Tire thread depth

dogdoc · 08-08-2007, 08:26 PM

hey guys can anybody give me the truth on when to repalce your tires. The manual says replace at so many millimeters of depth. if you buy a tire tread depth gauge WHERE do you take your readings: 1. center groove,, 2. sidewall area,, 3. between sidewall and center groove. Of course you will always have more rubber in the area nearest the sidewall and least in the center? i know its like replace at 2-3mm but where to do the testing is my question. In the good ole days we would take a penny and if you could see the top of ole abes head it was time/ Thanks

Doc

08-08-2007, 10:56 PM

The penny still works!

blowndodge · 08-08-2007, 11:50 PM

Aren't you the BIG TIPPER!!!!

08-09-2007, 12:15 AM

socwkbiker · 08-09-2007, 08:31 AM

Doc, as I understand it, you check them at the center groove since that's the part that contacts the road most. As for groundhog, get outta his way!!!

Quote:

I replace mine when they look like a racing slick.

**trip** · 08-09-2007, 11:27 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong...but I've always operated on the assumption that tire manufacturers built their tires with a little "pad" of rubber even if the tread is worn slick. So, with that said, in trying to get all the use out of a tire that I can, I've kind of done what Groundhog does.

**trip** · 08-09-2007, 11:29 AM

I had a fellow rider tell me the other day that Bridgestone and Metzeler are coming out with a tire that features softer rubber on the sides and harder rubber in the middle. In the past, technology has not allowed them to blend the two, but they have supposedly figured out a way.

If indeed it is true, than back tires will last alot longer.

dogdoc · 08-09-2007, 01:36 PM

Good to know Trip, Thx.

Doc

08-09-2007, 02:03 PM

I feel like a full facer getting on a soap box but I wouldn't run the tread too low. Bald is great on dry, clean pavement but any rain or road sand and there is nowhere for the debri to go and your tires loose contact with the road.

stewart · 08-09-2007, 04:40 PM

Quote:

I feel like a full facer getting on a soap box but I wouldn't run the tread too low. Bald is great on dry, clean pavement but any rain or road sand and there is nowhere for the debri to go and your tires loose contact with the road.

"full facer"? True, True.

However I guess I'd be in that group also. You mention the safety points we should think about when considering our tire wear. Unless we're only going to ride when chrome will sparkle in the sunshine, we're going to get wet. When it gets sloppy racing slicks only get slicker. Even race car drivers change out the tires in the rain for more tread.

I measure on the centerline, with the penny and change out when I can see the top of old Abe's head. The few extra dollars I'll spend on tires throughout the life of a bike is allot less than the parts I'd have to replace should I go down because I was stretching my tire dollar.

My humble .02

Regards and God Bless

Stewart,

Todd · 08-09-2007, 05:11 PM

I tend to use the "Groundhog Method"

socwkbiker · 08-09-2007, 06:36 PM

Groundhog Method?

Todd · 08-09-2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

I replace mine when they look like a racing slick.

Yep, the Groundhog method...

08-09-2007, 07:35 PM

I haven't worn mine down far enough for replacement. The dealer I got the bike from in May of 2006 put a new rear tire on it when I bought it. I don't imagine I'll be using the groundhog method though.

dogdoc · 08-09-2007, 09:25 PM

GH, thx for the visual proof you are the hog man. that tire is SLICK!!!!

Doc

08-08-2007, 08:26 PM	#1
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Tire thread depth hey guys can anybody give me the truth on when to repalce your tires. The manual says replace at so many millimeters of depth. if you buy a tire tread depth gauge WHERE do you take your readings: 1. center groove,, 2. sidewall area,, 3. between sidewall and center groove. Of course you will always have more rubber in the area nearest the sidewall and least in the center? i know its like replace at 2-3mm but where to do the testing is my question. In the good ole days we would take a penny and if you could see the top of ole abes head it was time/ Thanks Doc Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-08-2007, 10:56 PM	#2
Guest Posts: n/a	Tire thread depth The penny still works!
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08-08-2007, 11:50 PM	#3
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Tire thread depth Aren't you the BIG TIPPER!!!! __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
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08-09-2007, 12:15 AM	#4
Guest Posts: n/a	Tire thread depth
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08-09-2007, 11:27 AM	#6
trip VBA Founder Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lindale, Texas Posts: 6,846	Tire thread depth Correct me if I'm wrong...but I've always operated on the assumption that tire manufacturers built their tires with a little "pad" of rubber even if the tread is worn slick. So, with that said, in trying to get all the use out of a tire that I can, I've kind of done what Groundhog does. __________________ Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip
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08-09-2007, 11:29 AM	#7
trip VBA Founder Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lindale, Texas Posts: 6,846	Tire thread depth I had a fellow rider tell me the other day that Bridgestone and Metzeler are coming out with a tire that features softer rubber on the sides and harder rubber in the middle. In the past, technology has not allowed them to blend the two, but they have supposedly figured out a way. If indeed it is true, than back tires will last alot longer. __________________ Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip
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08-09-2007, 01:36 PM	#8
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Tire thread depth Good to know Trip, Thx. Doc
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08-09-2007, 02:03 PM	#9
Guest Posts: n/a	Tire thread depth I feel like a full facer getting on a soap box but I wouldn't run the tread too low. Bald is great on dry, clean pavement but any rain or road sand and there is nowhere for the debri to go and your tires loose contact with the road.
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08-09-2007, 05:11 PM	#11
Todd Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,915	Tire thread depth I tend to use the "Groundhog Method" __________________ Todd Frazier VBA #0003 VBA National Leader-USA Operations/Garage Moderator - RETIRED 2006 Black Nomad since she was born Greensboro, NC
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08-09-2007, 06:36 PM	#12
socwkbiker Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jefferson City, MO Posts: 6,272	Tire thread depth Groundhog Method? __________________ Jeff Platz VBA #0002 VBA VP-Global B.A.C.A. Hoss 2005 "StrongBear" Black/Silver Todd and BD
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08-09-2007, 07:35 PM	#14
Guest Posts: n/a	Tire thread depth I haven't worn mine down far enough for replacement. The dealer I got the bike from in May of 2006 put a new rear tire on it when I bought it. I don't imagine I'll be using the groundhog method though.
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08-09-2007, 09:25 PM	#15
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Tire thread depth GH, thx for the visual proof you are the hog man. that tire is SLICK!!!! Doc
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