This morning, my wife and I got up early and took a ride for about 3 hrs. Most of it was on back roads at moderate speeds. However, on the last leg of the journey home, the highway enticed me to "open her up!" and I beat any record I had ever made by riding 105 mph for several miles. Can you see where this is going??... No, of course not... that's because I forgot to mention that my back tire is well "worn". I was guessing I had a few hundred good miles left before changing. We got home and went inside for coffee. Later I walked out to the garage and was suprised to see the metal bands showing through the rubber on my back tire.
Please think about this guys and keep a close eye on that treadware. I hate to think how this morning could have ended, and I want to warn everyone as well.
Be SAFE!
Carmen

+1 check air pressure also

Carmen,

this reminds me of my first long ride to Deal's Gap...Tail of the Dragon. (FL to NC)

I was sooo excited about the trip till I failed to check my bike after being in the shop for two weeks in preparation for the trip.

long story short, while at Deal's Gap one of the bikers that I was with asked did I know my rear tire was bald...metal showing and everything.

I never checked especially after getting it back from the stealership (remember they had it for two weeks).

I could not get a replacement tire while up there so I literally rode on a wing and prayer for some 1300+ miles that weekend.

bottomline guys, check your bike before any ride.

Dexter

Iim sure glad I don't live near these shops y'all talk about let alone work at them. The shop I'm at, we actually have a checklist we have to do on a bike when we get it to note everything that is wrong with the bike. And a list to show what we fixed and what's still needing fixed when we send it out. The only reason those things don't get fixed is because the owner says they don't want it fixed. And we have them sign the lists. A sort of CYA thing. (Cover Your A$$) and we all ride bikes and ATVs. We treat people how we want to be treated. Guess that's why we have everyone bringing us bikes even out of our area. People paSs up other shops to bring us their bikes. Especially harlies. Lol...

I hear you.

the bad part is I told the guy that I was going on my first long road trip and that I would be going up and down mountains (deal gap).

I told him to make it road worthy.

...I guess "road worthy" is a matter of opinion.

for what it's worth, I contacted the shop manager and he put my new tires (purchased new set from Motorcycle Superstore)on for free.

that was the last time my bike has been in that shop.

So you are advisin us to be "SAFE" and you are riding at 105 for a few miles two up!-Hate to rain on your parade but even with new tires I don't know if this is the smartest thing to do.IMHO But the heads up to check tire wear and pressures are the smartest thing to do.

edgeman55 wrote:
So you are advisin us to be "SAFE" and you are riding at 105 for a few miles two up!-Hate to rain on your parade but even with new tires I don't know if this is the smartest thing to do.IMHO But the heads up to check tire wear and pressures are the smartest thing to do.

+1, would never go that speed with the wife on back.
Glad you got home safe Carmen.

Glad nothing bad happened! Did you show your wife the tire?

My tires are in the trash as soon as they hit the tread wear indicators. I don't screw around with the tires, they are the only connection with the road. (Hopefully!)

I am very paranoid about tires, and that's one of my must-do checks before about any longer ride. Usually a couple times a week, at least. I check the tread and pressure, and keep the pressure up to 40# in the rear, and about 38# in the front. I credit that with my last set lasting 12K (and honestly, they had some wear left). If I think they are getting a little 'iffy', I change 'em out because I ride a lot 2-up, and ride fast. Speaking of which, my wife is comfortable with me riding at least 90 mph with her on the back, if the situation warrants it. (i.e. trying to outrun bad weather, for instance). We've never done 100+, but do ride fast on the open highway. The bike is built for those speeds, and my Roadie doesn't even smooth out until I hit 70.... it HATES 55. I suspect you'll be just as dead if you come off your bike at 65, as at 90. Just watch those tires....
John Scribner