New Tires Warning
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
They've always told me. I've been riding since '74 and never got new tires that someone didn't mention the mold release. I don't find it takes 3 cycles/rides, but I am careful the first 100 miles or so and try and "scrub" them in.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I dont mount my own; I do take in the wheel off the bike to an indie for mounting and they are very conscientious about safety and doing a good job. Last trip in for my front they warned me about the flat spot on the rim they had issues with balancing how I might have major problems if I tried going over 100mph LOL. No warning about new tires though. They probably don't want to make it sound like they are insulting my intelligence I guess.
Again, I realize there is some degree of common sense that dictates a brand new tire isnt going to be as sticky as after you have roughed it up, but I have never had one slip out from under me like that and it was news to me about the break in period and there actually being a substance on the tires that is cause for them to be slick beyond them just being new and not roughed up enough to be sticky.
Again, I realize there is some degree of common sense that dictates a brand new tire isnt going to be as sticky as after you have roughed it up, but I have never had one slip out from under me like that and it was news to me about the break in period and there actually being a substance on the tires that is cause for them to be slick beyond them just being new and not roughed up enough to be sticky.
Was at a local indy not long ago and a guy had a new set of tires installed. They warned him. Sure enough, when he left the parking lot he gassed it just a tad too much. Did a couple 360's and then over he went, just barely off their parking lot. We all ran over to help the guy up. Then when he was finally out of sight, laughed our asses off. When someone gives you advise, at least consider it before you go ahead and make a fool of yourself.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Tire manufacturers no longer use mold release on the tread area. They still use it on the sidewall where all the lettering is. You tires were slippery because they are new and smooth and not up to operating temperature. The slippery tire/mold release agent story is from long ago. Google it and you will see.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 89
Likes: 29
From: Meridianville, AL
When road racing this doesn't seem to be an issue. We go through two or three sets of brand new tires a weekend. There is no scrubbing or scuffing required. Put them on and go like hell.
Maybe you crossed a patch of some low friction substance?
Joe
Maybe you crossed a patch of some low friction substance?
Joe
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City, OK
Tire manufacturers no longer use mold release on the tread area. They still use it on the sidewall where all the lettering is. You tires were slippery because they are new and smooth and not up to operating temperature. The slippery tire/mold release agent story is from long ago. Google it and you will see.
It could very well have been just new tires yet to be scuffed up that I experienced. Sure were slick though.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
When I picked up my new harley the sales guy, and service guy both warned me about fresh tires and brakes. Said to scuff them in a bit to wear off the slick areas. Same with brake pads, Take it easy for the first few miles.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,137
Likes: 51,477
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Im not trying to point out the obvious, but Ive never read anything on this here and never had it happen to be before today. New rear tire on bike (Commander II) and first corner from a stop sign and it almost came out from under me. Just rolling out from the stop in a turn. I could have been taking it a little easier, but I wasnt really hammering it or anything crazy.
I was headed to the Harley store for a rear brake light switch and the parts guys said new tires have something on them that helps them come out of the mold and they need like 3 cycles of heating up to temperature and back 3 good rides more or less; before that stuff wears off.
Ive never heard that before and thought I would pass along my experience.
I was headed to the Harley store for a rear brake light switch and the parts guys said new tires have something on them that helps them come out of the mold and they need like 3 cycles of heating up to temperature and back 3 good rides more or less; before that stuff wears off.
Ive never heard that before and thought I would pass along my experience.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 36
From: Georgia Mountains
I got a new rear Elite III and new brake pads today in Gainesville. As soon as they were done, it proceeded to rain buckets....The whole way home. I was extremely cautious (and wet) on the way home (35 miles). I always knew new tires were slick, but never really thought of the reason why. If something needed to be washed off...Its done!
By the way, I had about 16K on the old E-III, and probably could have got another 2K if needed.
By the way, I had about 16K on the old E-III, and probably could have got another 2K if needed.