It was pretty cold today and I noticed something odd. When I'd go through a turn my rear type felt like it was sliding off to the side eve so slightly. I've ruled out this being paranoia and I think that something is up with the tyres. This being my first winter riding could it be attributed to the cold? Also could a tyres smoothness have something to do with it? I let my friend take my GS out for a wee spin while I got to putt around on his bike and I can't really remember what it was like before but its very smooth. Some advice would be appreciated :mrgreen:
Tire compounds are designed for a certain temperature range. Most bike tires are summer tires. It's like car tires - high-performance summer tires turn to Teflon in the cold. Winter tires are as much about compound as tread pattern.
When it's cold out, ride more carefully, and allow more time for heat to get into the tire.
If your tire is smooth = no tread, time for a new one, though.
it's the cold tire...take it easy till the tire warms up especially since it's getting colder now
Thanks for the re-assurance guys, good to know they're still good haha. Its still got treds, but from what I understand they have nothing to do with traction, just water displacement??? Most of my rides aren't long enough to warm the tyre up very well, just around town. And I guess doing little burnouts every morning before I drive into school is out of the question ;)
Technically, treads are just about water displacement; racers run shaved tires or slicks. But for street tires, tread loss also tends to correlate with age, and tires harden and lose traction both as they age and as they heat-cycle.
I heard of someone who roughs up the surface of his tyres every couple of days in the early spring and late fall, says it does make a difference when the tyres are cold... I dunno about going at my tyres with sandpaper though hahaha.
I made a very similar post on a local forum and I got brutally shot down for a newb mistake hahaha. Everyone seems to think the tyre preservative makes them slick as oil for some reason, and maybe some do, I know it just burnt off the riding surface on my tyre within a few minutes of stop-n-go riding.
Quote from: Narcissusthe tyre preservative makes them slick as oil
Are they brand new? :?
As for sliding around... Yeah... What everyone else said. I wouldn't suggest burning-out unless you have money burning a whole in your account... Just take things a little slower until all your parts are warm. ;)
Hahah no definately not new tyres, the preservative on them doesn't last long anyways. Today is a really nice warm day so I do think I'll be having any problems, if I do, I'm gonna be super pissed haha.
I had this problem once when riding in the wet. It was because I was being more careful and not riding so aggresive. The problem for me was I was not rolling the throttle on in the corners. I then starting riding more positively and the bike felt more stable.
I agree with everyone else :P
However, just because it is a good idea to do ANYWAY, check your tire pressures and adjust if necessary.
Ive been noticing the same thing, especially riding to school in the mornings when both my tires and the roads are cool. Just take it easier, keep in mind that taking turns hard probaly isn't the best idea and don't speed.
It wa about 15*C here today and very sunny, I didn't feel it so much, but through some corners early on in the day it was still appearent.