Motorcycle tire wear

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Just so people shopping for mc tires have some kind of comparison.
Anyone who has more than 15,000 miles on a mc tire,please list the tire,and how you drive.
Also describe what the tire looked like when you replaced it.

[Jess from VA]

So, one would assume you are talking about a rear tire here?

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I've got more than 15k on my front. I will be changing soon though. Avon 40psi average driving type.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

The rear usually lasts a little longer as it has deeper tread,but not by much.
Average your mileage,front and rear.

I'm guessing bikes which frequent the highway more often,will get better wear,while bikes driven mainly in the city will have the fastest wear.

[Strong Eagle]

My rear tire always wears faster.  I do almost all urban riding with lots of stops and starts... I get about 8,000 out of a rear Metzeler, about 14,000 out of a front Metzeler.  I reckon you'd get better mileage out of the back tire if you do a lot of highway riding... you're not wearing off the rubber with acceleration from every red light.

[razor]

I've never seen anybody that got more miles out of the rear tire.  I'm curious, deathwish, where are you from, and what kind of riding you do?

I've gotton over 20,000 out of an Avon Venom on the front, about 12,000 is the best I've ever done on the rear.  I live less than 50 miles from The Dragon, which is where my profile pic came from.  Most of the time I'm 2 up and Laura loves the twisties. If i'm alone, I'm probably riding it like I stole it. 

But she ain't skeerd!

[Bob E.]

On most of my sets of tires, my wear on the front has been pretty close to the rear with only 2 exceptions.  I wore out the original front tire in just 3000 miles.  Personally, I blame myself because I know I neglected the tire pressures.  I replaced it with a Dunlop Elite which at 6000 miles (3000 miles later) when the rear OEM tire was shot, was over half gone. 

So I replaced both with Avon Venoms.  I got 9000 from the rear and 10,000 from the front.

I replaced those with E3's.  I got 10,000 from the rear, and 9000 from the front.

I replaced those with Metz's.  I got 5000 from the rear and 7000 from the front.

I replaced those with Cobras.  Currently I have about 6800 on the rear and it is almost gone.  I have 4800 on the front and it is still looking pretty good.

[fudgie]

Metz front got 21,000 and my last rear Metz got 15,000 miles. Mostly flat highway and county roads. Alot of interstate riding. Don't like to be passed and ride mod aggresive.

[Jess from VA]

The rear usually lasts a little longer as it has deeper tread,but not by much.

Oh contrare,  many people get approximately 2 for 1, rear to front, regardless of brand (not counting darkside, of course)

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I live in the barrel state...Ohio,which is why I stay off the interstate as much as possible.
Most all my driving is city/rural,and every traffic light is a drag tree.
I don't like people in front of me,and I take passing me as an insult.
Drive it like you stole it.
The valk does have a sweet spot around 105 mph.

[RedValk]

IN FACT.........I'm going down to the Honda shop TODAY....to replace.....AND THIS IS RARE....my FRONT TIRE ONLY.

now the facts. Dunlop Elite 3. OVER 22,000 miles.....ON BOTH TIRES. YES, THE REAR HAS OVER 22,000 miles....and it isn't even to the wear bars yet! The front, hit the wear bars like a 1000 miles ago or more.

THIS.....22,000 on a front, is NOT that rare for me. I've done it before with Avons. But....22,000 on a rear IS UNHEARD OF! And yet, i'm doing it.......

Usually with AVONS...i get about 16-17k out of a rear tire....the front...while it could go on beyond 20k no doubt, i usually replace with the rear as a set.

i kept waiting for THIS rear tire to catch up with the front...but....for the FIRST TIME EVER IN MY RIDING....i'm going to replace a front tire FIRST! (i'm going on  a 1000 mile trip NEXT week...and just can't do it with THIS front tire. also can't see replacing the rear....yet!).

