Taking turns and tires on the SH
Thread Starter
Hawk Newbie
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 203
From: Illinois
Taking turns and tires on the SH plus new Q on last page!
Okay I searched and could really find my answer... I have 2003 SH and I believe it has the stock tires. Now it only has 3000 miles of which 400 I put by myself. Now this is my second bike so this could be all in my head but I wanted to run it by you folks since you all probably have way more experience then I do. This is my second year riding ever and before this I was riding a baby kawi ninja 250(hold the laughter down I just wanted to learn to ride first).
Anyways I noticed when I am on the street commuting from work taking right turns(intersections 90 degrees roughly) through a green light sometimes the back tire will feel like it is sliding from under me. I usually take these turns at 20-25mph and I look in the direction that I am turning. Is this too slow or maybe to fast or maybe I am a newbie and I am not used to the weight so I am not leaning correctly? I do feel like I am adaqutely leaning for the speed that I am going. Or is it just all in my head and have to get comfortable with the bike.
Also my friend said that motorcycle tires go bad if they just sit. He says its because it is a 5 year tire that it is not gripping well. Now the conditiong of the tire looks good smooth yet still feel grippy. It looks like the tire is brand new. So what do you think should I replace the tires or practice more and slipping feeling is normal?
Anyways I noticed when I am on the street commuting from work taking right turns(intersections 90 degrees roughly) through a green light sometimes the back tire will feel like it is sliding from under me. I usually take these turns at 20-25mph and I look in the direction that I am turning. Is this too slow or maybe to fast or maybe I am a newbie and I am not used to the weight so I am not leaning correctly? I do feel like I am adaqutely leaning for the speed that I am going. Or is it just all in my head and have to get comfortable with the bike.
Also my friend said that motorcycle tires go bad if they just sit. He says its because it is a 5 year tire that it is not gripping well. Now the conditiong of the tire looks good smooth yet still feel grippy. It looks like the tire is brand new. So what do you think should I replace the tires or practice more and slipping feeling is normal?
Last edited by supermonie; Oct 13, 2008 at 12:17 PM.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 287
From: Brooklyn, CT
Hard to say what you are feeling. The tire should not be slipping, even at 5 years old, and not at 20-25. Maybe you just aren't used to the weight of the bike.
Check the psi in the tires. Soft tires feel like they are rolling (slipping). The correct psi is listed on the frame sticker, between the forks and tank. But unless you were too hard on the throtle, they should be holding firm.
Check the psi in the tires. Soft tires feel like they are rolling (slipping). The correct psi is listed on the frame sticker, between the forks and tank. But unless you were too hard on the throtle, they should be holding firm.
Remember stock is BAD!
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 760
From: Jacksonville FL
Also you may want to set up the suspension, for your weight and riding style.
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Squid
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 36
From: Cumming, GA
I recently purchased a dealer left-over '02 SH w/1200mi. It has the stock Dunlop Sportmax D204 tires. My tires also look brand new but I was concerned about the tires being stale from age. I asked the guys at Dunlop what I should do, ride or replace my tires? They said that there tires should be replaced between 6-7 years ir-reguardless of mileage.
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Hawk Newbie
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 203
From: Illinois
Thanks people I will check out the tire pressure today and see how she turns hopefully its that. Now the Original Owner only put roughly 2500 miles on it in five years I know the dealer well who sold it to me he said one owner because he actually sold it to him 5 years ago and it sat most of time do you guys think tires might be bad if the pressure does not check out. If so are these something I should get if I have the cash laying around ?https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ighlight=tires
Now I need cash for new ones.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 758
it definitely can be. even old paint. your tires definitely shouldnt slip at that slow of speed. if the tires arent worn in from being new yet, then they can be slippery. i bought a pair of shinko 005 advance radials for my bike not too long ago, and i was pretty much able to ride like i did with the old tires. i just didnt want to push them just in case they were slippery. i can take a 90º turn at around 30-35mph. so going 20-25mph they just shouldnt slip. you could be hitting dirt also.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,548
From: MN
stock tires on a 2003 are old. You can check the DOT number to get production date but after 5 years on what were not great tires to begin with, I'd replace them anyway. Its only a little of what you are feeling, but they weren't great, and now they are hard. check the DOT number for date and if exceeds 5 years, just buy some good tires.
