I saw this topic and since I too have Z6's, I thought I'd take a closer look at my wear bar since I'm at 6000 on the rear and 6500 on the front.
So now that I've found the wear bar - exactly what am I looking for to show if it is time to replace or not? I took photos. I'm sure I'll be needing tires within the next 1000 miles, but how soon? What is the tell tale sign on a Z6 (pre-Scotty's problem) that I should be watching for?
Photos below:
Found the TWI in three spots on the tire (checked only the rear tire today)
Here is spot #1 - both wear bars can be seen across from each other here. So - time to replace or not?
A close up that shows the rounded bar of which Iowabeakster spoke:
And another concern - this is not a wear bar area. But the groove is almost completely gone in just this one area. Common? Just the weakest point in the tire?
And what is this rope looking thing running along the edge of the groove in this section?
IMHO, I would change it real soon. 6000 miles is pretty good life. You do have some rubber left, but in the center of the tire, you have no way of guaging (until too late). Like Scotty, you might be riding on the steel belt in no time.
I just changed mine with under 5000 miles... which I am not happy about... but I will put over a 1000 more next week. I don't want to run out of rubber when I am out and about. My tire was pretty squared. Too many straight roads. If there aren't any curves...I get bored and compensate with the throttle.
I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray...
Gypsy,
I agree with the beakster and change them especially if you will be taking any trips soon. The last half of the tires life will wear quickly. I'm sure you will be fine for a little while. Also remember that when you do get some new rubber to really scrub the tires with a scrubbie and some hot soapy water to get some of the release compound off of the tire. Also, ride conservatively for the first 100 miles to ensure that it is all off.
Yep - I know that. As far as tread compound and material. Tread patterns are different and since the grooveless center of the Z6 is supposed to work because it is designed to work with the front clearing the water out of the way while riding upright, I thought someone might be concerned about traction. Apparently the tread pattern on the front Strada works as well.
Except that my front one is not long for this world either now!
yeah - it will be fine because the rear Strada doesn't have any tread across the middle of the tread either. (the solid bit without tread is narrower than on the Z6 though - which is why I prefer it - you can see the wear of the tyre more easily).
That is true. But I got a good deal locally on the Metzler, so I am back on them for a while!
Gypsy - from my experience, that tire is not good for more than a couple of weekend rides. If you are going on any trips soon, it will disappear quick.
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
CycleRob wrote:With my age/experience/wisdom I would take the wheel off and 4 wheel it to the dealer. Especially after changing several customer's tires in just such a condition. dnat928 is correct. It's VERY thin!!! When worn to the steel cords, a sharp pea sized pebble would push right thru the very thin carcass that's left. Think about how much a wobbly crash will cost you, then . . . . .
Do we need a "Tech Inspection" prior to every Bash?
Just got back from checking My Z6 rear. WOW! The cords are showing and the wear mark is still there. I knew I was getting close but this is too close. Guess I'll be ordering a tire instead of surfing the net. I have just under 7k mi on the Z6. Go check your tire if your running the Z6. Not much warning before the cords show. Gotta go find a tire, wish I lived a little closer to a dealer. Nearest is Moon Motorsports in Monticello.
Keep Your Stick On the Ice.
Listen to Me at kaxe.org
Well I lucked out, Dennis Kirk was able to ship out a tire yet tonight. I should have a new Avon St storm tomorrow on the ups truck. I called and talked to a sales associate and She said being as I live in Mn. I should get it tomorrow. This is the second tire I've purchased from Dennis Kirk, hopefully this one will last at least 7k. We'll see.
Keep Your Stick On the Ice.
Listen to Me at kaxe.org
my tire's only sign seemed to be the widening bald spot along the midline. I did hit some highway repair sections on the way home and i'm sure the grating of the road sped things up.
hey anyone who wants to answer...can I add a tire other than the Z6 to the rear if I keep the Z6 on the front?
also, some of the 1200R guys are liking the dunlop tourance 2's I believe...any input with them on the 1150? It seems a nice mix of touring with more tread in the middle for those rainy and occasional dirt roads.
although, biff his majesty likes the BT021...but he doesn't lean while riding, does he?
Scott
Black '50R
Long Island, NY
double-secret probationary lifetime member #311
Been following this thread but have withheld input up until now.
If you had looked closely at my bike during the Bash you would have seen the Michelin Pilot Road 2 (French) rear, and the used but not worn out Metzeler Roadtec Z6 (German) front!
And my bike hasn't split in half yet!!!
When I finish off the front I've got a new Pilot Road 2 ready to mount. The tires just aren't THAT different. Once I have made some hard runs on the PR2's I'll try to put into words my impressions of the handling as compared the Z6's. It's all about the greenbacks, and I want the most out of mine.
I also wanted to say, the carcass of a worn out Z6 is thicker than some other tires I've compared it to. This doesn't mean you aren't still at risk of a puncture, but I would not worry about a reasonable length trip to the dealer to have it changed. Dealers do not like to mix tires though. Take your wheel off if you want the dealer to mount something different. You may have to lie if he asks you what you've got on the front, or they may not care.
Scott, I had the bridgestone rear on with the Pilot Road front, at the bash. You can tell a little difference between worn front tire and new rear tire, but that happens anytime you have a tire with 8000 miles on it, and a tire with 200 miles on it.
Jeff (lifer #289)
'17 F800GSA
'04 R1150R
There ain't no education in the second kick of a mule!
I saw this topic and since I too have Z6's, I thought I'd take a closer look at my wear bar since I'm at 6000 on the rear and 6500 on the front.
So now that I've found the wear bar - exactly what am I looking for to show if it is time to replace or not? I took photos. I'm sure I'll be needing tires within the next 1000 miles, but how soon? What is the tell tale sign on a Z6 (pre-Scotty's problem) that I should be watching for?
Photos below:
Found the TWI in three spots on the tire (checked only the rear tire today)
Here is spot #1 - both wear bars can be seen across from each other here. So - time to replace or not?
A close up that shows the rounded bar of which Iowabeakster spoke:
And another concern - this is not a wear bar area. But the groove is almost completely gone in just this one area. Common? Just the weakest point in the tire?
And what is this rope looking thing running along the edge of the groove in this section?
I'd say that's got a maximum of 500 miles left on it. (from experience).
