REAR TYRE - When to replace?
REAR TYRE - When to replace?
The rear tyre for my Honda Hornet 600 is 180X55X17. I've done about 7000 miles over the last 15 months since I bought the bike - the present tyre was already on it. There's probably about 3mm of tread remaining over the thinnest part of the rubber - in the UK the legal minimum is 1mm. There's a flattish band developing on the section of tyre you use when you're riding upright...........my question is.....IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO REPLACE THE TYRE JUST BECAUSE IT'S GETTING A FLATTISH SECTION OR IS IT OK TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAW SAYS I NEED A NEW TYRE?
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Skier
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I won't replace tires due to squaring like that. However, when the tread is starting to get down there, I'll make sure I have replacements on hand for quick changes. This way you can have the tire replaced as soon as you're getting close to the legal limit.
That said, you can replace tires any time you want. If you don't feel safe due to tread depth being insufficient (hello, hydroplaing), replace it.
Side note: did your Hornet come with Michelin Pilot Roads?
That said, you can replace tires any time you want. If you don't feel safe due to tread depth being insufficient (hello, hydroplaing), replace it.
Side note: did your Hornet come with Michelin Pilot Roads?
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TechTMW
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Get a new tire when you need one 
Actually - Tread Wear is not the only thing that determines the effectiveness of a tire. Sunlight (UV Rays) and greases, oils, etc all break down the rubber in your tire over time. In the USA all tires are required to have a Manufacturing date - you should never buy a tire older than 2 years.
Anyway, I digress. You sound like you need to get over more! And if your riding style is as tame as it seems, a little wear like that isn't going to hurt anything.
Actually - Tread Wear is not the only thing that determines the effectiveness of a tire. Sunlight (UV Rays) and greases, oils, etc all break down the rubber in your tire over time. In the USA all tires are required to have a Manufacturing date - you should never buy a tire older than 2 years.
Anyway, I digress. You sound like you need to get over more! And if your riding style is as tame as it seems, a little wear like that isn't going to hurt anything.
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Thanks for your replies guys - I had the bike booked in for new chain and sprockets earlier today and I had them fit a new rear tyre while the wheel was off. The new one's a Bridgestone 020 but couldn't tell you what the the old one was. I've had a good quality X ring chain fitted and I'm expecting that to last a good while because of the Scottoiler I fitted recently.
You're right about my riding style being tame and I guess I do need do more twisty road riding and get the bike over more. Over the last year or so I've done a lot of high speed (80-90mph) motorway riding which is nearly all straight lines and that's the main reason for the uneven wear.
Recently I've had the back losing its grip and hopping sideways now and then and don't like that unstable feeling at all - I think the new tyre should deal with that. Thanks again and when are you guys going to start spelling tyre properly?!
You're right about my riding style being tame and I guess I do need do more twisty road riding and get the bike over more. Over the last year or so I've done a lot of high speed (80-90mph) motorway riding which is nearly all straight lines and that's the main reason for the uneven wear.
Recently I've had the back losing its grip and hopping sideways now and then and don't like that unstable feeling at all - I think the new tyre should deal with that. Thanks again and when are you guys going to start spelling tyre properly?!