Near Disasterous Rear Tire Failure

[NVRider]

Was riding two up (highway speed) and all of a sudden I hear and feel a grinding noise and the rear end quickly became a little squirrely. When I slowed, I heard a "tick..tick..tick" and felt a little shimmy. I took the next exit and, fortunately, was able to stop at a Chevrolet dealership (Pallone Chevrolet in Springfield, VA ... thanks guys!). Upon inspecting the rear end (expecting grease and oil all over the place), what I discovered was a very large bubble protruding from the outside "corner" of the tire, enough that it rubbed the frame sufficient to cause some melting of rubber! And, I could actually push my thumb well into the center of the bubble (it was a Bridgestone, or something like that). How's that for a close call!!!! That could have been absolutely catastrophic on the highway.

Well, Geico arranged for a tow truck to deliver my bike to Morton's BMW (Fredricksburg, VA). By the time my bike was off the tow truck it was 5:00 pm on a beautiful Saturday ... and the service department closed at 3:30! However, having been in contact with Morton's crew, they PROMISED to stay there to change out the rear tire (they had Metzlers in stock). Morton's BMW did, indeed, stay and they changed the rear tire which enabled my wife and I to continue our journey. I can't say how impressed I am with that kind of outstanding customer service. I was told by them that most any BMW dealership would do the same thing. That's nice ... but, Morton's BMW is the one that delivered for me.

So, I have a great deal of gratitude to Jeff Massey, Stuart Beatson, and Dewey Keeton ... who made this whole thing happen. Jeff, Stuart, & Dewey ... THANKS!!!!! These three guys revealed to me how much a privilege it is to ride a BWM (LT, for me). (Dewey, if you happen to read this ... I easily noticed a significant improved ride in that rear tire!)

I would love to hear any similar stories about this type of "above and beyond" type of service. Anyone?

[cws]

see thread on a recent episode Hilton had, sounds similar, and a Bridgestone too! Couldn't believe it when I saw the state of the tyre with my own eyes... I'm sticking to Metz's!
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20341

[NVRider]

Now I'm wondering how many others have had a similar problem with the same tire?! The folks at Morton's said they were going to send the tire to Bridgestone to see what, if anything, they would do. (I was told there was a bubble on the inside of the tire that was larger that the one on the outside.) I guess we'll see if/how Bridgestone stands by their product.

[JATownsend]

These reports of failing Bridgestone Radials are 'Old News'. They go back quite awhile.

My first set of 020's failed on the way back from Curve Cowboy in 2005. We were having fun running through the Badlands when I felt the vibration, then the rubbing, then the thump-thump.

We limped into Kadoka...and, I mean LIMPED IN! It was close.

Took two days to get a tire out of Sturgis. A nice safe Metz 880.

My dealer could do nothing and Bridgestone did nothing... I tried for months to get at least recognition. Everyone said, 'Wow, never saw THAT before!"

My last set of BTs...

See the attached pix.

[NVRider]

Wow ... I was not aware this was "old news!" One would think Bridgestone might do something to prevent a law suite arising from injury or death from a catastrophic tire failure.

[Dick]

Wow ... I was not aware this was "old news!" One would think Bridgestone might do something to prevent a law suite arising from injury or death from a catastrophic tire failure.
I'm not positive, butt I venture to say that all brands of m/c tires have experienced tread separation, bubbles, delams, etc. at one time or another. I've never seen a tire recall for any of those brands, tho. I've got a Bridgestone AND a Metzeler, each with bubbles. Not great pics, butt take a look.
Edit: no bridgestone pic. This is the ME880.

[Wolfgang]

I had THREE, yes 3 rear Bridgestones fail all in the same manner. Severe bubbles developing at less than 6000 miles. Made numerous calls to Bridgestone, send e-mails, offered to ship them the tires at my cost and got the standard brush off.
I than tried Metzlers, in my opinion they are downright dangerous in wet weather. Took them off after about 1000 miles and a few scary moments. I am now on a Bridgestone in front and Avon in back (about 8k now). Handles well, grip in wet conditions is fine and sofar no bubbles.

Wolfgang

Now in Costa Mesa, CA (not sure whats next)

[Ted]

I'm not positive, butt I venture to say that all brands of m/c tires have experienced tread separation, bubbles, delams, etc. at one time or another.

True - but you have to admit that the 'Stones seem to have a much higher reported failure rate on this board. IIRC - not more than 3 folks have reported Metz failures since June '03. And, although not scientific - 75% of the people who responded to this poll use Metz:

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15160&highlight=metzeler+poll

Wish there was an easy way to compile some survey data (not a poll) to include tire brand, tire model, date purchased, total miles, date of failure, miles on tire at time of failure, weight(load) at time of failure, speed at time of failure, avg load, avg speed, age of tire, tire pressure, and anything else you can think of!

