on and never had a problem with them, that's what the Boys in blue use, and they use the best , Safe riding.

Subject:- Tyre Selection

This question was asked by a member:-

Since changing from Bridgestone to Michelin tyres, the bike doesn't ride the same, it's a bit strange on corners - hard to describe really. Has anyone got the same problem and would like to share tips, or offer a solution - James

These replies were submitted by members:-

James, the following tips were given to me by a "man & boy" tyre supplier.
1. Most tyres will function well on most bikes, provided the tyre is the correct size for the wheel, and that the pressures are correct.
2. Tyre compounds and tread patterns are not all the same, for example, a BT020 will be a different compound, and have a different tread pattern to an Avon Venom, and will therefore have different handling characteristics, small though they may be. Often it's a case of the rider tuning-in to the new 'ride'. You wouldn't expect a BMW to feel, ride and handle exactly the same as a PAN, and so with tyres.
3. Adjusting the tyre pressures can change the 'ride'. If you are not happy with a particular tyre type, try changing the pressures. Adjustment up or down can change the feel quite significantly. Adjust by 2 psi at a time, but don't adjust beyond 5 or 6 psi maximum from the recommended, it could become dangerous. The pressures quoted in the riders manual, are generally a "happy medium" bench mark. Re-adjust pressure if the load changes (pillion, luggage etc).
4. Use the same pressure gauge, and set the pressures to a cold tyre, (ambient temperature). If adjusting pressure up or down whilst out riding, the pressure reading will probably be higher than the cold set pressure, therefore note the pressure change that you are making, rather than the pressure reading on the gauge.
5. The reason that pressures should be checked "cold" is thus. Tyres become warm when in use. Warm air inside the tyre will expand, and cause an increase in pressure. Once on the move and on warm tyres, dropping or raising a couple of pounds is not a problem. Note what it is, (it will be different from your cold setting), decide what you are going to add or remove, adjust accordingly, and check the difference. Do not work from the "cold" reading, ignore them, they are only useful when the tyres are cold.
On a personal note, I played around following these tips, and now run my 'Pan' 2 psi under the owners manual guide pressure, I find it a little more comfortable, predictable and forgiving. Hope this is of help - Cheers, Garry

Subject:- Tyres ?

This question was asked by a member:-

Just as a matter of interest, I took my daughter to the Dublin bike show on Friday and I had a chance to talk to one of the managers of Honda. I asked him to clarify Honda's view of the tragic death of the young police rider on the motorway. He was adamant that the accident was the result of too low a tyre pressure. I found this quite hard to believe. Fair enough the bike was travelling at high speed (isn't that what police bikes have to do sometimes?) but it doesn't inspire much confidence in the 1300. As I said to the Honda guy, does this mean you've had it, if you have a high speed blow out on the 1300? He said it pretty much did! Personally I wonder if it was a one-off iffy bike. Anyone else got a view on this?

 On a lighter note, please feel free to pass on my contact details to anyone planning to take part in your Ireland run who might want any info before they get over here.
Regards Dave

These replies were submitted by members:-

This is an interesting subject you write about.
I wholly agree with the man from Honda, when he puts the tyre pressures as the primary suspect. Having been involved with motor racing for some years now, and listened with intent when the 'professionals' share their bites of wisdom, I have become a devout tyre pressure 'born again'.
When traveling, the only connection between the vehicle and the road is the tyres. When traveling on a bike, there are few connections between the rider and the machine, handlebars, seat and foot pegs come to mind. How stable would you be if the handlebars were loose? How stable would you be if there were no foot pegs? How stable would you be if the seat wobbled about? Correct tyre pressures are vital in the quest for stability, especially at high speed. The tyre has a given size and profile which is designed to match the characteristics of the type of vehicle to which it is fitted. No one would put a trials tyre on a dragster, for example. It is essential that the profile of the tyre is not compromised, therefore it should be fitted to the appropriate size rim and run at the appropriate pressure. I could go into the scientific aspects of tyre performance and attitude when at high speed when centrifugal forces come into play, or footprint changes and drag coefficients, but you may loose the will to live before you've even completed a full year of membership.
If memory serves me correctly you have an ST1100, as do I. The handbook specifies tyre pressure of 36/42. These specs. are an average pressure, relative to the different makes of tyre suitable for that model. They may not be the optimum pressure for all tyre makes, but will be a 'one size fits all' compromise. Before taking my bike out, I always take 5 minutes to check the tyre pressures (with an accurate gauge). If I'm not intending to exceed 80ish mph, I run the bike with 33/39 psi. I find it a little more comfortable, and a little more sure footed on corners. If I am intending to go faster than 80 mph, I run at 38/42, to lessen the tyre drag on the road, and I find the vehicle more stable, less weavey, and wobble free. I always check the pressures before riding, whilst they are at ambient temperatures, (and the tyre pressure/temperature is yet another science).
I understand that the Police officer who sadly lost his life, experienced a severe wobble, which is quite likely when tyre pressures are too low, especially the front tyre.
I hope this helps you to have a safer riding experience.
With regard to the sales of ST1300, Yes, it has severely effected sales of that model, and with regard to punctures, yes, it is the motorcyclists worst nightmare. I use "Ultraseal" in my tyres, it doesn't stop the tyre being ripped wide open by something extreme on the road, but it stops that little nail from slowly deflating the tyre and giving a nasty shock when the pressure drop causes chaos.