Bridgestone Tire Recall

[crazyman]

Bridgestone Recalls Motorcycle Tires
April 03, 2009
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation is recalling 957 Bridgestone Exedra G850 G motorcycle tires, size 180/70R16 77H, sold as OE on 2008 and 2009 Triumph Rocket III Touring motorcycles.
The very high torque Rocket III motorcycle can cause torque-induced degradation in a body ply, which may result in the tire’s inner liner cracking, leading to a slow leak in the rear tire only. Affected tires can begin to vibrate at moderate speeds, producing the risk of a crash.

BATO and Triumph are working to notify owners, and will replace defective tires – and the matching front tires – free of charge. Owners can contact BATO at 800-465-1904, or NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety hotline at 888-327-4236. (Tire Review/Akron)


There ya go.

 

[crazyman]

Figures. I just replaced my rear tire last week. It did just as was described in the recall notice.

I've gone darkside.

Maybe I'll get a new front out of it.

 

[azbbqer]

Dang it! Figures. Just replaced mine @4200 miles.

 

[RocketDaryl]

I just talked to Bridgestone. It's a voluntary recall. Their technical folks have only seen a small percentage of tires with the problem, but they (and Triumph) feel it would be better to get them off the bikes (better safe than sorry). They will be replaced with a different tire (tyre for some of you) that has been tested by Triumph. The gentleman I talked to seemed surprised that my bike has 4900 miles and I still have tread (a LOT). The dealer checked my tread this morning. I asked them to check since I'm going on the Maggie Valley trip. He said it has plenty of tread life left. Anyway, the gentleman I spoke with said a 180 is really too small (in his opinion) for a bike that large and with that powerful of an engine.

I'd have to disagree as far as size. Harleys, Goldwings, etc... have run that size (or smaller) for many years without issue. He may be onto something in terms of the torque, however. No other bike puts out that kind of torque, which leads me to wonder how folks ride their R3Ts. I'm sure Triumph didn't envision the same "need for speed" types that buy the Standard buying the R3T. I think that's probably one reason I've not had any issues. I don't ride hard and I certainly don't make use of the available power, other than passing sometimes, but then I'm already traveling at 65 or so before getting on the throttle. I suspect some of the issues are from the jack rabbit starts that I'm sure some folks do simply because they can't resist the urge.

Anyhow, that's what I found out.

 

[azbbqer]

I know I can't "resist the urge"!

 

[RocketDaryl]

Nothing wrong with that as long as your wallet and mental health can support the habit. I get a little annoyed with a buddy of mine. He enters his Harley in burn-contests and then gets up tight when the belt breaks or when he has to replace the tire at 3000 miles, etc... He'll ***** about it on forums, but he fails to mention that little burn-out habit, leaving the reader to believe his bike just up and failed. That's why I typically take things I read with a grain of salt unless I know the person.

 

[wildrooster]

I am cool with a free set of tires the ones on now look great, when I was on the phone they said it would be next week before triumph will send out letters I will call the dealer to see what is going on with them I wonder if they will switch to another brand.

 

[Ygransom]

If you go to the NHTSA web site they have a copy of Bridgestones letter about the recall. Thre will be information on reimburment for tires changed due to problem before recall in offical recall letter. It affects 1061 tires, 957 Rockets, of which 383 have been sold.

 

[Kmutt]

Im still breaking in mine so no loads of torque on the tire just yet!!!!!
Since I dont have that many miles on it maybe I will ride it out a while then replace them within the recall!!

mutt

 

[darrell]

Im still breaking in mine so no loads of torque on the tire just yet!!!!!
Since I dont have that many miles on it maybe I will ride it out a while then replace them within the recall!!

mutt

Good plan. My tires appear to be holding up OK (2400 miles).