If someone would have told me i'd get 22k out of a rear tire...down here in HOT Alabama...i'd say no way!

half my riding is to work....25 miles one way...on hiway 231. ALL OF MY RIDING IS SOLO...i don't even put a back seat on ANY of my bikes. Very little of my riding is on Interstate. Quite a bit is on curvy roads. I RELIGIOUSLY keep tire pressure up....38-40 on front....42 on rear. i ride moderately aggressively....but at times ride hard....at times with a group, ride easy....but myself....i accelerate hard....then hold my speeds after semi hard acceleration. LOTS of front braking, almost NO rear braking.

anyway, new Dunlop E3 today after 22k. Rear one? I'll have to report back WHEN I FINALLY CHANGE IT!!!!!!!!

Now, my Runes....those are another story! They typically get about 6-7K OUT OF A FRONT TIRE...about 11-12k out of rear. The heavy Rune....that front end....the fact there is only ONE OEM TIRE that fits the front...the CRAP standard Dunlop (like our original OEM Valk Dunlops of long ago?)....the Rune eats front tires like no tomorrow...........6-7k is actually REALLY stretching it....the right side of the tire is bald by that time. I probably should be replacing my Rune front tires at 4-5k....but i just can't force myself to do it THAT soon. But they are already well into the wear bars by 5k!

Valk tires, they last FOREVER compared to a Rune!!!!!!!!!!

[Spirited-6]

Boy RedValk, what a post ! Do you "coast" a lot to get that kind of mileage ? KIDDING !!! It is amazing the differtant reports on tire mileage. Makes for good reading.  

[RedValk]

i think SOME of the keys are:

1. do you RELIGIOUSLY keep your tire pressures UP. And by up, i think they need to be in 40 psi range....maybe more on rear tire

2. how much weight are you pushing. I NEVER RIDE TWO UP....ok, once every 3 or 4 years! I weigh 225. some folks....riding two up...with lots of gear, are really pushing a considerable amount of weight on those tires! maybe near their limits even???? MAYBE????

3. Road surface material/type of roads ridden on. some road surfaces are VERY abrasive...others...not so. also where you live....i'm betting those riding in rainy, cool Washington or Oregon....PROBABLY TYPICALLY ...get better mileage than those riding in hot/dry climates? WELL, ACCEPT for the factoring in of road materials, riding weight, tire pressures...etc....from above!

4. Type of riding style. Hard and aggressive? easy does it? Curvy roads vs. interstate/straight roads. etc.

no, i do NOT ride easy. ask those who have ridden with me. Of course, when in a GROUP RIDE....i will NOT ride aggressively as i am NOT ABOUT TO RISK the lives of others I'm around or possibly responsible for. but if riding with someone i know....just a few of us....i'll turn it on. And OF COURSE, when riding by myself....i'll ride aggressively MOST of the time.

I also think how much and what kind of braking you do makes a big difference. I ......and i mean this LITERALLY....use VERY, VERY little rear brake. I use LOTS, and LOTS of front braking....and LOTS and LOTS of engine braking.

and again, i check those tire pressures continually....as that may be THEEEEE biggest factor (that and the weight you put on them!) in tire life.......

[cutter]

I have similar results as RedValk does. I get between 23000 - 26000 on rear E3 and up to 28000 on front Avon Cobra (12-14months). My commute is 80+ miles round trip on the NW side of Houston. The overpasses here are nothing but big sweepers. There are some nice bends in some of the roads near the house, but most of the time ya gotta share them with the cagers. If you ride here you will notice that the limit signs are only a suggestion.... LOL   I like speed and this I/S lady has long legs and like to stretch them out so you can try to keep up. If your not the lead dog..... the scenery never changes   

[Cattman]

Avon VenomR front just changed out to an Avon Cobra. 18700 miles & it probably had another 1000 left(1/16) to wear bars. 43-44 psi.

