Tire with plenty of tread but flat...

[Jerrod Maguire]

I have recently purchased a used 2001 LT with 9,500 miles, the rear tire has plenty of tread on it but it's flat as far as the surface goes. I don't know how old the tire is or how many miles are on it. It's a Marathon 880. Does this tire come a bit flatter than the average sport tire (I've never had a big bike like this, only sport bikes) or does it need to be replaced as I'm assuming? The tread is still quite deep, that's where the confusion is for me. Does somehing cause this type of tire to flatten out; such as a bunch of higway miles or air pressure? Thanks

[CarSalesman]

They tend to wear that way, nothing to worry about. As you note, plenty of tread left. Remember that in comparison to those sport tires you are used to, you would have replaced the sport tire twice (3 times?) in that 9500 miles.

[DavidTaylor]

If the bike has 9500 it's probably the original rear. I would guess the bike didn't spend much time in the twisties, rather it was used for freeway/straight line hauls. That would explain the flat surface on the tire. As long as the tread is good there's nothing to worry about, although you may want to put a fresh set of tires on to learn the bike and get familiar with its capabilities. The flatness on the rear will make it a little harder to lean into corners, while fresh rubber will help you experience/learn the bike's capabilities more fully. Also, if you're used to sport bikes you may want to install Bridgestone BT020s (the bias version rated for the LT). These are somewhat sticker tires and the profile is less rounded that the ME 880s, making the bike easier to turn into corners. They wear out faster, though. The ME 880s are great tires, too; longer lasting than the Bridgestone due to a slightly harder rubber compound but well handling and predictable response to road conditions. I personally prefer the 880s, but then I've been a Metzeler guy for years.:)

As for the price and self service; nothing to worry about on either front as long as the guy documented what he did and will suply you the records. A lot of us do our own service.

[Dezrae]

I learnt ages ago not to trust tyres with flat edges in the centre caused from long distance riding with next to no curves.
on my vfr800 i certainly noticed it when i lent the bike way over going thru a corner and went to straighten up , the bike gets unpredictable.

i dont this will happen on the LT, not in this town, too many round-a-bouts in it ;)

[CharlieVT]

Unless you are really strapped for cash (no harm in riding your squared off Metz) I'd go for a new set of tires. Everytime I put new tires on the bike I get a grin, it does make a difference in handling; so much so that I put new tires on before the tread wear really dictates it.
Enjoy your new bike to the fullest, put on a set of tires.
Ride Safe.

[Jerrod Maguire]

I can definitely feel the squared off tire once I lean over the edge of it, the drop is a bit drastic. Physics will also tell you that you have less rubber on the road when you are on the corner of a squared off tire then when the tire is round. I appreciate the feedback, I wanted to make sure of a few things before investing in new tires. Thank you!

[meese]

You could just find some seriously twisty roads and re-profile the rear tire. :) Seriously, my rear BT020 bias was getting a definite flat spot due to lots of long-distance freeway riding, and I could feel the transition zone as I leaned into corners. After 100 miles spent on a track day mostly near maximum lean angles, the rear tire feels much better.

Or just replace it. Tires are consumable like gas and oil, and important enough to safety that you shouldn't skimp.

[Jerrod Maguire]

I realize this is a subjective call, but I took the bike to have a new rear tire put on and before revealing my true intentions I had the shop look at my tires; they thought both front and rear had a solid 2-3K miles left on them at minimum. So I'm going to wait and use my money right know on a new helmet and intercom system. I've always loved buying new tires though (except for the exchange of money part ;-) ... it's kinda weird. They are almost artwork to me. So I'm looking forward to getting new one's in the near future.

[meese]

As long as you're happy, then all is fine. It's your bike, after all. But you could still hit some of those twisty roads for a little re-profiling. Just imagine the money you're saving while you're having that much fun. :)

[BecketMa]

What air pressure in the tires?

This time of year, you should be able to safely raise the air pressure a little, to make the tire a little more round.

Burrrr. Was too cold yesterday. Only mid 50s. Insanely cold in the AM, lower 30s.

Bob

[afrobiker2]

What air pressure in the tires?

This time of year, you should be able to safely raise the air pressure a little, to make the tire a little more round.

Burrrr. Was too cold yesterday. Only mid 50s. Insanely cold in the AM, lower 30s.

Bob

Bob that's when the true fun begins when the temps drop below 30. As long as the roads are dry, nothing beats cold weather,gerbings and my LT! Just the other day the temp was 22 and gorgeous.