Stupid Question...Tire Tread Depth
A 700 mile "trip" is just a long day to me. I rode nearly 600 on Monday from the San Antonio area to Rogers AR. I would not imagine even in 100 degree weather that I would wear 1/32 or 2/32 off my tire in that distance. I suggest you wait.
But I do believe that a well worn tire is more prone to nail flats and screws flats.
Also note, I hydroplaned badly on a new set of Commander II's on my 2009 Ultra. Had the cruise control sert at 60 and the road was wet but not pooling. Scared heck out of me.
But I do believe that a well worn tire is more prone to nail flats and screws flats.
Also note, I hydroplaned badly on a new set of Commander II's on my 2009 Ultra. Had the cruise control sert at 60 and the road was wet but not pooling. Scared heck out of me.
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David
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Minimum legal is 2/32", but minimum for rain is 4/32". My tire gauge shows caution below 6/32 which is equivalent to Lincolns eyebrow, 4/32" is to where his forehead and hair meet. My new tires before leaving for Sturgis last year were 11/32".
Riding around home I let them get close to 3/32", but before I leave for my big summer trips, 4/32" is minimum as I ride rain or shine. It is not unusual to wear a 1/32 or more off in 3000 mile trip and more it if is really HOT and you are riding loaded with gear or riding aggressively.
A 700 mile trip is not a big deal for tires. Unless it is forecast for heavy rain, 2/32 is okay. But these are tires that need to be changed sooner than later. Heavy rain needs more groove depth. A damp road or drizzle is okay as painted lines, metal covers, leaves and oil slicks which are the real issues are not really affected by tread depth. A heavy rain or rivets running across the road need deep 4/32" grooves to expel the water, otherwise a a heavy rain a normal tar road can feel like a total tar snake.
Riding around home I let them get close to 3/32", but before I leave for my big summer trips, 4/32" is minimum as I ride rain or shine. It is not unusual to wear a 1/32 or more off in 3000 mile trip and more it if is really HOT and you are riding loaded with gear or riding aggressively.
A 700 mile trip is not a big deal for tires. Unless it is forecast for heavy rain, 2/32 is okay. But these are tires that need to be changed sooner than later. Heavy rain needs more groove depth. A damp road or drizzle is okay as painted lines, metal covers, leaves and oil slicks which are the real issues are not really affected by tread depth. A heavy rain or rivets running across the road need deep 4/32" grooves to expel the water, otherwise a a heavy rain a normal tar road can feel like a total tar snake.
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