Tires...again

[SPORT]

I've read bits and pieces about the MEZ4's and how they are not well liked; specifically regarding de-lamination.

Can someone confirm my suspicions please?

Riding ~ Blue '05 FJR (fastest color...of course )

Purchased ~ June '07 w/ 2,350 miles

Tachometer ~ 6,000 miles

Tires ~ MEZ4's with 6,000 miles

Condition ~ 500 to 1k miles left on them

Type of riding ~ fairly aggressive sport touring

Problem:

Last summer I did not notice any problems with cornering. Though they weren't as confident inspiring as other brands, they also did not 'surprise' me while cornering. However, the last several months I have been surprised frequently from the rear tire feeling like it was beginning to slip out from under me. It would also feel like, during a lean into a corner, there was an angle that the bike would just 'fall' into the turn and I found myself either shifting weight, straightening the turn or a combination of both, to keep her from falling any further. I've since read a few posts regarding de-lamination and was hoping some of you might elaborate on what is meant. When I look at the tire, it looks OK (other than the normal wear), but is it possible the tread is separating from the radial which may not be visible? This may explain the feeling I'm getting while cornering.

I am planning on purchasing new in the next month or two (Conti Road Attack or PR2's (and yes, I've read all the reports)), but am curious as to what I'm feeling.

Thanks for your experience and wisdom.

Sport

 

[ron47]

The way you described the bike "falling into the turn" suggests that the wear pattern (flat or squared off) might be what is causing your issue. The rear will feel squirrelly when you approach and then lean past the "edge" of the flat area.

 

[madmike2]

The way you described the bike "falling into the turn" suggests that the wear pattern (flat or squared off) might be what is causing your issue. The rear will feel squirrelly when you approach and then lean past the "edge" of the flat area.

OR the front is worn into a "V" shape.

Either way, it sounds like your immediate plans include purchasing tires.

 

[SPORT]

The way you described the bike "falling into the turn" suggests that the wear pattern (flat or squared off) might be what is causing your issue. The rear will feel squirrelly when you approach and then lean past the "edge" of the flat area.

That thought did run through my mind as I'm looking at the tire. But I have gone through countless tires on my Triumph Sprint and don't ever remember it 'falling' into a turn as much as the FJR is now. I guess it could be that I had more lean angle in the Triumph and scrubbed the whole tire in more evenly.

Even so, the bike was very unsettling through the whole 200 mile ride I just returned from. very squirrly, heavy and almost unpredictable in corners.

Could this still be the result of a flat spot? oh, tire pressures are where they should be.

 

[Afast03nNJ]

6,000 miles on a set of tires on the FJR and they will start to show a loss in smooth performance. The FJR is a heavy bike that when rode agressivly does a number on tires. Sounds like your almost due for a new set as you are feeling the bikes performance degrade.

I am also very sensitive to how my bike tracks and as soon as I feel anything that's not solid in the handling department I put new rubber on.

That always seems to give me that "new bike" ride and handling back.

Seriously, the only thing between you and the road are a few mm of rubber, respect it.

 

[SPORT]

So, all yu'z peeps is sayin I shouldn't ride to the cord?

Yep. It's good to know. To be honest I am relatively impressed that I've made it to the 6,000 mile mark as my Sprint went through tires about every 5,500 miles. Of course this may just be an indication of how the previous owner rode...like a granny.

Though the tread is low, no wear bars are visible and I still have grooves in the tire, I'll be gettin some Conti Road Attacks in the next couple of months...if the current tread will last that long?

Do you think $230 to the door is a fair price?

 

[madmike2]

Do you think $230 to the door is a fair price?

Compared to SW Moto Tires, yes, its a good price.

 

[HaulinAshe]

If you are about to switch from Metz Z4s to Mich PR2s, you are about to get a new bike. The Z4s were, without a doubt, the worst thing that ever lived on my 05. I almost sold the bike because it had Z4s on it when purchased, and it handled so badly.

Don't wait. Get new rubber now.

