Tire(s) buzzing. Replacement or not?

[leshenits215]

My 06' LT has just over 8K miles on the original Metzler Marathon 880s. The tire(s) buzz at the slightest angle at speed. Treads still look very good, though the rear is flattened a bit, but I can live with that.

Question No. 1: Is it the front tire which is buzzing when angled? I assume buzzing is due to cupping.

Question No. 2: Does this affect handling, braking, performance and/or safety in any way. If there is no negative affect, I can live with it.

It would be a shame to spend $500 or so on a new set if I can still run these for another 1K miles or so.

Thanks,

Les Henits
06' KLT and 06' K12S

[Dick]

My 06' LT has just over 8K miles on the original Metzler Marathon 880s. The tire(s) buzz at the slightest angle at speed. Treads still look very good, though the rear is flattened a bit, but I can live with that.

Question No. 1: Is it the front tire which is buzzing when angled? I assume buzzing is due to cupping.

Question No. 2: Does this affect handling, braking, performance and/or safety in any way. If there is no negative affect, I can live with it.

It would be a shame to spend $500 or so on a new set if I can still run these for another 1K miles or so.

Thanks,

Les Henits
06' KLT and 06' K12S
For me, Les - I'd just run 'em 'til the tire tread depth meter shows they're at the state inspection threshold for go/no go (barring any other noticeable/detrimental tire condition).

[tobiwan]

Check your tire pressure. tires should last a lot longer then 8K. I put almost 25K on my front tire, and 18K on the rear Original Bridgstone and replacement Metzler. I have almost 10K on present set and both have a lot of tread left. Do I have some Buzz when leaning? Yes, but when I hit the straights it is greatly reduced.

42 lb. front 48 lb. rear

[BillCav]

My 06' LT has just over 8K miles on the original Metzler Marathon 880s. The tire(s) buzz at the slightest angle at speed. Treads still look very good, though the rear is flattened a bit, but I can live with that.

Question No. 1: Is it the front tire which is buzzing when angled? I assume buzzing is due to cupping.

What I have found is...it's the back tire. When it wears down the tires start to hum or buzz in the lean position. When you put on a new tire it will go away and then slowly get louder as the tire wears down.

Question No. 2: Does this affect handling, braking, performance and/or safety in any way. If there is no negative affect, I can live with it.

I've not found it to be a problem to any of your questions.

It would be a shame to spend $500 or so on a new set if I can still run these for another 1K miles or so.

As Dick says run them till the indicator shows. Some even run them past that.

Bill
05 K1200LT

[JCarver]

Les:

I've found that this is just a trait of the 880's, as I'm on my 3rd set and all of them have done that. I even put a set on the Concours, same noise when at an angle. So just ride them until you need replacements.

hth, tcars
John

[leshenits215]

Thanks guys for your replies. The consensus seems to be to add more air. I was down to 36/39 all this time. Then just ride the tires and ignore the buzzing. Next time though, I'll try a set of Bridgestones B020s.

Thanks again!

Les