Change it or keep it?

[Lonewolf]

Checked my rear tyre when I got back from a ride today and I'm not too happy with it. Its got a few small cuts in it, should I change it or do you reckon its ok? The last thing I want is a puncture and in addition to that the bikes due for its MOT in a couple of months.
The tyres done about 7000 miles or so, so I guess that isnt too bad is it?

[pembsgtr]

What tyre is it? Is it anywhere near the wear markers? The nick in the centre band may be a weak spot now, no way of telling. I just dream of a rear tyre lasting 7k miles, 3.5k on a bt021 for me though. Ultimately I guess you have to look at the pros and cons of your tyre state, if it was me i'd be getting a new one

[fatharry]

The Nick in the centre tread shouldn't cause too many problems, provided its shallow, it'll wear itself out. Looks like you have at least 1k miles left on it (if not a little more), its also a little squared off, but a few days of twisties should sort that out. On long trips i always carry a bottle of tyre weld (not sure if this will affect the TPS unit??) so i can limp to a tyre place. If it was me i'd risk it...hows your front??

[Lonewolf]

What tyre is it? Is it anywhere near the wear markers? The nick in the centre band may be a weak spot now, no way of telling. I just dream of a rear tyre lasting 7k miles, 3.5k on a bt021 for me though. Ultimately I guess you have to look at the pros and cons of your tyre state, if it was me i'd be getting a new one

It's a Metzeler, in all honesty the tyre has actually done about 9k. I know the previous owner had done 4k on the current tyres and I've done 5k so we must be looking somewhere in the region of 8.5-9k. He was a steady rider and so am I. I cant be bothered thrashing it off from junctions, traffic lights etc.

When I change them it will be for the Michelin PR3's. had a quote yesterday, £105 for the front & £144 for the rear. I dont think thats too bad. I know they aren't the cheapest tyres on the market vailable for this bike but they have a damn good reputation.

[Lonewolf]

The Nick in the centre tread shouldn't cause too many problems, provided its shallow, it'll wear itself out. Looks like you have at least 1k miles left on it (if not a little more), its also a little squared off, but a few days of twisties should sort that out. On long trips i always carry a bottle of tyre weld (not sure if this will affect the TPS unit??) so i can limp to a tyre place. If it was me i'd risk it...hows your front??

Thats the thing, I dont know how deep the cut is and I dont want to really go poking about with a screwdriver. What with the MOT rapidly approaching it might just be time to bite the bullet and splash out on some new tyres. The front tyre is in better shape than the rear, that seems to have worn pretty evenly.
The benefit of the GTR is of course the TPS which would hopefully rapidly indicate a sudden drop in pressure, I wouldn't want the tyre to go though on a bend and rapidly deflate, that could spell disaster!

[fatharry]

OK then, the last answer makes the solution simple......It you don't have full faith in the condition of your tyres then change em'...cause you don't want to be second guessing yourself through every corner (thats not fun riding)

Statistically 80% of all tyre punctures occur in the last 20% of tyre life (proper spotter me!!)..if your not comfortable on what you're on then its time to change ;D

[Rusty]

I would think that would pass the MOT and you may wish to run it for a little longer, especially if the weather stays dry .. depends on your mileage, reckon on a new set of tyres in a few weeks time ......

[Hans]

Lonewolf:  Good choice... ie. Michelin Pilot Road CT3.   On my VFR800 I did about 22.500km. On my Busa it's about 10-12.000km. (CT2)

Under normal conditions (ie. warm and nice roads) my talent would'nt tell the difference from Bridgestone, Pirelli, Metzler, Michelin... but during cold conditions, rain etc. - then CT2 and CT3 is just the right choice!

[Kwikasfuki]

Change it. I remember my Angel STs looking like that, a week later I could see the thread

[Lonewolf]

Change it. I remember my Angel STs looking like that, a week later I could see the thread

What does thread mean, oh yes 3 points on your licence, dont want points thanks.  :o
Going to order some in the morning, thanks for the advice off everyone.

[Ziderman]

Poor profile on that Tyre....bit square looking..You should stay off the Motor Ways.

[Lonewolf]

I've ordered the new tyres today. They'll be fitted on 1st April, thats the earliest I can get the bike to the shop, bloody work, always gets in the way of the important things.

[fatharry]

what tyres did you order??

[Lonewolf]

The Michelin PR3's.

[ChrisB]

Be sure to let us know how the new Michelins feel. Mine has the Bridgestones, Thouigh great on my Bandit I dont rate them as much on the GTR.

The Michelin PR3's.
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