Is this cord starting to show through?

[wheatonFJR]

I counted on that theory in 1979 when I took my brand new XS Eleven around Lake Michigan. As I was crossing the Mackinac Bridge I saw a front to the west, black as night. It rained, poured, lightning strikes left and right lighting my way in the black gloom, knowing full well that rubber tires will save me.

You wuz just lucky. Doesn't work that way on a bike. A car makes a faraday cage which is what protects you. As this thread starts to slip slide away, someone will start clamoring for this to be split off....

Yep. When I was confronted with the fact that I was not protected by my rubber tires, or deer whistles, or gremlin bells or whatever they are, it was sobering. Zeus didn't get me that day.

 

[SacramentoMike]

As usual, Ionbeam beat me to the punch. That was a question posed in one of the major motorcycle magazines a few years ago and I am glad it was. I have been able to sound smug, superior, and damned smart several times in front of folks who were worried about that line.

I cannot help but wonder how the static electricity flows from the tire into the asphalt or what would happen if all that static were not discharged. It is not like asphalt is a great conductor of electricity, you do not see many wires made of asphalt.

The tire simply grounds itself every time you ride over some railroad tracks. You're welcome. Did I sound smug, superior and damned smart? Boy I hope so. (Of course, Ionbeam's input was useful too.)

 

[El Toro Joe]

As usual, Ionbeam beat me to the punch. That was a question posed in one of the major motorcycle magazines a few years ago and I am glad it was. I have been able to sound smug, superior, and damned smart several times in front of folks who were worried about that line.

I cannot help but wonder how the static electricity flows from the tire into the asphalt or what would happen if all that static were not discharged. It is not like asphalt is a great conductor of electricity, you do not see many wires made of asphalt.

The tire simply grounds itself every time you ride over some railroad tracks. You're welcome. Did I sound smug, superior and damned smart? Boy I hope so. (Of course, Ionbeam's input was useful too.)

What...is it raining today?...don't you have a new bike to ride, or something?

 

[0Face]

tire manufacturers add a 'static strip', sometimes known as a 'radio line' down the center of the tire to bleed off the static charge.

Perhaps slipper manufacturers can take note...

 

[wheatonFJR]

tire manufacturers add a 'static strip', sometimes known as a 'radio line' down the center of the tire to bleed off the static charge.

Perhaps slipper manufacturers can take note...

Especially the Bullwinkle Moose slippers the Canadians wear at CFR. They're dangerous!

 

[rushes]

This whole thread makes motorcycle riding sound dangerous....

 

[ionbeam]

tire manufacturers add a 'static strip', sometimes known as a 'radio line' down the center of the tire to bleed off the static charge.

Perhaps slipper manufacturers can take note...

Click the link. Once upon a time one of the managers I worked for INSISTED that we wear these even though we were working with ion implantation equipment which operated at millions of volts. I was considered insubordinate, closed minded, combative and down right stupid for insisting that these were a very bad idea. Umm, perhaps they felt that I was telling them they were wrong, which of course they never, ever were. We did make sure that this manager had 2 pair of these.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Once upon a time one of the managers I worked for INSISTED that we wear these even though we were working with ion implantation equipment which operated at millions of volts. I was considered insubordinate, closed minded, combative and down right stupid for insisting that these were a very bad idea. Umm, perhaps they felt that I was telling them they were wrong, which of course they never, ever were. We did make sure that this manager had 2 pair of these.

Your manager was wrong about one thing. You are NOT stupid. He was pretty much dead on with the rest of the description though.

Sorry, Alan. It was just too easy.

I have heard of electronics guys using static discharge mats and or shoes and have had to wear a static tether cord in laboratory situations. However, I would think that static electricity would be one thing while the high voltage and high amperage of a live circuit would be something else entirely. The highest I deal with is 13,800 volts and it does not need any help finding a path to ground. I certainly would not want to encourage it in any way.

 

[puppychow]

When dealing with low voltage electronic equipment, the discharge mats and the static tether are to protect the sensitive electronics from high static voltage - not you.

 

[wheatonFJR]

If you pee on a transformer will it hurt?

 

[wheatonFJR]

...I was considered insubordinate, closed minded, combative and down right stupid for insisting that these were a very bad idea. Umm, perhaps they felt that I was telling them they were wrong, which of course they never, ever were.

Alan, Alan, Alan...

 

[Uncle Hud]

wheatonFJR posted: If you pee on a transformer will it hurt?

If it has 440V on either side, no.

While I didn't pee on it, I can personally assure you that 220V doesn't hurt either. Does leave small 3rd degree burns and unconsciousness that rivals any drinking game you've ever played.

And you are hereby chastised for off-topic posting.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

When dealing with low voltage electronic equipment, the discharge mats and the static tether are to protect the sensitive electronics from high static voltage - not you.

Yes, I am aware of this.

But what if I want it to be All About Me?

If you pee on a transformer will it hurt?

That depends on the voltage on the primary and secondary sides and where you aim. If you get inside the termination compartment of either side of something with 14KV, chances are good that it will hurt for a very, very brief period of time.

If you just pee on the outside, you should be good. These things are usually waterproof you know.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Yeah, I think that tire is fine.

BTW, Alan, you crack me up.

 

[rushes]

If you pee on a transformer will it hurt?

This is the most interesting thread.

If you pee on a transformer will it cure a UTI?

 

[wheatonFJR]

If you pee on a transformer will it hurt?

This is the most interesting thread.If you pee on a transformer will it cure a UTI?

I am taking inferences from Hud and RFH that it will cure a lot of things.

And that tire still looks good to me.

 

[0Face]

Where do I get a Static Tether Cord for my FJR?

 

[ionbeam]

I was very disappointed this evening to see my rear Pilot Road 2 with only 3200 miles with this thin line down the middle:

Another spot after rotation:

I have a trip to ride the twisties of E TN and NC in a couple weeks. Except for this line, the tread wear is ok on the front and rear. I'm pretty sure I won't risk it and will rush a tire change in before the trip. Right call? Or do you think I've got a chance of a thousand miles of safe riding on this?

[Redemption]

In the top picture it's easier to see the little blocks in the tire sipes (treads), these are the wear indicators. Once the tire has worn until it is into the tread depth indicators start looking for a new tire pretty soon. Pay no attention to the line around the tire, it's put there to cause unnecessary angst for the owners It's not shocking to have this line in a modern tire carcass.

[/Redemption]

 

[Fred W]

I know of one local rider that felt his tire was splitting along that line and had his tire replaced. The line is intentional and not an issue.

Correction: That local rider did not "feel" his tire was splitting along that line...

It was splitting along that line. Here's a kiloword of evidence:

That tire was replaced under warranty (or so I hear

).

If you look closely at the above photo you'll notice that the crack in the rubber is just to the right of the normal fine line that you see on these tires that is the subject of this thread.

As for what that fine line it? Michelin calls it a "stripe" and says it is for static discharge.

 

[wheatonFJR]

^^^^

That is unlike the Michelin line I experienced and wore down all the way to cord on the way back from a Ramble a few years ago.