[Steve K (IA)]

I put a pair of E3's on my I/S just before leaving for IZ 5 in KY.  Just coming up on 20,000 miles.  Front looks like brand new and rear has about a 1 1/2" flat spot dead center but lots of tread left.  When I go riding, I stay out of town.  Air pressures always at 40F & 42R.

[Bob E.]

i think SOME of the keys are:

1. do you RELIGIOUSLY keep your tire pressures UP. And by up, i think they need to be in 40 psi range....maybe more on rear tire  Yes...I've been running 45psi front and rear and I can say that over the past couple of sets of tires, I've never checked the air pressure and found it to be any lower than 42psi...so unless all 3 of my tire gages are way off, my tire pressure has been kept up to par.

2. how much weight are you pushing. I NEVER RIDE TWO UP....ok, once every 3 or 4 years! I weigh 225. some folks....riding two up...with lots of gear, are really pushing a considerable amount of weight on those tires! maybe near their limits even???? MAYBE????OK...this is where I do lose a few points since I weigh in about 275lbs.  So I am on the heavy side.  But I rarely ride 2-up...definitely less than 5% of total miles are 2-up and about half of that would be with my step daughter who, last summer, weighed in at about 70lbs.  Plus I ride a Standard with hard bags and windshield.  This still has to weigh less than an IS.

3. Road surface material/type of roads ridden on. some road surfaces are VERY abrasive...others...not so. also where you live....i'm betting those riding in rainy, cool Washington or Oregon....PROBABLY TYPICALLY ...get better mileage than those riding in hot/dry climates? WELL, ACCEPT for the factoring in of road materials, riding weight, tire pressures...etc....from above!I actually think this is the biggest factor in my tire wear...the roads in Southwest PA are abrasive since they do the tar and chip method of re-paving.

4. Type of riding style. Hard and aggressive? easy does it? Curvy roads vs. interstate/straight roads. etc.  Mostly a good mix, but leaning towards curvy back roads with lots of hills.  I probably ride a little aggressively, but I wouldn't say over the top.  And I am also a front braker.

no, i do NOT ride easy. ask those who have ridden with me. Of course, when in a GROUP RIDE....i will NOT ride aggressively as i am NOT ABOUT TO RISK the lives of others I'm around or possibly responsible for. but if riding with someone i know....just a few of us....i'll turn it on. And OF COURSE, when riding by myself....i'll ride aggressively MOST of the time.

I also think how much and what kind of braking you do makes a big difference. I ......and i mean this LITERALLY....use VERY, VERY little rear brake. I use LOTS, and LOTS of front braking....and LOTS and LOTS of engine braking.

and again, i check those tire pressures continually....as that may be THEEEEE biggest factor (that and the weight you put on them!) in tire life.......

[threevalks]

      On the rear I've been through 2 Avons and 1 elite 3, all between 8000 and 9000. I am now on my 3rd rear car tire, 1 Falken Ziex 12,000, 1 Cooper Zeon 9,000.
Front Avons, I get between 10,000 and 12,000.  45 psi rear, 40psi front on bike tires. 28-32 psi car tires,
     JMHO, I think you fellers that get 15,000 to 22,000 on a rear tire are counting trailer miles, spinning the wheels on a jack while cleaning, using witchcraft, or some other trickery.  I would like to ride with you for 10,000 mile here in West Virginia.

[Willow]

JMHO, I think you fellers that get 15,000 to 22,000 on a rear tire are counting trailer miles, spinning the wheels on a jack while cleaning, using witchcraft, or some other trickery.  I would like to ride with you for 10,000 mile here in West Virginia.

 Witchcraft?  Maybe.  Trailers?  Never!  I just can't believe all the some time riders bragging about how little mileage they get from their rubber.  I'm guessing some are changing out their tires with a lot of good miles still in them.

Honestly, the road surface on which one rides probably has the most to do with how quickly the tread wears.   The silliness of the miles on the tire wear survey is evidence of how seriously misinformed some owners are about how the riders' tires hold up.  

