Excessive Wear?

[cootertwo]

I'd just about guarantee you that she "crabs" down the road, rear end trying to pass the front end. Something is definitely wrong "big time".

 

[gdwojo]

Sorry, too much rain this morning.... Will try this afternoon.

 

[CanberraR3]

GoPro would be handy.

 

[weidemann]

My 2008 R3 Custom Classic experienced a rider-free dive onto the asphalt about 4 years ago.

The repair shop that took 4 months and over 10K to do the repairs showed many reasons during the process for why they went bankrupt not long after they finished my bike. That being said, when the bike was repaired I got a new rear tire, and it had about 2K miles on it - I know it was not showing any signs of wear at the time, but now I have to replace - for the second time since the accident - the rear tire. Which means that each tire only lasted about 2500 miles before getting to the threads. What bothers me most is that both times the wear was in the general area of 2-3 inches to the left of centerline. I am thinking that since I do not race on NASCAR race tracks (I don't race at all, nor do burn-outs) that the repair shop left the frame straightening to the same idiot who forgot to tighten the handlebars adequately.

Anyone have any thoughts on the subject? Also, since I am replacing the tire, does anyone have any recommendations for a new brand? I rarely get caught in the rain, and do not drive overly aggressively.

Anyone's help would be greatly appreciated.

I've spoken to the folks at American Motorcycle Tire, where I buy all my motorcycle tires, and they know their products well. I asked them about the Bridgestone Exedra Max on the rear and they told me this tire is a mid-grade tire and Avon's are a premium tire. told me the bridgestone has softer and possibly fewer rubber compounds in it compared to the Avon's. they might be trying to sell more expensive tires, but thought i'd share my experience with everyone.

as for more wear on the left side of the tire compared to the right....
I'm a rider coach for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and i've had studies run across my desk about this very issue. nothing proven 100%, but experience shows that in countries where you ride on the right hand side of the road, the left side of the tire wears faster. in countries where you ride on the left side of the road, the right side wears faster.

the reasoning is that when you're riding on the right side of the road, riders will push the bike harder in a left hand turn because they have the lines to follow, and if they loose it they just slide off the road into some grass or something. so you push the bike harder leaning to the left and not as hard leaning to the right. riders don't push as hard to the right because there is no line to follow right next to your bike if you're riding close to the center line. also, if you loose it pushing the bike hard to the right, you could slide across the road into oncoming traffic.
so, your mind changes the way you ride your bike causing the wear you're experiencing. this above scenario is for countries riding on the right side. it would be opposite if in a location where you ride on the left side of the road.

Be well everyone!

 

[Triple Trouble]

I would respectfully suggest that American Motorcycle Tire does not know what thye are talkng about. The vast majority of R3 riders on this forum, myself included swear by the Bridgestone for grip, wear and price over the Avon Cobra which is way better than the Metz. The tire of choice for the front is the Avon Cobra. The R3T is a different kettle of fish.

 

[CanberraR3]

I would respectfully suggest that American Motorcycle Tire does not know what thye are talkng about. The vast majority of R3 riders on this forum, myself included swear by the Bridgestone for grip, wear and price over the Avon Cobra which is way better than the Metz. The tire of choice for the front is the Avon Cobra. The R3T is a different kettle of fish.

These are figures I got on my 240 rear tyres:
Metz - 4,800
Avon - 6,500
B/stone - 10,000 - and that's on the unadjusted odo. Given the higher profile it actually traveled even further relative to the others.
And it is better for grip, ride and price. No brainer.

I think the choice up front is a little tougher, although my preference is for the Avon - I've had several and never an issue. I think Dunlop is also a good option and if you want to drop a size, Michelin and Bridgestone are worth considering.

 

[Boog]

I changed my rear Mets at 8,870 miles but only becasue I had worn out the front tire. The back was good for a few K more I expect as it still ahd plenty of tread left. I am runnign Exedra Max now and see no wear at 1800 miles but then again I am sure some does exist. The rear tire in the picture is bothersome to be sure. I anxiously await your findings.

 

[gdwojo]

I've spoken to the folks at American Motorcycle Tire, where I buy all my motorcycle tires, and they know their products well. I asked them about the Bridgestone Exedra Max on the rear and they told me this tire is a mid-grade tire and Avon's are a premium tire. told me the bridgestone has softer and possibly fewer rubber compounds in it compared to the Avon's. they might be trying to sell more expensive tires, but thought i'd share my experience with everyone.

as for more wear on the left side of the tire compared to the right....
I'm a rider coach for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and i've had studies run across my desk about this very issue. nothing proven 100%, but experience shows that in countries where you ride on the right hand side of the road, the left side of the tire wears faster. in countries where you ride on the left side of the road, the right side wears faster.

the reasoning is that when you're riding on the right side of the road, riders will push the bike harder in a left hand turn because they have the lines to follow, and if they loose it they just slide off the road into some grass or something. so you push the bike harder leaning to the left and not as hard leaning to the right. riders don't push as hard to the right because there is no line to follow right next to your bike if you're riding close to the center line. also, if you loose it pushing the bike hard to the right, you could slide across the road into oncoming traffic.
so, your mind changes the way you ride your bike causing the wear you're experiencing. this above scenario is for countries riding on the right side. it would be opposite if in a location where you ride on the left side of the road.

Be well everyone!

 

[gdwojo]

Nothing was noticeable during the ride, but now I am thinking I am feeling a problem when I downshift, like the entire back end is kicking to the side (left side of the tire sliding forward). Needless to say, I am putting it on a trailer and having an expert look at it. Maybe I will take a picture of the bike and update my profile in the hopes that the motorcycle gods will find favor with me and allow an easy and inexpensive fix (a guy can dream can't he?)

Regardless, I am **** glad I found you guys - I have ordered a Bridgestone and when it gets to the shop... so will my bike. I will report back on the tire/issue when I have the results.

Now, after looking at everyone's profile.... what is the best thread on here to follow to find out about putting a turbo and/or going .020 (or Cootertwo's .040) over on the bike..... , I was thinking... what the heck? Who needs a 200+ HP bike?? But the next thought was... Duh, who doesn't??

 

[Boog]

Once your frame / tire issue is rectified, you may want to look into Carpenter racing (Search it on this forum) and give them a go with one of thier packages. Simply ride over in a day from where you are. Let them have the bike and then be ready to ride home later that day. One stop shop...