Squared off front tyre

[mark.fozz]

Can anyone help me with this please, i have an american import concours14000 2008 non abs model with 2000 mile on it . I only bought it a couple of months ago but when cornering for the first time the front tipped in and i nearly had to put my foot down to stop me falling off it (brown trouser moment) :o. When i bought it it had a new rear tyre fitted but old front but with plenty of tread left they are both bridgestone 021 sport touring tyres .
Immediately checked the tyre pressures which were low so i have adjusted them to 42 psi . It now is not as bad but still doesnt go round bends very well . On closer inspection the front tyre is squared off but still has plenty of tread left on it. Being a tight arse i dont really want to have to buy a new tyre and was wondering what sort of tyre pressure you would use to maybe compensate for this? untill it rounds off (if possible) . They obviously didnt have many bends were this bike was used previously !!! :P
             Any help guys would be greatly appreciated .....Cheers :)

[Rusty]

Mark ... un tighten that arse of yours and get yourself a new front tyre ... a good rear tyre and a squared off front does not sound like good news to me and that is clearly the source of your problems ! Make sure the pressures are ok and you will be well away .... PLEASE don't tell me you were thinking of over filling the front tyre to try and round it off... you wern't were you ??? No of course not ... to have a front tyre with loads of excess Psi would be like having a front tyre on a block of ice .. you would have zero grip with the road and end up on your arse with a GTR on the back of the recovery vehicle ... that is of course if you survived the crash ...unless anyone else has a cunning plan I'm pretty sure the only cure is to get your wallet out !  Good luck.

[Kwikasfuki]

Get rid of the Bridgestones.

Have a look at my tyre thread here: http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,104.0.html

I recommend the Pirelli Angel ST or the Michelin PR2 if you want longer life tyres. The difference will be amazing.

Yes, it is going to cost and I would replace them in pairs. Those two pieces of rubber are the only thing between you and the ground so cost shouldn't be a factor

[mark.fozz]

Thanks for the wake up call Lord Rusty i went out and got a new front tyre today and its like a totally new machine now well impressed ;D . With regards the pressure i was going to reduce it to about 37psi not put more in that would make the handling much worse .
Also thanks to Norman for the advive on tyres and i think i am going to invest in the pirellis next !!!
                     Many thanks guys :)

[Lonewolf]

The bike is designed to have tyres inflated to 42psi. If you have only 37psi in, take it from me the bike will handle terribly. 5psi is a big reduction especially as your speed increases and I'm not talking silly speeds just legal speeds. Beware if you do, do this.

[Kwikasfuki]

Agree with LW. I know I ride certain tyres with lower PSI setting but that's after a few weeks of testing. The Bridgestones are best at 42 PSI

[Rusty]

Well done Mr Fozz ... and everyone else for your tips and advice. There are loads of good tyres out there, really down to personal choice, but I am glad the bike has been transformed !

[Ziderman]

Most squared off tyres are on R1's you see in the Summer.  :o

[Sahagun]

Hi there. I've been away from the Forum for a while. Glad to hear you replaced the front tyre.

To add my bit - I had exactly similar problems with my bike "dropping" into the corners when I had 021's on. Scary.

I followed the tyre advice here on the Forum and fitted Michelin Road Pilot 2's. They are fantastic and really inspire so much confidence while cornering. It is like a totally different bike. I now take the same corners faster, and still legally, and just hang on and enjoy the ride !!

As stated before - never skimp on the rubber - that's all that keeps us from a whole other world !!!