Tire and Breaks
Today, I am writing for those, like me, who have been riding a relatively short time. More experienced riders, will of course, instinctively know.
I am still a relatively new rider. I have 11 months / 11000 miles under my belt. I pretty much rode rain/cold/whatever. Since I started riding after my November - January sabbatical (crash repair), I have put 1100 miles in. However, I notice I was less confident with the bike lately; then I realized my front tire was down to the 2/32 mark... And breaking didn't seem as robust as I recalled. Looking at the installed pads, I was near the clips, so obviously, at 10K it was time for a new tire and break.
Today, I went to Downtown Harley to purchase new break pads and then when to Seattle Cycle Center to purchase a new tire and have them install the pads. After about 1.5 hours and $240 dollars, I rode away with a new tire and break pads in place.
Even though they are not yet worn in, I could tell an immediate difference. My confidence is back and all is good. The lesson here is to remember to check these items on your bike yourself, because the shops don't seem to want to sell you on repairs you need while selling you repairs you don't need. The deterioration of your tire and breaks is subtle -- as the performance slowly declines you grow a custom to this and they may not immediately recognize it is time for a service. Tires and breaks, after all, are the most important pieces of equipment on your bike.
I am still a relatively new rider. I have 11 months / 11000 miles under my belt. I pretty much rode rain/cold/whatever. Since I started riding after my November - January sabbatical (crash repair), I have put 1100 miles in. However, I notice I was less confident with the bike lately; then I realized my front tire was down to the 2/32 mark... And breaking didn't seem as robust as I recalled. Looking at the installed pads, I was near the clips, so obviously, at 10K it was time for a new tire and break.
Today, I went to Downtown Harley to purchase new break pads and then when to Seattle Cycle Center to purchase a new tire and have them install the pads. After about 1.5 hours and $240 dollars, I rode away with a new tire and break pads in place.
Even though they are not yet worn in, I could tell an immediate difference. My confidence is back and all is good. The lesson here is to remember to check these items on your bike yourself, because the shops don't seem to want to sell you on repairs you need while selling you repairs you don't need. The deterioration of your tire and breaks is subtle -- as the performance slowly declines you grow a custom to this and they may not immediately recognize it is time for a service. Tires and breaks, after all, are the most important pieces of equipment on your bike.
Total Comments 2
Comments
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T-CLOCS - an acronym for the motorcycle pre-ride inspection checklist:
T: Tires and Wheels
C: Controls
L: Lights and Electrics
O: Oil and Other Fluids
C: Chassis
S: Stands
(h/t Basic Rider Course)Posted 05-04-2008 at 08:10 AM by Gamuru
- Thanks, should have posted that. However, Like anything, recognizing what your observing takes experience. The tire looked fine, and above the wear grove until I measured it. As for the break pads, I didn't have a reference. I have reference for both now
Posted 05-04-2008 at 05:47 PM by Clackamas
