General topics » Lets talk scrubbing in new tires

What's everybody's idea of proper break in/scrub in on new moto tires?

I have my cats lick them to a smooth velvet finish. Takes some time, admittedly ...

I don't scrub in tires. I don't see it as necessary...period. If you really worry, get some low-grit sandpaper and "dust" the contact area.

Is there more than 1 way?

Simply proceed at a reasonably gentle pace till the shine disappears.

Preferably on dry roads rather then yesterday's rain storms.

I do know someone who dropped their bike on a roundabout hardly 2 miles form having new tyres fitted.

Yep, I try to arrange dry miles until the shine comes off, then you’re good to go in all conditions.

I ride very gently, slowly increasing lean angle for about 100 miles. That generally scuffs them in for me.

Does reducing tire pressure assist scuffing? When I lowsided on brand new tires, I discovered (later) that the rear tire was at 46 psi, which didn't help with a slippery wet road. So I was thinkng about reducing tire pressure to 34/39 and riding slowly for the first 100 miles. Or is this really silly?

Zitat von gc141x im Beitrag #7

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Does reducing tire pressure assist scuffing? When I lowsided on brand new tires, I discovered (later) that the rear tire was at 46 psi, which didn't help with a slippery wet road. So I was thinkng about reducing tire pressure to 34/39 and riding slowly for the first 100 miles. Or is this really silly?

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@wessie yes, your comments are right on but even careful, experienced riders go down so there may be a case for additional precautions. Curiously enough, I picked up this idea from a comment in a thread in the Chain Gang from years ago (I rode a '99 F650 then) and, if I recall correctly, it originated from @Richard230. He referred to winter riding and tires warming up faster if they were at lower pressures and it made sense and stuck in my addled brain. Perhaps it was on an R1550R forum, which would be consistent with the idea of an addled brain but I'm pretty sure it was Richard. Anyway, as @Mr. 36654 points out, traction and wear also increase at lower tire pressures so this might be OK for the first 100 miles or so. The strategy doesn't absolve one from exercising care but I'm willing to believe that it's better than riding a wet, cold, slippery road with overinflated brand new Z8s. It also doesn't help if you reflexively stick your foot out to stabilize a skidding R1200Rs. In my case, I ended up with a broken leg. Of course I'm willing to be persuaded that my convictions are silly. :)

Zitat von gc141x im Beitrag #10

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@wessie yes, your comments are right on but even careful, experienced riders go down. Curiously enough, I picked up this idea from a comment in a thread in the Chain Gang from years ago (I rode a '99 F650 then) and, if I recall correctly, it originated from @Richard230. He referred to winter riding and tires warming up faster if they were at lower pressures and it made sense and stuck in my addled brain. Perhaps it was on an R1550R forum, which would be consistent with the idea of an addled brain but I'm pretty sure it was Richard. Anyway, as @Mr. 36654 points out, traction and wear also increase at lower tire pressures so this might be OK for the first 100 miles or so. The strategy doesn't absolve one from exercising care but I'm willing to believe that it's better than riding a wet, cold, slippery road with overinflated brand new Z8s. It also doesn't help f you stick your foot out to stabilize a skidding R1200Rs. In my case, I ended up with a broken leg. Of course I'm willing to be persuaded that my convictions are silly. :)

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> perhaps it was on an R1550R forum, which would be consistent with the idea of an addled brain but I'm pretty sure it was Richard.

That should have read R1150R instead R1550R. Sorry- age, a small screen laptop, and a couple of beers in your backyard can get in the way. I'm pretty sure it was you Richard- I seem to remember the 'dropping a pound or two' theory and buying into it. Testing traction can be tricky though. :)

GC

Zitat von gc141x im Beitrag #12

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> perhaps it was on an R1550R forum, which would be consistent with the idea of an addled brain but I'm pretty sure it was Richard.

That should have read R1150R instead R1550R. Sorry- age, a small screen laptop, and a couple of beers in your backyard can get in the way. I'm pretty sure it was you Richard- I seem to remember the 'dropping a pound or two' theory and buying into it. Testing traction can be tricky though. :)

GC

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Right but we're talking about a way to scuff new tires quickly. So does the 'no more than 10% above cold' standard apply given the intent? Perhaps it does. While I don't think it's a good idea to achieve 'scuffdom' at the cost of some other safety consideration, the low pressure approach may still be useful. I just don't know enough to argue forcefully and it may not even matter on a hot summer day.

Zitat von gc141x im Beitrag #12

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> perhaps it was on an R1550R forum, which would be consistent with the idea of an addled brain but I'm pretty sure it was Richard.

That should have read R1150R instead R1550R. Sorry- age, a small screen laptop, and a couple of beers in your backyard can get in the way. I'm pretty sure it was you Richard- I seem to remember the 'dropping a pound or two' theory and buying into it. Testing traction can be tricky though. :)

GC

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