Hi Folks, After a trip up to Scotland last year, where I did a lot of dull motorway there and back, I put a noticeable stripe of wear in the centre of a new tyre, and it continued to remain a bit square for the remainder of the life of the tyre. I just recently replaced it, having done around 6000 miles. I always run stock pressures of 36F and 42R, and I adjust my chain using vernier calipers to ensure the adjuster blocks are even on both sides. So hopefully that should avoid issues with a misaligned wheel scrubbing the tyres. Just wondering if anyone else runs different pressures for sustained motorway riding when loaded up?
If you’re doing a lot of motorway miles perhaps consider a sport touring tyre? Something like a Road 5, Angel or Roadtec might give you good on road performance and decent mileage. Alternatively an Anakee or Tourance might give you some light off road capability too.
Typically, I try to do very few motorway miles, and in fairness to the tyre I think 6000 miles isn’t bad, especially as I like to get a move on. So while other tyres might last better, I’m more curious to know if anyone else runs different tyre pressures to help tyre life in that scenario.
Yes, I agree, I'm not disputing that. The point was it squared off quickly at the start of its life due to a long stretch on the motorway. So my point is could I have lessened that effect with different tyre pressures?
42 psi is high unless you ride two-up with panniers. Try some "A" Spec tires. They have more rubber than the regular.
To be honest, I run 42 as that's the stock pressure. What's an "A" spec tyre? The Scorpion is quite generous with tread - around 8mm or so in the centre - hence why it lasts well I guess. I'm used to rear tyres only lasting 3500-4000 miles, so this bike is saving me money!
I get about 6000 out of angel gt. They do square quite early. I do mostly motorways. I believe A type has stiffer walls for heavier bikes. I run 38 rear when unloaded 42 for luggage etc.
Thank you - I used to run Angel GT on my previous 'strada, and my Monster - nice tyres. Some might argue that my larger stature might dictate that the bike is always heavily loaded
I just changed my tyres at 9000 miles (!) - the rear was on the wear marker, but as you say, it had been squared off for a few thousand miles, due to motorway pounding across Spain in 35 degrees C plus heat. The improvement in handling feel on the new tyres really highlighted how out of shape they were, but I guess I just got used to it?
Yes, the difference was pretty nice - turn-in and much faster steering, unsurprisingly. You did well to get to 9000!
An under inflated car tyre wears the edges more than the centre, no idea if it's the same on a bike tyre?
I'm with the others, even if you don't do a lot of motorways, get a sports tourer tyre. I've not even received my bike yet but I'm inclined to get the Pilot Road 5's and sell off the stock tyres as I want something that's highly rated and I know will not square off/degrade.
I guess I had regarded the Scorpion Trail II to be in effect a sport touring tyre. It comes with about 8mm of tread, and the last two have last 6000 miles, so it would certainly seem to fit the bill. I feel like many of these tyres are probably very similar indeed in terms of their construction and compounds, so a lot of the difference is most likely the tread pattern, and how it's marketed. Either way, I'm going to order a tool to help make sure the rear wheel is aligned correctly (so I can eliminate the possibility of the tyre "scrubbing"), and I'll continue to investigate different pressures.
Tyre manufacturers vastly differ, not only in compounds, but inner liner, wall, beat bundle etc etc. Some of it is obviously marketing fluff, but I'd never say they are all in the same bucket. Even 2 different tyre models from the same manufacturer can feel and behave very differently. Generally, I go with the grain on what the 'popular' choice is for the model of bike and try it out. Find out what I do and don't like and go from there.
I run Scorpion 2 on the enduro which is 52 miles motorway to work and back. I was advised by the Ducati mechanic to keep an eye on tyre pressure to stop the squaring off. I asked if that meant the motorway miles wasnt effecting it and he went a bit sheepish. R1150 GSA is fitted with Conti Trail Attacks which square off in a similar way. R1200RT has Dunlops fitted and they also square off. All of them are run at standard pressure and checked almost daily. I'll adjust the rear if there is a pillion or luggage. I treat the squaring off as a downside to the engineering of motorcycle tyres. Ultimately it happens slowly so riding around it is learned and progressive.
