Ok here's my issue, and sorry if the section is wrong, but I thought it might not be much "technical" after all.

I noticed this weird line on my rear tire. I'm kinda worried that it might split in half at some point, can someone tell me what it might be? Tires are new, 5 months old.

It appeared like out of nowhere and got me thinking. Will I die? HALP

 

Strange line scored into tire, what is it?

 

That's a relief. Thanks for the reply.

 

A friend and I both run BT-023 rears, they have that line as well.

 

Good to know. I looked at my tire and yes it also does have it. A nice sigh of relief is in order. I thought someone was messing with me.

 

Just read about this in the April issue of Motorcyclist. They say it's called "antenna tread" and that it is a section of tread devoid of silica in order to dissipate static electricity. Shocking.

 

Your next set of tires (Dunlop) will not have this flaw!
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Yes, that was a joke....sort of. I strongly suggest going away from Michelin and moving to something else. For the street those tires have more problems that just the compound line. Dunlop Q2/3 or Bridgestone BT-016 tires are a much better choice. You'll thank me for it!

 

Jamie have you tried the Pilot Road 3 or 4 ?

If so what do you think?

I've found the 3 and 4 to be a great wearing tire that easily carry's the bike to lean angles that cause hard parts to drag. No cold weather or rain bad manners. Only thing I don't know about is Mid Texas Summer heat and advanced track day pace in any temp.

 

I've had poor results. They are a stiff carcass tire which only works well for track use. For the street I suggest people avoid anything in the Pilot series.

 

i ran Q2's for 3 sets of tires, than Q3's for another 2 sets. than my local shop was out of Q3's and i needed new tires so i slapped on pilot power 3's and i like em alot for street use. for the track i put on Q3's. but the michelin's hold their own and take whatever i dish out. and they have lasted a LOT longer than the dunlops. dont get me wrong i love the Q2/3's. amazing tires. but they wear out very fast commuting and canyon riding. ive already gone farther on 1 set of PP3's than i would be able to on 2 sets of Q3's. plenty of grip even at maximum lean and reasonably priced. i really do like them. then i bought of set of Q3's specifically for the track and did one on them already. gonna do another one on the Q3's on the 29th. but i cant afford new street tires every 2-3 months. michelins havnt dissapointed me yet.