Thread Starter
Hawk Newbie
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 203
From: Illinois
Okay I checked the tire pressure and it was perfect. I went out on a spirted run and I think I am getting more comfortable with the bike but still feels like it is slipping at higher speeds so I am going to replace the tires. My next question is the roads out here are crappy (rough, always construction, and many 90 degree turns) should I get the pirelli's or go with something better.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14
From: Maryland
The change from a ninja 250 to a SH is a big one maybe you are still used to the ninja
how about going to an empty parking lot and do right hand circles then left hand and
figures eight do this until you are bored this helped me transition from a ninja 500 to
the SH. I have an 04 with original tires and don't feel a problem unless I try to
accelerate hard lean over. You have way more torque now than you did before
new sticky tires might get you in trouble at a much higher speed. I think your brain
trottle conection is still thinking 250.
how about going to an empty parking lot and do right hand circles then left hand and
figures eight do this until you are bored this helped me transition from a ninja 500 to
the SH. I have an 04 with original tires and don't feel a problem unless I try to
accelerate hard lean over. You have way more torque now than you did before
new sticky tires might get you in trouble at a much higher speed. I think your brain
trottle conection is still thinking 250.
Thread Starter
Hawk Newbie
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 203
From: Illinois
The change from a ninja 250 to a SH is a big one maybe you are still used to the ninja
how about going to an empty parking lot and do right hand circles then left hand and
figures eight do this until you are bored this helped me transition from a ninja 500 to
the SH. I have an 04 with original tires and don't feel a problem unless I try to
accelerate hard lean over. You have way more torque now than you did before
new sticky tires might get you in trouble at a much higher speed. I think your brain
trottle conection is still thinking 250.
how about going to an empty parking lot and do right hand circles then left hand and
figures eight do this until you are bored this helped me transition from a ninja 500 to
the SH. I have an 04 with original tires and don't feel a problem unless I try to
accelerate hard lean over. You have way more torque now than you did before
new sticky tires might get you in trouble at a much higher speed. I think your brain
trottle conection is still thinking 250.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
Tires get hard as they age. Five years is a long time for a MC tire, I've never had one on my bike that long due to miles traveled. But I've got a practice lap Michelin racing slick from Flying Fred Merkel's Honda superbike at Riverside Raceway circa 1984. Its hard as a rock, can't even stick a fingernail in it. It sits in my auto classroom at school.
Auto tire stores won't even patch or balance a tire over 6 years old anymore due to liability since the Firestone/Ford Explorer fiasco.
Auto tire stores won't even patch or balance a tire over 6 years old anymore due to liability since the Firestone/Ford Explorer fiasco.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
From: MA
Tires get hard as they age. Five years is a long time for a MC tire, I've never had one on my bike that long due to miles traveled. But I've got a practice lap Michelin racing slick from Flying Fred Merkel's Honda superbike at Riverside Raceway circa 1984. Its hard as a rock, can't even stick a fingernail in it. It sits in my auto classroom at school.
Auto tire stores won't even patch or balance a tire over 6 years old anymore due to liability since the Firestone/Ford Explorer fiasco.
Auto tire stores won't even patch or balance a tire over 6 years old anymore due to liability since the Firestone/Ford Explorer fiasco.
But I do agree that those tires are getting old. I am honestly surprised they aren't cracked/dry-rotted.
I am a strong proponent of spending money on the important stuff: Tires and Brakes.
Last edited by Jon87yj; May 19, 2008 at 06:07 AM.
