Cold Tires

[Bob_Roller]

Now that I have my cold starting problem solved, and I'm riding the R65 in cold temps, I've noticed that the Metzeler tires ( Lazertec front , ME88 rear) are a bit "slippery" until you get them warmed up (about 10 miles or so). Anyone else with Metzeler's notice this?

[Justin B.]

I don't run Metzlers anymore, all of mine started inducing headshake before (in my opinion) the tread was only about half gone - and the fronts cupped real bad.   [smiley=smash.gif]  BUT, I did notice a strange feeling riding into work the other morning at about 29 - 30 degrees on my Macadams.  The a$$ end felt just a wee bit squirrely for about 5 miles, almost like I had a tire going flat.    After they got some heat in 'em everything returned to normal.  

This was the first time I had ever noticed it as I usually take the cage when it's below freezing.  I have no idea what possessed me to ride that morning!   [smiley=mad.gif]

[airhead]

Just about any tyre will do that. Best to warm up both tyres and engine before expecting too much from them when cold. That's why racers weave around before getting into grid position, getting that rubber hot before they handle racing speeds.

Bill......................;-)

[Justin B.]

Quite a difference with just 5 - 6 degree change, though.  At 35 degrees I never noticed it...

[Bob_Roller]

It was just so noticeable with the R65, I've been riding the R1150R with Michelin Pilot radial tires, and they showed none of the slipperiness that the Metzeler's did at the same temps.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Just call me "The Answer Man"  [smiley=beatnik.gif]

http://www.cycletires.com/tirewarmer.htm




 

[Bob_Roller]

Rob, thanks for a link to that site, I'm going to try a set of their recapped tires for the 1150R. It's the same company that recaps aircraft tires for the 737's that I work on. Can't seem to be able to connect to their order page ,tried 9 times and it times out before connecting.

[Semper Gumby]

And that is why I run Macadams instead of Metzys.  The Macadams are softer from the get go.  Now I would be foolish to expect maximum adheasion from a cold set of tires but as I grow older this is not so much a problem.  It's taking longer for me to warm up.

By the time I'm ready to fly, the tires have long since warmed up enough!

[MrRiden]

Bob,
I am a cheapskate so I have been running Cheng Shin  Hi Max Motorcycle Tires. I'm really happy with the grip in our "cold" season (hey water freezes at 50deg here in the desert) but their propensity to follow rain groves can be annoying. I  also thought the ME 88's were a bit slippery but then mine were quite old and dried out but with good tread.
Rich

[SCJJR65]

I've run Cheng-Shins before on Britta as well, front and rear, and gotta say they are a pretty darned good bang for the buck!  I have one on the rear right now, with a little over 10k on the clock since I put it on, and I've still have plenty of tread left!

[Ed Miller]

Are Oregon and Washington the only states that don't have rain grooves?  I mean, it's not exactly like it never rains here.  Sometimes I wonder if it will ever stop.  The only time we have grooves in the pavement is right before they put a new coat over the top of the old one.

[stevie]

Hello all. Whilst on the subject of tyres anyone got an opinion of Metz ME 77's. cheers.

[Bob_Roller]

Hello all. Whilst on the subject of tyres anyone got an opinion of Metz ME 77's. cheers.

I think Rob Valdez has an ME77 on the rear, at least according to his entry on the R65 Registry.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Hmmm, guess I had better update that!  
I am running my 2nd set of Bridgestone Spitfires (I think - I am at work...).  They are not real expensive, and they last a long time.  Well, I haven't put that many miles on the bike, so that may not be true.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

My entry on the Registry is now up to date.