Tyre break in

Good day to all. Other than using 120 grid sandpaper and elbow grease, what is the appropriate manner of bedding in a new set of hooves on the GT? I had a set of Michelins fitted front and back - I am not in the mood for a Pleaaase help, I want to go to Millis next weekend.

the trick is just to get the silicone off the tyres. Should be about a 100km's of gentle cornering. After that it should be OK.

I also had Michelins fitted and the tyre Mechanic/fitter also advised smooth riding and cornering for about 100 - 150 km.
No Problems.

Thanks you guys. The last new tyres that I fitted to Motorcycle was V rated on a Suzuki GS1000G, 10 years ago. I know I am giving my age away but at this age it is referred to as experience.

And there is nothing that beats experience.

On the trips the club is doing it is a pleasure to run in your new tyres. You can of course opt to ride with the leaders, but you will be wise to do that on your return trip instead of on the way there.

The GT is a great bike and the blade-like form keeps it nice and steady over 80 km/hr so you should not have any problems.

I normally take a bit of sandpaper and just roughen the surface - especially on the sides as normal city riding will take a while before you can take the bike down low.

Fitted a new Metseler to the LT a week or so ago - store newness have been taken of.

Agree one has to be careful with new rubber. Fitted a new tyre to the T (can I say it) Triumph a few months back and the guy fitting it told me that he had fitted a new tyre to a superbike the day before. The owner justifiably proud of his new rubber leant into the curve of the driveway and opened up. Needless to say he wiped and caused huge damage to all the plastic.

Needless to say he wiped and caused huge damage to all the plastic - And his confidence ..... and ego ......

My experience is to just take it easy for the first 100 or so kays and be sure to corner gently and get the sides scrubbed. Once the tyres are settled it is good to go. And by the way, warm up your tyres before you do knee scraping

Jester wrote:........what is the appropriate manner of bedding in a new set of hooves on the GT?...................

......appropriate?......so many people so many answers

Jester wrote:........help, I want to go to Millis next weekend..........

the Kromdraai road is ideal for getting a new tyre road ready......our favourite place to get new tyres scuffed.

Take it easy at first......say not faster than 100 to 120 but keep the speed constant through the corners. Do the route twice (50/60km) and your new rubber should be fine.

ModnohB, I lost you, Can you tell me where the Kromdraai road is please?

It is a road that links the Hartebeespoort road with the road leading to Magaliesberg. Basically if you come out of Randburg on Malibongwe, (the road that goes past the entrance to Lanseria airport) the Kromdraai road is about 2 kms on going towards the dam. It is an eqsquisite bit of road, regrettably used by cyclists as well that can destroy the curves as they tend to ride abreast thinking they own the road.

The full Kromdraai Road :

Direction Pretoria to Krugersdorp on the N14 (Krugersdorp/Pietersburg highway) take Lanseria off ramp and turn right to Lanseria. Past the airport on your right turn left into Kromdraai. First 2-3km is dead straight. Go straight at the 3-way stop and you are now on the krom of Kromdraai.. Past the Rhino/Lion farm you will get a roundabout. Straight through (12 o clock out) will take you to the T-junction of the road running parallel to the mountain, this section is also fairly straight. Left here will take you back to the N14.

Only the twisties of Kromdraai:

Traveling in the same direction on the N14, take the Zwartkop off ramp which is the next one after Lanseria. Right towards Zwartkop. Carry on till the 3-way stop (which is the same one as referred to above). Left into Kromdraai. At the roundabout (as referred to above), take the first left (quarter to) past Kloofsig on you left – another roundabout but also straight through – till you get a T-junction. Right here will take you back to the N14 (this is the same road on which you came in)

Hope this help.

ps. if it's over a weekend, do it early otherwise the road is "infested" with bicycles riding 2-3-4 abreast.

Early is relative - most serious cyclist take to the road anytime from 06:00.

sorry Tony, saw now you have already answered

Thanks everybody, I really appreciate your help. Now I can have me some fun!