Revised Rubber Manufacturers Bulletin

cktire said:

Many years ago when tubeless tires were invented they had to design what was referred to as a safety rim. There was a ridge installed right behind the bead seat area of the rim. That’s why when you inflate the tire for the first time it pops up over the safety ridge. This is to help stop rapid deflation by trying to keep the tire beads attached to the rim when air is lost.
This is also why you need to “break” the bead loose from the rim when replacing the tire.
The RMA is stating that the bead seat area on the rim is different on bike rims and car rims. So, the bead on the car tire might not fit securely into the bead seat area on the bike rim.
That’s because the bead seats are often larger on car tires. Plus the bead taper is slightly different. Especially if the rim width is not as recommended for the tire installed.
What you need to do to be certain would be to measure the bead width of the tire and then measure the bead seat on the rim to make sure the bead will fit securely in the seat between the rim flange and the safety ridge. If it doesn’t fit…they bead will come loose with low air pressure.
I’ll measure the bead seat on my rim the next time I remove a tire. But, I’m pretty certain the bead is narrower on the bike tire and rim.

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Yeah, in a few months you should be able to take that measurement. Unfortunately, I will not be able to also take that measurement as I have just replaced my Riken Raptor with a new one. It will be another 3+ years/29,000 miles before it's time to change it again.

The bottom line is bodies hitting the road.

How many accidents attributed to the rear tire locking up, spinning out, or some other handling failure?

Metzler - numerous (G-man, Tfrazier, ....)

Darkside - 0


That's the only metric that really matters.

tdragger said:

The bottom line is bodies hitting the road.

How many accidents attributed to the rear tire locking up, spinning out, or some other handling failure?

Metzler - numerous (G-man, Tfrazier, ....)

Darkside - 0


That's the only metric that really matters.

Click to expand...

I agree on the lockup issue. I've had two really bad experiences with the Metz and Avon. I've been practicing getting to that front brake faster. But, when you have to panic brake it all goes out the window and you hit that back brake first. The wobble is freaky!

I will admit,
the wife locked her rear Raptor up a few months back in a panic stop.
Smoke was boiling out from under the rear of the bike,
but she managed to ride it out and stayed upright.
Thank GOD.
She said she didn't remember hitting the front brake,
but in a panic, unless you've riden for years like most of us,
then your reaction is to stomp the brake.
So it's not impossible to lock it up, but under normal conditions,
using the right braking in an emergency, I'll take the Raptor EVERY TIME.
JM2CW,
skip

cktire said:

I agree on the lockup issue. I've had two really bad experiences with the Metz and Avon. I've been practicing getting to that front brake faster. But, when you have to panic brake it all goes out the window and you hit that back brake first. The wobble is freaky!

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You make a very good point. Ignoring the tire issue, panic braking really comes down to practice and muscle memory. Even if you grab the front brake at virtually the same time as your foot hits the rear brake its very likely that unless you have practiced the same move over and over, your application of the rear brake will be made with significantly more force than the front. I mean just think about it, which exerts more force, squeezing something with your fingers or stomping on something with your foot. Unless you're Popeye I suspect your right legs is a bit stronger than your forearm.

Its certainly something I need to practice more often.

scot in exile said:

I remember years ago the condom manufacturer's told us to only use the rubbers(johnies) once that was also BS as I could get at least three shags out of the same one.

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was that the club's condom you used and did you make formal application 24 hours in advance to use it and did you put it back in its place after you wore and washed it

guess not ....figures!!

cktire said:

I agree on the lockup issue. I've had two really bad experiences with the Metz and Avon. I've been practicing getting to that front brake faster. But, when you have to panic brake it all goes out the window and you hit that back brake first. The wobble is freaky!

Click to expand...

why do so many riders use the rear brake!! unless you ride 2up it is nearly as useful as tits on a nun's chest at any speed only at or below crawling does it have some real effect that is why there are two rotors in front and only one on the rear wheel.
87% of braking dissipation is on the front .and the rear mean squat in a panic braking situation,
it locks up period. there is no weight on that wheel so it slide and sometime fishtail a bit, it will help reduce the distance only of a few extra feet

now in a turn at speed to change your line the rear brake is useful to slide outward otherwise like I say it is as useful as a screen door on a submarine
to experience the effect of the difference first hand , use a bicycle and walk with it and squeeze hard the front brake handle see what it does (it lift the rear) then try the rear only (just slide and keep you going forward) well it is similar on your bike. be it an R3 or any other with 2 wheels................amen pass the suds

and keep two fingers on that front brake handle when you ride in traffic so you are ready and forget that foot pedal

Mt/ct

For what it worth..... I have a MC tire on my Rocket. I have 2 Valks, one with a MC tire and one with CT. It sure is nice to be able to take off on a trip with the CT and not have to worry that it may be worn out or cupped out by the time I get back. After a few miles on the CT, it feels "normal" to me. The only time I have had a problem is at low speeds trying to turn (like in a parking lot) when the pavement is banked the "wrong way". Bottom line, I'll probably keep a CT on at least one of the bikes (especially since I'll probably never wear it out)

PYPE2L said:

I'll probably keep a CT on at least one of the bikes (especially since I'll probably never wear it out)

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Ride more. You'll wear it out, it just takes a lot longer.

Arguing with an orthodox Darksider is tantamount to ..., uhh, ohhh, ahhh fogettabboudit!

The end is near! You can't handle the truth!: We are The Borg - YouTube