[Bugslayer]

My last rear Venom had 23,000+ on it when I replaced it. I lost track on the front mileage when I replaced it with a Cobra.

[Bob E.]

JMHO, I think you fellers that get 15,000 to 22,000 on a rear tire are counting trailer miles, spinning the wheels on a jack while cleaning, using witchcraft, or some other trickery.  I would like to ride with you for 10,000 mile here in West Virginia.

 Witchcraft?  Maybe.  Trailers?  Never!  I just can't believe all the some time riders bragging about how little mileage they get from their rubber.  I'm guessing some are changing out their tires with a lot of good miles still in them.

Honestly, the road surface on which one rides probably has the most to do with how quickly the tread wears.   The silliness of the miles on the tire wear survey is evidence of how seriously misinformed some owners are about how the riders' tires hold up.  

Willow...Since I'm cheap and poor , I run my tires well into the wear bars.  In fact, the Metz I changed out had cords showing...in just 5000 miles.  I've never done a burn-out...ever.  And really, I'm not braggin about how little miles I get...I'm complaining.

[Momz]

Here in MI our roads are know for their severe deterioration. I agree with Willow about road surfaces contributing to tire milage.

On my I/S I used Avon Venoms. The  rears lasted me approximatly 9K and the fronts were toast at 18K. It now has a CT on the rear.

My I/S had a set of Birdgestones that wouldn't last 6K and were loud on cornering, but worse they were just spooky feeling in the corners and hard braking. Would never recommend those to my worst enemy.

My "Rat Rod Valk" now has Metzlers. But at 3.5K it is a bit too early to say how long they will last.

[RedValk]

UPDATE........

I went ahead and replaced the rear tire also yesterday....even though i'm sure i could have EASILY got another 1000 or more BEFORE THE WEAR BARS SHOWED. but i didn't want to be out on the road and see it go QUICKLY from wear bars showing....to chord showing....nor have to deal with down time to change it on the road at some shop. So, officially...the rear (and front) had JUST OVER 22,000 when replaced. The front SHOULD have been replaced a little earlier probably...as it had been at the wear bars for over 1000 miles now...and the front was getting a bit of a wobble at some speeds due to the excessive tire wear. The rear, again....could have (and would have been left on if i was just riding around town with it) gone at least another 1000 miles....to the wear bars.

Around town ....I'll push a tire beyond the wear bars. Riding on any longer ride, i don't want to take that chance. i've seen too many folks here in this club show up at events with CHORD showing 

The front tire, by the way, had quite a bit of dry rot or cracking starting on it....as one would expect after 22,000+ miles AND OVER TWO YEARS ON THE BIKE.

anyway, i got all new rubber for the road trip i'm taking next week...........Dunlop E3s again.........

[Wingman]

This is a cut and paste from notes in my maintenance records. I average about 2 rears for 1 front and have had the best service ( so far) from Avon. I think excessive rear wear comes from the rear supporting most of the weight and having to provide traction for acceleration. The 2 for 1 trend depends on riding style, but has been true for me as long as I can remember.

Avon Venom rear 11183 miles replaced 10/24/08 with Avon Cobra @ 56850 miles
Old rear (Avon) had 9716 miles
Old rear (Avon) had 10954 miles
Old front (Avon) had 20670 miles
Previous Rear (Metzler) 9097
Previous  Front  (Dunlop) 7357

[threevalks]

Maybe "Some Time Rider" Smokinjoe will reply to this poll and brag about the low mileage he gets on his tires.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Maybe "Some Time Rider" Smokinjoe will reply to this poll and brag about the low mileage he gets on his tires.

" Some Time Rider " ?  What does that mean ?  I was sorry to hear about your Dad at The Blue/ Gray Ride.I looked to see if you posted anything about his condition...Did'nt see one  

I don't brag about tires  ...I complain

[Willow]

I don't brag about tires  ...I complain

And there you have it.  I have no problem understanding why Joe wears out tires.  Nor have I any disrespect for Joe's opinion.