[Holy Cow]

But, Bridgestone did do something, they switched from radial to bias ply construction. The top dog at Bridgestone M/C tires (can't remember his name) was at CCR last year and gave a talk. They are working to get their literature updated, but recommended Bias Ply for all years of LT's.

[LostAlmost]

It seems that Bridgestone doesn't make an 020 radial in 160/70-17 anymore.

http://www.motorcycle-karttires.com/glamourindex.aspx?productID=2&LookupID=8

This and other threads had me worried as I have 020s on my '05. They're Bias, but I will check them closely over time.

[NVRider]

Ted,

I entirely agree with you ... it would be nice to have the data to address the questions you raise. THEN some more rational conclusion could be derived. Nevertheless, no more Bridgestone for me (rational or otherwise)!

[2002redrider]

I had a similar situation with a Metzler with 1500 miles on it two years ago. It was on My K1200RS on Labor day in the middle of nowhere, 5 miles out of Walden CO. Started with a viberation in the front while I was doing about 115. I don't ride like that very often but if you know the rout in Colorado from Berthoud pass to Winter Park through Frazier, Granby then 125 to Walden you might understand. Lots of tight twisties and then it opens up to long straight blue highways with no traffic for 15-20 miles into Walden.

At any case the vibration came on suddenly. I let off and hit the rear brake (not linked from the rear). Hauled her down and parked on the side of the deserted road to discover a goose egg sized lump on the front tire. My two riding buddies had circled back by this time expecting to find me as road kill. I limped it into town and attempted to contact the two road services I belonged to. Both proved to be as worthless as tits on a boar hog. The best they would do was take me to the nearest dealer (closed-Labor Day) and charge me $3-4 a mile for the overage. Let me get this straight, I pay $400 for you to take my bike to a closed dealer along Interstate 25 so it can be stolen overnight. Right.

I parked it at the cop station, rode double with one of the buddies to Fort Collins, borrowed my son's car since he lived there and got home to Denver. From there, I rented a trailer and went back and got it. Arrived home at 4:30 AM. 800 miles total, a near death experience, and no sleep: priceless.

By the way the Metzler rep also proved worthless. "I've never heard of anything like this" was as much as he would offer. The dealer, BMW of Denver made it right, a tip of the hat to them.

[BillCav]

I to have had a Bridgestone fail by forming three huge bubbles on the sidewall.

Cheers, Bill

05 Ocean Blue
K1200 LT

[messenger13]

I would love to hear any similar stories about this type of "above and beyond" type of service. Anyone?In '05 I was headed to Seattle, before going to CCR in Jackson Hole, and I had a Bridgestone fail on me. Hitching Post Motorsports in Minneapolis treated me like a King. They gave me an excellent deal on two new Metzelers, and the Service Manager stayed late to mount and balance my tires for me. We hear all the horror stories about dealers...but there are good guys out there too. :)

As for the Bridgestone Radials...yep, not my tire of choice after that little incident. But the 'new & improved' bias-ply should be alright. But if the tread design is the same on the new front tire as the old front radial, I'd still stay away. That pattern sucks. But that's just my opinion. :)

[fredthead]

Try contacting "TJ" Tennant at Bridgestone USA (Sorry I don't have the number). He is/was their chief tire engineer and is a bike rider. He was a guest lecturer at last year's CCR. Gave an excellent presentation on motorcycle tires. Bottom line from him was that if you have a problem with one of his tires he wants to know about it. He also wants the tire back so he can see the damage and 99% of the time will send you a free replacement.

[skaboots]

Buy Avon's....have been using them since mid-80's, never have had a problem with them... :D

[tkramer]

It seems that Bridgestone doesn't make an 020 radial in 160/70-17 anymore.

http://www.motorcycle-karttires.com/glamourindex.aspx?productID=2&LookupID=8

This and other threads had me worried as I have 020s on my '05. They're Bias, but I will check them closely over time.

Not sure if it's true, but I was told the 020 Bias were also discontinued. Apparently what's out there still on shelves is what's left.

[Steve_R]

I'm sorry Tom your information is incorrect. The radial tires have been discontinued. If you check most of the on-line tire sites, the radial is no longer in their listings. If they are, then they are selling what they currently have in stock.

[tkramer]

I'm sorry Tom your information is incorrect. The radial tires have been discontinued. If you check most of the on-line tire sites, the radial is no longer in their listings. If they are, then they are selling what they currently have in stock.

So that pretty much clinches it. The service manager at my shop is a lying shytepoke. (See this related thread: Bridgestone Tires (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=139805#poststop)).