What would you do? Another tire issue.

SCOTTinNJ · 04-28-2006, 04:29 AM

So the stars have aligned properly and it looks like I might get paroled from work obligations next weekend in time for MAYHEM.

Round trip for me will be at least 1400 miles if I only go there and back. Thing is, I'll be there for 2 non-travel days so may also put some additional miles on (the Dragon is only 2 hours away and there's plenty of good riding nearby).

But, my tires may not make it. I've got a Bridgestone 020 on the rear with plenty of tread. On the front I've got a Bridgestone 010 that I'm concerned about. It's cupped and near the wear bars. It might make 1400 miles, but clearly that's going to be it. Both tires have 5200 miles on them already.

I've got a Metzler Sportech M-1 on the shelf that would fit. The tire is at least 2 years old and has seen a number of track days, so is worn on the sides. The middle tread is still pretty good.

I've also got a pair of Diablo Stradas on order. They will be here the night before I leave.

As I see it, I've got 4 options:

1. Ride the tires on the bike and don't do any riding while down there.

2. Replace only the front tire with the Metzler M-1.

3. Replace only the front tire with the new Diablo Strada when it arrives.

4. Replace both tires and rip it up! (knowing that the rear Bridgeston still has life left in it).

What would you do?

repoe3 · 04-28-2006, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SCOTTinNJ
As I see it, I've got 4 options:

1. Ride the tires on the bike and don't do any riding while down there.

2. Replace only the front tire with the Metzler M-1.

3. Replace only the front tire with the new Diablo Strada when it arrives.

4. Replace both tires and rip it up! (knowing that the rear Bridgeston still has life left in it).

What would you do?

#4

at this point, its the cost of having fun, doing it comfortably, and without concern. not to mention the stradas are great tires. yeah, it might suck having to change tires the night before, but it will give you a chance to give the bike a once over for the trip.

repoe3

gigantic · gigantic's Garage

replace them both. tires are cheap, compared to what may happen when they slip/fail.

Yamalover · 04-28-2006, 05:22 AM

Tires are cheaper than skin grafts. I would replace both, have matched tires, ride as hard as I felt comfortable and not have to worry about tires. You are on vacation and shouldn't have to be worried about tires.

SCOTTinNJ · 04-28-2006, 05:34 AM

Yea. That's the way I'm leaning too - replace both. Problem is I'll probably have to leave work early the day before to have time. Hopefully that won't be a problem. Also, if I have any "issues" changing them, I'm screwed!

Also doing most of the 12k service this weekend. Should be a great trip.

BMWSaint · 04-28-2006, 05:40 AM

Ditto: Replace both, don't even think twice about it. You'll enjoy the trip that much more knowing you've got new sneakers on!

repoe3 · 04-28-2006, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SCOTTinNJ
Yea. That's the way I'm leaning too - replace both. Problem is I'll probably have to leave work early the day before to have time. Hopefully that won't be a problem. Also, if I have any "issues" changing them, I'm screwed!

Also doing most of the 12k service this weekend. Should be a great trip.

as in only 12k miles

wow, i remember those days.

repoe3

DanGreene · 04-28-2006, 05:53 AM

I would not leave on a trip of that length with tires I had to be concerned about at all. Put the two new ones on and have a great trip.

SCOTTinNJ · 04-28-2006, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by repoe3
as in only 12k miles wow, i remember those days.

repoe3

The sad truth is I only have just over 10,000 miles on the bike. I just changed the oil and filter and had the dealer change the brake fluid (both circuits). I figure I'll do the valves, throttle bodies, gear oil, and rear drive oil this weekend. Wednesday night I'll do both tires and be all set for some serious riding.

When I get back I'll have the dealer finish the 12k service by doing the clutch fluid (unless I just buy a speed bleeder) and the fuel filter, which I do not want to tackle on my own.

gigantic · gigantic's Garage

I just did a 7oo mile trip last weekend, to see nate race. I had just spooned on a new set of tires a few weeks previously and i didn't relish the thought of squaring off new Pilot Powers on the slab. I had a set that were at the wear bars on the edges but nearly new in the middle. so i spent the evening before i left, swapping the tires. after the trip, the tires that were severely triangulated from track day abuse, now have an almost normal profile. I'll leave them on for a few weeks of commuting and slip the new sticky buns on for my mid may track day, when i plan on taking the BMW, too.
Cheers,
Lance

repoe3 · 04-28-2006, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SCOTTinNJ
The sad truth is I only have just over 10,000 miles on the bike. I just changed the oil and filter and had the dealer change the brake fluid (both circuits). I figure I'll do the valves, throttle bodies, gear oil, and rear drive oil this weekend. Wednesday night I'll do both tires and be all set for some serious riding.

When I get back I'll have the dealer finish the 12k service by doing the clutch fluid (unless I just buy a speed bleeder) and the fuel filter, which I do not want to tackle on my own.

the fuel filter is the most involved job there, no doubt. but, wait, i thought fuel filter was at 24k, not 12k.

repoe3

repoe3 · 04-28-2006, 06:20 AM

Fuel filter – change (every 24K miles)

taken from an oilhead service schedule...

repoe3

SCOTTinNJ · 04-28-2006, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by repoe3
Fuel filter – change (every 24K miles)

taken from an oilhead service schedule...

repoe3

yea, but i've heard of people having problems going that long. maybe i won't change at 12, but probably will by 18.

Anton · 04-28-2006, 07:40 AM

Buy a new 010 for the front, if the rear is in as good a shape as you say, they will be trashed at the same time. Then put on the Diablos. The two year old M1 with track day heat cycles: cut it up and throw it away.

SCOTTinNJ · 04-28-2006, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anton
Buy a new 010 for the front, if the rear is in as good a shape as you say, they will be trashed at the same time. Then put on the Diablos. The two year old M1 with track day heat cycles: cut it up and throw it away.

That's another option. Not sure if I could get an 010 in time.

ErricZ · 04-28-2006, 09:11 AM

I'm sure CCBMW would love to rape you for one -- I think the last tire I had them throw on cost me $175 or more. Gotta love "emergency repairs" ...

JonyRR · 04-28-2006, 09:23 AM

tires are cheaper than skin grafts.
your life is riding on a couple of 1" contact patches...make those contact patches the best they can be.
it's an expensive motorcycle...don't take chances with something so easy to get back to max spec.

Flatbutt1 · 04-28-2006, 10:45 AM

the fuel filter does NOT need to be done this soon. My pump was LOUD at 20K so I had them them both done at 20 and thefilter was in very good shape. its a PITA and they'll charge you plenty to do it.

SCOTTinNJ · 04-28-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ErricZ
I'm sure CCBMW would love to rape you for one -- I think the last tire I had them throw on cost me $175 or more. Gotta love "emergency repairs" ...

Nope. They don't stock the Bridgestones. I'm just going to put the Stradas on Wednesday night. I'll probably strip the tires off the old rims in the meantime so I'm ready to go.

repoe3 · 04-28-2006, 11:44 AM

scott, if/when you want to change the fuel filter, i would be happy to lend a hand...good reason for a road trip, right? it would save you a boatload...then again...you are one of them legal types

enjoy your trip.

repoe3