So I'm looking up new tires for my bike. Specificlly on the Dunlop sight. And there is this section stating that new motorcycle tires need a 500 mile gentil break in period to not only scrub off the release agent, but to also ensure the belts and multiple layers and of various rubber compounds, settle in properly with one another. I have never heard of such a thing. Am I The only one who thought...... just take it easy for a few miles to ride off the release agent, then your good? I mean, that's all I have ever done. Maybe that's why lately we see more and more posts about tires cracking and failing. Who knew, surely not me.


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...e.jsp?techid=5

 

I thought everything new had to be broken in...

 

That does seem a little excessive but I'm sure it's probably legal stuff.

 

I had always heard around 100 miles.

 

They need a break in period, 500 miles is a little much though.

My tires on my Kenworth usually feel a little squirrely for the first 1,000 miles or so and then seem to settle in and run normal.
It has something to do with having a few heat/cool cycles according to my tire guy.

 

why can't the release agent be washed off?

 

It can be, but you should still scrub the new tires in by riding conservatively and gradually increasing your lean angles when cornering (on a bike).

 

I have heard waiting 50-100 miles but not 500. Seems a little much.

 

The tire manufactures are covering there *** if something happens. Again, it's always about the money.

 

Never followed any break in procedures and have yet to have an issue, guess my normal riding isn't all that aggressive.