I just picked up a set of pilot powers. And was wondering, is there a need to break in a new tire?

If so what is it.

 

It doesn't take as long as people say it does. You don't need to use sandpaper or any of that crap either.

I put mine through a heat cycle, ate lunch, then hit the corners. Be real careful before that first heat cycle though, that first corner riding away from the dealership is the hardest

After that first heat cycle just don't throw the bike into the corners too hard. Be smooth and slowly increase the lean angle and make sure they are warm. I was over to the edge of the tire on both sides after about 20 miles without any issues. And the next time I rode the bike was at Pocono raceway.

You'll love them

 

It really would make sense for the people that mount these things to offer a service there they will scuff/cycle them for free. I mean, it's not like you're riding on ice or anything but would it be nice to know you're riding away on a "normal" tire?

 

You want some kid riding your bike?

 

Put it up on a stand and run a few revolutions. They do it with race car tires, why not bikes?

 

Put it on a stand?

I'm lost.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It really would make sense for the people that mount these things to offer a service there they will scuff/cycle them for free. I mean, it's not like you're riding on ice or anything but would it be nice to know you're riding away on a "normal" tire?</TD></TR></TABLE>

When I worked at a BMW shop, our techs would scuff the new tires for customers as a policy. They would do a loop to make sure everything wash kosher mechanically for all but basic maintenance.
I would worry about the young techs at the local honda/yamaha dealer though.

 

What if the tech guy "scrubbing-in" your tires messed up? That'd be a hefty paycut out of his pocket.

It'd be easier for the shop to leave it up to you to break-in your tire. Not an example of good service, but whatever's efficient for them.

 

Thanks. I went out for like a 20 minute ride last night. nothing to hardcore about the riding. just wanted to get a feel for them.

 

I agree with most of what's been said already here.

I went one day to a local shop, had a new set of Pilot Powers put on, and then rode directly to Deal's Gap. I kinda took it a little easy on the first pass through, slowly wearing down the chicken strips a little at a time. Next pass through, I rode it like I stole it....leaving some rubber comming out of corners.

 

I got my new tires put on thursday, and rode for about 30 minutes after I got them on, just regular safe slow riding.

friday I rode for a good 2 hours on the backroad - increasing my leans every other or so turn. eventually I was riding wiht confidence.

I love the pilot powers - great graet tires

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Engloid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">....leaving some rubber comming out of corners. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Not that old chestnut again.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Put it up on a stand and run a few revolutions. They do it with race car tires, why not bikes?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Its not worth it. It only takes a few miles to scrub them in and they are not that slippery to begin with.

I would recommend anyone who wants a steady supply aof good used rubber to get down to your local track meets. Most of the top teams only run the tyres for one or two races max then you can pick them up for next to nothing.