Breaking in new motorcycle tires is a critical process for safety and optimal performance, ensuring you shed manufacturing residues and achieve full grip. It's often referred to as "scrubbing in" your tires.
Why Do New Tires Need Breaking In?
New motorcycle tires come from the factory with a smooth, sometimes slightly slick surface due to mold release agents and the inherent smoothness of the rubber compound before it's been used. This surface offers less grip than a properly "scrubbed-in" tire. Taking the time to break them in allows these release agents to wear off and the tire's compound to achieve its optimal adhesion and flexibility, especially at various lean angles.
Essential Steps Before You Ride
Before you even roll out of the garage, a few preparations are necessary for a safe break-in:
- Remove Labels: Crucially, remove all tire labels or stickers from the tread surface. These can be slippery and dangerous if not removed prior to riding.
- Check Tire Pressure: Inflate your new tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, typically found in your motorcycle's owner's manual or on a sticker on the swingarm. Proper inflation is vital for handling and tire wear. You can find general guidelines from reputable sources like the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).
- Visual Inspection: Give your new tires a quick once-over to ensure there are no visible defects or shipping damage.
The Tire "Scrubbing In" Process
The goal of scrubbing in is to gradually wear away the initial slickness and bring the entire usable tread surface to a dull, slightly rough texture that provides maximum grip.
Gradual Application of Load
The most effective way to break in new tires is by riding a twisty road or a safe, open area where you can vary your speed and lean angle.
- Start Gently: Begin your ride with low speed and minimal lean angle. Avoid any aggressive maneuvers, such as hard acceleration, sudden braking, or sharp turns, during the initial miles.
- Practical Insight: Think of the first 20-30 miles as a gentle cruise.
- Slowly Increase Intensity: As you gain confidence and the tire surface begins to change (you'll notice it losing its "shiny" new look), slowly increase your speed and acceleration. Gradually begin to increase your lean angle in corners.
- Example: On a twisty road, take turns a bit slower than usual, but try to use more of the tire's shoulder with each passing turn, progressively leaning more.
- Target Finish: Continue this gradual increase in speed, acceleration, and lean angles until you develop a dull/rough finish across the usable tread surface. This indicates that the tire has shed its initial slickness and is ready for normal riding.
- Duration: While there's no fixed mileage, most manufacturers suggest a break-in period of at least 50-100 miles (80-160 km), with some recommending up to 200 miles (320 km). The actual mileage depends more on your riding style and the type of roads ridden during the break-in.
Key Considerations While Breaking In
- Patience is Key: Do not rush the process. An impatient break-in can lead to loss of traction and potentially dangerous situations.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: Try to break in new tires in dry, warm weather conditions. Cold temperatures or wet roads will make the tires even less grippy and prolong the break-in period.
- Smooth Inputs: Maintain smooth throttle, braking, and steering inputs throughout the break-in period. Jerky movements can overwhelm the limited grip of new tires.
- Check Your Tires: Periodically check the tires visually. You'll see the shiny, unused rubber on the edges gradually disappear as you lean more and scrub in the full contact patch.
- Weight Matters: If you typically ride with a passenger or heavy luggage, consider doing the initial break-in period solo and then gradually adding weight once the tires are properly scrubbed in.
Dos and Don'ts for New Motorcycle Tires
To summarize the essential practices for riding on new motorcycle tires:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Remove all labels before riding. | Don't perform sudden, hard braking. |
| Check and set correct tire pressure. | Don't accelerate aggressively. |
| Start gently with low speed. | Don't take sharp, deep lean turns initially. |
| Gradually increase speed and lean angle. | Don't ride immediately in wet or cold conditions. |
| Aim for a dull/rough finish across the tread. | Don't neglect visual tire checks. |
| Ride on varied roads, including twisty sections. | Don't ignore the break-in period. |
By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your new motorcycle tires are properly prepared, providing you with the maximum safety and performance they were designed for.