I guess I should have been more specific about who offended me.

Don't expect more than 9,000 miles with a mc tire.
I know some claim extreme wear,but they must live on perfect roads and drive like an old fart.

Honestly, my understanding is that tire wear is influenced by several factors.  I expect that road surface type is really high on the list.  After that is likely how (both hard and often) the rider uses the brakes.  Inflation is certainly in the mix. 

I'm currently at 21,000 on my rear E3; more on the Avon front.  I run 42 front and 44 rear.  I ride primarily on asphalt and concrete.  We do have a fair amount of chip and seal, but I don't believe they use the same materials here as are used in the east.

Oh, and I am an old fart.

[threevalks]

        Joe, I didn't mean to offend you, I just wanted you to post your opinion. I was quoting an earlier post about the "Some time Riders and braging about low milage."
        We arrive backhome at 2:15 pm Saturday, Dad passed away at 12:15 am Sunday. It was expected , but yet hard to take.
        Hoefully the 3 of us will make the Blue Ridge ride again this year. See you then.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

        Joe, I didn't mean to offend you, I just wanted you to post your opinion. I was quoting an earlier post about the "Some time Riders and braging about low milage."
        We arrive backhome at 2:15 pm Saturday, Dad passed away at 12:15 am Sunday. It was expected , but yet hard to take.
        Hoefully the 3 of us will make the Blue Ridge ride again this year. See you then.

I look forward to ridin' with you and the sons again. Sorry to hear about you're Dad I lost mine in 2002 and he crosses my mind several times everyday. I'll post the ride plans for The Blue Ridge Parkway after InZane.

[Duffy]

I have just finished my first Avon Cobra on the rear, front still has some wear left.

12,000 on the rear, I'm happy with that. 

It is definately toast, had to limp home from Maggie Valley last weekend. 

[fordmano]

This is not really fair for me to add anything here but,,,, since I only have 19.5k on the '99 I/S and it had the original tires on it (with only 232 miles on the bike) when I bought it a couple years back.  So I am at about 14k on my Avon venom front (2nd front tire ever on this bike) and only about 5k on the Falken ZieX rear I swaped out the Good year F1 rear and only had about 5.5K on it profile was to low for my liking.

Front Stock original tire arounk 5.5K and almost 7 years on it
Rear Stock original tire around 9K and about 8 years on it

Front current Avon Venom 14K 2.5years
Rear last one Good Year F1 205-55-16 5.5K 1.5 years
Rear current Falken Ziex 205-65-16 5K 1 year

Sorry been a while since I wrote anything on this forum lately so I am just trying to get caught up on my typing.
Ha Ha HA ha read it and scratch your head,,,, working nights is a lonely world.

[Cruzen]

IN FACT.........I'm going down to the Honda shop TODAY....to replace.....AND THIS IS RARE....my FRONT TIRE ONLY.

now the facts. Dunlop Elite 3. OVER 22,000 miles.....ON BOTH TIRES. YES, THE REAR HAS OVER 22,000 miles....and it isn't even to the wear bars yet! The front, hit the wear bars like a 1000 miles ago or more.

THIS.....22,000 on a front, is NOT that rare for me. I've done it before with Avons. But....22,000 on a rear IS UNHEARD OF! And yet, i'm doing it.......

Usually with AVONS...i get about 16-17k out of a rear tire....the front...while it could go on beyond 20k no doubt, i usually replace with the rear as a set.

i kept waiting for THIS rear tire to catch up with the front...but....for the FIRST TIME EVER IN MY RIDING....i'm going to replace a front tire FIRST! (i'm going on  a 1000 mile trip NEXT week...and just can't do it with THIS front tire. also can't see replacing the rear....yet!).