WERA #44
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 265
From: About 57 miles south of VIR
To include myself, most people I have heard say "maybe I should replace my tires" usually crash soon after if they don't. My left hand has 2 crooked fingers and my left wrist acts up sometimes because of that.
Thread Starter
Hawk Newbie
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 203
From: Illinois
I agree with you and the other folks as well I am going to replace the tires too. I do think most of it is in my head but I also learned from the thread that it is dangerous to ride on old tires. So I may have missed the deal but my next purchase WILL be tire pics will come soon with my decision in the mean time I am open to suggestions to brands and models.
rubber side down
Squid
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 62
From: Portland, Or
Ok, this isn't helpful to the mystery of the sliding tire but.....
I rode on this twistie today that I have been itching to take my hawk on since I got it. Perfect weather today here in Oregon (one of the 3.275 days suitable for riding). This road (Germantown Rd.) Locals are aware of it, is a widow maker! I don't know how people ride down the TV side of this road without haveing to slow to 15 mph around on the corners. The first part on the portland side went great. So I was all jazzed stoked up and wearing those strips out.... Then the other side every stinking corner had rocks all over it from gravel drives all the way down. Guys are always talking about taking those curves and good place for tire management. I'd like to see the condition of their frame sliders... I went 25 around just one corner and hit a couple of tiny gravel pieces and drifted about 2 feet. **** my pants!
Anyhow, reading about the sliding tire just made me think about that. I hope those other bikers were just lying about those curves, or i'm just a pansy! Ha ha.... I did manage to get the last of my strips worn in on my pilot. Great tires!
I rode on this twistie today that I have been itching to take my hawk on since I got it. Perfect weather today here in Oregon (one of the 3.275 days suitable for riding). This road (Germantown Rd.) Locals are aware of it, is a widow maker! I don't know how people ride down the TV side of this road without haveing to slow to 15 mph around on the corners. The first part on the portland side went great. So I was all jazzed stoked up and wearing those strips out.... Then the other side every stinking corner had rocks all over it from gravel drives all the way down. Guys are always talking about taking those curves and good place for tire management. I'd like to see the condition of their frame sliders... I went 25 around just one corner and hit a couple of tiny gravel pieces and drifted about 2 feet. **** my pants!
Anyhow, reading about the sliding tire just made me think about that. I hope those other bikers were just lying about those curves, or i'm just a pansy! Ha ha.... I did manage to get the last of my strips worn in on my pilot. Great tires!
I could ride in
SuperBike
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,729
From: Dayton, TN
Michelin Pilot Power 2CT, Pilot Road2
The price is higher, but here's what I got from SWMototires (free shipping):
Code Name Quantity Price/Ea.
Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
87-9146 Michelin Pilot Power2CT 120/70ZR-17 1 $131.95
$131.95
87-9684 Pilot Road 2 180/55ZR-17 1 $168.95
$168.95
Shipping: SWMT Shipping:
$0.00
Sales Tax:
$0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
Total:
$300.90
I'm riding on the Front stocker too (from 2003) and the Dunlop D204 sucks. There's a Pretty good Conti Road Attack on the rear, but it's about done. My buddy loves his Power 2CT's.
Code Name Quantity Price/Ea.
Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
87-9146 Michelin Pilot Power2CT 120/70ZR-17 1 $131.95
$131.95
87-9684 Pilot Road 2 180/55ZR-17 1 $168.95
$168.95
Shipping: SWMT Shipping:
$0.00
Sales Tax:
$0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
Total:
$300.90
I'm riding on the Front stocker too (from 2003) and the Dunlop D204 sucks. There's a Pretty good Conti Road Attack on the rear, but it's about done. My buddy loves his Power 2CT's.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 714
From: Fredericksburg, VA
I like the metzeler sportec m3's. You can get a set on Ebay right now for around $245 shipped. Took them to the mountains over the weekend and flogged them- EXCELLENT. The wear seems to be excellent as well. They will see some track time at the end of June too.
