scrubbing in a new tyre

Hey guys, just had a new front tyre put on. The film thingy you need to ride off first, does that come off just from the heat you put in the tyre while riding, or does that only come off by using it i.e. leaning in ?

I'm not the fastest of riders to start from, far from it, but I drive like a 90 year old when I have a new front tyre on for way to long I think. Just would like to ask the experts on what the safest and fastest way is to get back some confidence

if concerned, i would get the wheel off the ground and wipe it over with some solvent on a rag.
Just to get any waxy residue off the rubber.
Don't use anything toooooo harsh [don't want to damage the rubber]
Maybe even soapy water might do the trick.??

Motorcycle News take on the subject;

The release agent that is left on tyres to get them out of the mould does take a little time to wear off.

There is no set period for this, as it's dependant on temperature, type of bike and road surface.

All the firms advise riders to take it easy for up to 100 miles, making sure the tyres are up to working temperature before cornering too hard and going easy on the throttle and the brake throughout that running-in period.

If you want to be as sure as possible that the rubber under you doesn't need running in, then Continental's 'Traction Skin Technology' could be for you.

Continental claim that it does away with the use of releasing agents during its manufacture making them 'ready to ride' from the off.

A recent test on the Road Attack 2s seemed to give almost instant warm-up time with quick and neutral steering.


In addition, I was of the opinion that a standard road tyre,(unlike and opposite to a race tyre) needed to go through a few heat cycles before the carcass was at its optimum.

Just ride the bastard and the release agent will work its way out and gradually lean it a bit more as each mile goes by. Your arse should tell you if you've lent over too far too early and normally 50 miles should be enopugh.

Hi guys.

i`m too thinking about changing front tyre.
but what was standard size for tyre? forgot to look
maybe you can recommend something good?

Ok if the front end feels vague then take it easy but again 50 miles with a bit of lean here and there should see you right

there seem to still be totally different views on new tyres. ive seen makers swear they dont even use mold release (the molds being polished and designed so the new tyre pops right out),
to dealers warning me to be extra careful. i would never put a solvent on a tyre.
common sense tells you to be careful of course, but for all the new tyres ive gone thru ive never had a issue.
just pick and open stretch of road and gradually lean from side to side, i stay within the lines and gradually work out to both lanes.
i have to tell you i have yet to have even the slightest slide. last year with a new set, and maybe 20 miles on them, i had to panic brake, i mean so hard the the rear wheel came off the road and still they hooked right up.
id say be careful for about 10 miles and you should be ok.

im sure now there will be 20 of you guys saying that you fell right off with a new set an there you go!
oh and yes ive seen the clip with the dude on the new GSXR fall off after leaving the dealer.

ya know what i think doesnt help the situation?
i just put a new set on and the old set was pretty beat. the difference in profile is pretty freaky for a few miles.
that may throw some guys off and think they are sliding when they in fact arent, and they may tend to over react.
the bike just is so much more responsive with tyres shaped the way they are supposed to be.

I just ride a little and practice hard braking to get some heat in them, then I go to a parking lot and do circles on each side until either they are scrubbed to the edge or I throw up in my helmet. After that I never think of it again. On track they are usually scrubbed in a few easy laps. Only time I've ever had trouble was trying to scrub in new tyres in a wet parking lot in the winter - when leaned way over the rear slid enough that I got to test my R&G. YMMV.

The biggest problem with new tyres being slippery is how much of the tyre grease/soap they put on them when they are fitted. I've been sideways a couple of times just exiting the workshop and get home to find the slippery goop has been flung out from the rim and spread over the tyre ( which can be washed off with hot water and a brush ). Another issue can be if the tyre is old stock or has been stored out in a shed and has a developed a surface coating.

Other than those type of problems just be a bit cautious until the tyres get some heat in them. A "sensible" ride around your favourite twistys and then turn around and get a bit more serious with the throttle and they should be fine by then.