 

[Grumpy]

My prediction is that you'll absolutely LOVE the MRP2's..............at least I do.

jim

Now if we could ever get Jeff on a set?

 

[SPORT]

My prediction is that you'll absolutely LOVE the MRP2's..............at least I do.jim

Now if we could ever get Jeff on a set?

How about them Road Attacks. I've read the complaints...anybody have anything good to say about them?

 

[Bugnatr]

Nope, get the PR2's and start to enjoy the FJR at a higher level. Sport dude, everyone knows the 04 is not only the fastest but best looking too! :lol:

 

[jigmoore]

i agree with the guys that are saying you are describing a worn profile tire to a 't'.

once the radius is no longer consistent...the bike handles like poo. i go through this endless cycle of hating my bike more and more to the point i want to sell it...then put tires on it and fall in love again.

 

[dcarver]

Still, Sport's question is intriguing.. IF a tire is delaminating, WHAT does it feel like?

 

[jigmoore]

all the ones i've seen were at the track....and they were not that noticable until they started seperating and caused a vibration.

 

[protondecay123]

If you are about to switch from Metz Z4s to Mich PR2s, you are about to get a new bike. The Z4s were, without a doubt, the worst thing that ever lived on my 05. I almost sold the bike because it had Z4s on it when purchased, and it handled so badly.
Don't wait. Get new rubber now.

:thumbsupsmileyanim:

My 05 came with Z4's as well. I hadn't had a bike for a long time, but man was that FJR squirrely. Sometimes on flat pavement. I checked pressures, check wear pattern, etc. Never felt good on them. They were unsettling in the rain.

When I changed them there wasn't delamination, but a 2 to 4 inch "crack" along the inner margin.

I bought the PR's ( waiting on the group buy to get the 2's) and the the bike was so much more stable particularly in the rain.

 

[SPORT]

If you are about to switch from Metz Z4s to Mich PR2s, you are about to get a new bike. The Z4s were, without a doubt, the worst thing that ever lived on my 05. I almost sold the bike because it had Z4s on it when purchased, and it handled so badly.
Don't wait. Get new rubber now.

:thumbsupsmileyanim:

My 05 came with Z4's as well. I hadn't had a bike for a long time, but man was that FJR squirrely. Sometimes on flat pavement. I checked pressures, check wear pattern, etc. Never felt good on them. They were unsettling in the rain.

When I changed them there wasn't delamination, but a 2 to 4 inch "crack" along the inner margin.

I bought the PR's ( waiting on the group buy to get the 2's) and the the bike was so much more stable particularly in the rain.

Cool!

Sounds like to MEZ4'ssuck. I'm looking forward to getting new rubbers. I'm still thinking about the Conti Road Attack as my next set of tires.

Thanks for the insights.

 

[SPORT]

Decided to go with the Conti Road Attack's based on several reviews including Canyon Chaser's review.

I know there are mixed reviews here, but hey, the price was considerably cheaper than anything else out there and the reviews were either hot or cold, which is primarily subjective.

I'll let you know my findings after they are mounted.

 

[Fred W]

Decided to go with the Conti Road Attack's based on several reviews including Canyon Chaser's review.
I know there are mixed reviews here, but hey, the price was considerably cheaper than anything else out there and the reviews were either hot or cold, which is primarily subjective.

I'll let you know my findings after they are mounted.

What's cheaper? How much and where?

 

[SPORT]

Decided to go with the Conti Road Attack's based on several reviews including Canyon Chaser's review.
I know there are mixed reviews here, but hey, the price was considerably cheaper than anything else out there and the reviews were either hot or cold, which is primarily subjective.

I'll let you know my findings after they are mounted.

What's cheaper? How much and where?

Got them on Ebay. They are new (never mounted), but were purchased from a private individual. Apparantly he sold (wrecked?) his bike before he was able to mount them.

I ended up paying $183 for both front and rear to the door. That's aprox. $60 cheaper (including tax) than any place else.

A patient ebayer can reap great rewards! :clapping:

Now if I can find an inexpensive way to mount them...