Chicken Strips and Rubber?

Broc Lee · 07-11-2008, 06:09 PM

Yeah, yeah, more stupid questions from the newb

Do you have one side thinner than the other?

Both are still pretty thick but I am getting braver with my lefts it seems. I noticed it getting thinner and thinner the more I ride.

Tread, is it necessary? You see in racing, cars anyway, that some are slick. As the center wears more than the sides getting more road contact, when or how slick before you swap out the tire?

Got2Go · 07-11-2008, 06:24 PM

Normal tires have a harder carcass than the meat/tread compund.

Once you see slick/flat areas, change it out.
Actually, you should do it once you reach the wear marks between the grooves.

If you don't, the bald areas will not have the grip you are used to and can cause slipping and even an accident.

As for the chicken strips...Its pretty normal that one side will be wider than the other.
Most people have a side they turn more comfortably on.
Other times it might be due to the frequented roads having more turns that use that part of the tire more than the other.

Broc Lee · 07-11-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got2Go

Normal tires have a harder carcass than the meat/tread compund.

Once you see slick/flat areas, change it out.
Actually, you should do it once you reach the wear marks between the grooves.

If you don't, the bald areas will not have the grip you are used to and can cause slipping and even an accident.

As for the chicken strips...Its pretty normal that one side will be wider than the other.
Most people have a side they turn more comfortably on.
Other times it might be due to the frequented roads having more turns that use that part of the tire more than the other.

Seems a waste with good tread on the sides but I see your point.... Thanks, good to know.

Being this bike feels so heavy under me, or maybe I am just getting old... LOL... but I never worried about this with my other bikes. I had slicks on my GS 850... well, rear tire anyway.

Yeah, it's weird.... I am way more comfortable leaning left than I am right. Thought it was just me.

BlueRider7o2 · 07-11-2008, 10:50 PM

If you want to know about advantages and disadvantages on having treads on tires just google it. There are many articles about it.

Most of it comes down to you will need them on any non-perfect riding surface. Be it gravel, dust, or mainly water, tread helps you get grip on said surfaces. If you were on perfect pavement then, yeah you could ride slicks (assuming you get them up to temp). But, in everyday street situations you'll need tread.

Freddy covered the uneven strip part. I lean better on my right side than my left. ::shrugs:: Just more comfortable leaned over while pushing with my throttle hand i guess. That, and my favorite turn in town is a big right-hander out at Red Rock. That one turn is mainly responsible.

Road Block · 07-12-2008, 01:29 AM

you are riding a torque monster ( mine puts out about 116ft.lbs), and I believe you are shaft driven so that may have a lot to do with favoring the left side. Also I notice that I have to be more careful with making right hand turns because you are leaning into the shaft and onto your throttle side. My chickenstip is relatively small on both sides, however my floorboards are worn more on the right than the left.

Just my 2 cents. by the way, I may be headed out to the East valley, Mesa later this month or next, we should go riding when I come down.

Broc Lee · 07-12-2008, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Block

you are riding a torque monster ( mine puts out about 116ft.lbs), and I believe you are shaft driven so that may have a lot to do with favoring the left side. Also I notice that I have to be more careful with making right hand turns because you are leaning into the shaft and onto your throttle side. My chickenstip is relatively small on both sides, however my floorboards are worn more on the right than the left.

Just my 2 cents. by the way, I may be headed out to the East valley, Mesa later this month or next, we should go riding when I come down.

Actually I am belt driven and it is on the left as well. Funny thing is, I was in a left turn when my TCP cut out and killed the engine causing me to head off road which lead to me laying the bike down hitting the soft dirt. You would think that I would be more hesitant on my lefts.

Cool, definitely let's ride!

I was disappointed that I couldn't meet up with Shortstacks when he was here. Do you know when you will be down here? Let me know when you have the dates that you will be here, I will make sure to clear anything I have going on.

Road Block · 07-13-2008, 08:59 AM

My shaft is on the left side as well what I meant about the right turn is what I call the " Float effect" that happens with the shaft. wen leaning to the right your rear end reals like it can skip out at a certain point.

I am originally from Mesa and my family lives there still. I will let you know as soon as I figure out when I am going. Have you been to Tortilla Flats?

2upFZ1 · 07-13-2008, 01:38 PM

I have noticed that my right side is thinner than my left. Which is odd, because I feel more comfortable in left turns.

But on trackdays it's even, no strips of course.

Got2Go · 07-13-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2upFZ1

I have noticed that my right side is thinner than my left. Which is odd, because I feel more comfortable in left turns.

But on trackdays it's even, no strips of course.

Maybe because you are more comfortable on left turns, you hang more on those turns, causing the bike to have less lean, thus thicker chicken strips.

Broc Lee · 07-13-2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Block

My shaft is on the left side as well what I meant about the right turn is what I call the " Float effect" that happens with the shaft. wen leaning to the right your rear end reals like it can skip out at a certain point.

I am originally from Mesa and my family lives there still. I will let you know as soon as I figure out when I am going. Have you been to Tortilla Flats?

I've hear of them, but never been there. I have been here almost 13 years and there are a lot of places I have yet to see.... Grand Canyon is on that list too if you can believe that.... LOL

Yeah, definitely let me know....