If someone would have told me i'd get 22k out of a rear tire...down here in HOT Alabama...i'd say no way!

half my riding is to work....25 miles one way...on hiway 231. ALL OF MY RIDING IS SOLO...i don't even put a back seat on ANY of my bikes. Very little of my riding is on Interstate. Quite a bit is on curvy roads. I RELIGIOUSLY keep tire pressure up....38-40 on front....42 on rear. i ride moderately aggressively....but at times ride hard....at times with a group, ride easy....but myself....i accelerate hard....then hold my speeds after semi hard acceleration. LOTS of front braking, almost NO rear braking.

Valk tires, they last FOREVER compared to a Rune!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with you 100% as I posted in another thread some time back.  After doing some testing on tire pressures out here in the heat, I run 38 in the front Cobra and 40 in the rear of my 99 Interstate.  After one hour in our heat on highways the tire pressures have climbed to 43 in the front and 45-46 in the rear. One or two more PSI if I am going through the desert fully loaded.  Two up total weight with luggage around 415-420lbs.  By the way, the hot tire pressures are equally as important as the cold tire pressures.  I first became aware of this during a period of tire testing at the GM proving grounds out here in the mid 1990's.  My 98 Corvette has the tire monitoring system and it is not unusual for the tire pressures to climb 5 psi after a hour or two of driving on the highway. 

I easily average over 12K miles on a set of bike tires.  Could probably go longer on the front but tend to replace them both at the same time.  I do a lot of what we called trail braking which is using the rear brake only when entering a curve or turn.  I've used this technique for over 40 years because it keeps the front of the bike up, the front suspension is not compressed and the bike geometry stable. I do this because we have overly agressive drivers out here which means I am braking late to keep from being rear ended and this can lead to the front end rebounding as I enter the turn which is not a good idea on such a heavy bike.  I use both brakes to slow but hold that rear brake briefly as I enter the turn to scrub off a couple extra MPH and allows the front end to roll into the curve without rebounding.

On my 01 Magna I get 12K on the rear and 16K on the front and that is the bike I ride locally and on short trips.  This bike is usually out front and does experience a good amount of agressive launches especially during AZ bike week when the Hardly guys come to town for their yearly lesson.

[sheets]

E3s have given more life than anything I've used.  Currently at 10K on the front with plunty of meat left.  Probably get another 4 or 5K out of it.  Happy to get 12K on the rear.  Like previously stated, so many variables to consider.  Ride style - load ... and the road.  Pavement; smooth vs. coarse.  Like different grits of sandpaper on different types of wood.  I really liked the Avon Venom, but really-really like the E3s.  Ymmv,   

[G-Man]

I haven't worn out a rear tire yet....I keep getting freakin' flats.

Got 8,000 out of the stock Dunlop.  Not down to the wear indicators, dry rot cracks everywhere.
Metzlers have given be a 1,000 more and have actually worn them out.

[Farther]

A week from today I will be getting new Dunlop E3s on both ends.  11k miles and the front is shot (down to the wear bars).  The rear could go longer but both will be new.  I am getting the bike set up to attend my 40th high school reunion next year back in South Dakota!! 

[Duffy]

I just got 12,000 miles out of this Avon Cobra (rear) and the front is good for a bit longer.

I'm happy with 12,000 on a rear tire. 

[PAVALKER]

I just got 12,000 miles out of this Avon Cobra (rear) and the front is good for a bit longer.

I'm happy with 12,000 on a rear tire. 

  That Avon looks like it should have been replaced approx 3k miles ago.     So that would make it approx 9k .   I don't think I have worn a tire that slick.... unless it was on my Schwinn when I was a kid.

And speaking of tire mileage.... I got an amazing....85,000 miles out of my rear tire........










......well the spare rear tire under the back of my truck, which has never been on any of the axles rolling..... does that count?   

On either bike, most  "rear" tires have been at or under 9k, with fronts much more... except with the Elite 3... both front and rear were worn out at near 8-9k (worst tires I ever had).