I just picked up my Across with a new Michelin on the rear and the mechanic was adamant that I be careful on my new tyre and correctly scrub the tyre before giving it some stick. So why do we have to scrub in tyres ? Motorcycle tyres do not grip properly until they are scrubbed in, thats a fact. Most tyre companies use a release compound to stop the tyre's rubber from adhering to the mould during the manufacturing process and this compoud has to be removed or "Scrubbed off" in order for the tyre to properly grip the road. Other manuafacturers use a process curing a tyre that brings certain substances to the surface and they need to be scrubbed off before the tyre will achieve maximum grip. So how do you scrub in a Tyre ? Experienced riders can scrub a tyre in a couple of laps on a track, but on the road we have to contend with traffic, different road surfaces etc. The general rule of thumb is to ride the bike to scrub in a tyre ( Burnouts are not an effective way to scrub in a tyre), albeit sedately for the first 100 kms, once you rough up the centre surface by riding straight, you will notice a change in the look of the centre of the tyre as the new surface is scrubbed away, then ensure the tyre is up to temp then start increasing your cornering angles to scrub the outer sides of the tyre. My rule of thumb with new rubber is simple, take is easy for the first 100kms or so, and do not subject them to hard acceleration or braking forces. By following these guideines your tyres will bed in properly and you ensure that you get the get the best possible life out of them. Finally, when you get new tyres fitted, ensure you check your bikes manual and verify the correct pressures have been set.
Seems that all tyre fitters share the same jargon, 100ks until the tyre beds in. A new tyre provides decent grip once fitted but great adhesion comes only after the "mold release" has been scrubbed off. I read an article many moons ago about doing this in a slightly different manner and found it to be much quicker. Tested on several occasions by myself without any drama's at all. 10 to 15 ks will remove the greater majority of "mold release" from the center of the tyre guaranteed, however the side walls are still fully coated. Ride at moderate speed and lean angles gradually from side to side. Without over doing it increase the angles and your speed, as you progress the cleared patch of rubber increases to the point where no further "mold release" is left on your tyre and slippage is no longer an issue. 20 kilometers and you are ready for the open road. Hope this helps, as always: enjoy the ride Phil
What a plonker ...... looks like new leathers , new helmet , new everything Gloves and leathers matching the bike ..... say no more
