How to Scrub Motorcycle Tires
We buy new tires for our motorcycles to ensure we have adequate grip, as the gripping qualities of a tire fade with age. But brand-new tires often lack good grip, because traces of the lubricants used to make the tires can remain on the surface. Other slippery substances--such as motor oil and grease--can get on your new tires just driving the bike home. Keeping tires clean is a safety concern--especially on a vehicle with only two wheels. Because of this, a period of breaking in, or "scrubbing," new tires is strongly recommended.
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Instructions
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Work your way around the tire with a soft cloth or paper towel and remove any visible liquids or residues on the tire. Warm, lightly soapy water may help with this, but don't apply anything to the tire that won't immediately sponge off. Dry off any excess moisture before continuing.
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Check the tire pressure before giving the bike a road test. Choose a quiet road, empty parking lot or industrial park. Spend a few minutes gently accelerating and braking, warming the tire's surface and helping to seat it comfortably on the rim. This also helps lightly scuff the surface, removing the highly polished sheen that inhibits grip at critical moments.
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Make some gentle, low-speed turns to scrub the sides of the tires that touch the road when you're turning. Don't be aggressive as there might be less grip than you are used to.
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Keep to your normal riding style when scrubbing in, as you want to scrub the same areas of the tire you normally use. But maintain a slower and gentler driving style until the grip starts feeling normal.
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Tips & Warnings
The Ninja 250 Riders Club points out that a new tire will have a rounder profile than the old one, which requires far less effort to turn. If you tip too far on your new tires, using the same amount of force you did on the old ones, you're likely to hit the ground.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Yellow motorcycle image by Nenad Djedovic from Fotolia.com
