I am a new rider and recently had a new back tyre fitted to my bike. I was warned to be very careful before leaving the tyre place, as new tyres are still quite slick even after being wiped down with acetone.
On exiting the driveway I lent the bike over, hit the gas and watched as the bike spun out from underneath me. 
I was blessed … I only sustained a tear to the inside ligament of my right knee and after a few cosmetic repairs was able to ride the bike home.
I would like to stress strongly that this is a common occurrence, usually resulting in a high side accident. For all our readers…
When getting a new tyre, my advice is:
- Firstly, look at the tyre … is it still shiny? Ask the techs if they wouldn’t mind re-washing the tyre with acetone and maybe even ask them to take your bike for another ride.
- Secondly, be careful which translate to “Stay upright when cornering. Go slowly around corners and gradually begin to lean the bike over as the slick wears off. This means for the first 200km.”
Use my experience so it doesn’t become your own.
Safe Riding
We welcome your comments on MATES stories and your contributions to our website. If you have a story to tell please contact MATES for details of how you can contribute.
Loading ...
You were warned to be careful yet you “lent the bike over, hit the gas.” ??? Ouch. Well, tx for sharing your experience of how not to do it.
There are dozens of articles on the net about this and everyone has their favorite theory/method on scrubbing in new tires.
Hope your knee ligament comes right, and that it’s the last fall for the life of that tire.
Cheers,
Comment by Stevec — Dec 21 @ 11:00 amJust had my tire changed on the back, and something I found help was for the first time, I put a pillion onto the back, and I found that it helped keep traction better as a bit more of the tire was touching the ground. I know some people might kill me for doing that on a new tire, but it seemed to work for me
Comment by pdean8 — Jun 6 @ 2:17 pmI’ve found that after getting new tyres front or rear, that as you are traveling do slalems in your lane for as long as you can, and everytime you get on the bike helps scuff up the tyre. I dont know about running a tyre in for 200klm as stated in the article but most shops tell you to be carefull for 80klm, ive found doing the slalems at speed (60-80kph) tyre is fine after 50klm
Comment by Bugsy — Aug 4 @ 8:48 am“wiped down with acetone”!!!!!!!!
Comment by Steve — Aug 4 @ 12:30 pmI am amazed people do this. Ask any tyre manufacturer what they think of it!!
Using chemicals to wash tyres when new seems to be very commonplace in Australia. I had never even considered it and if i had asked for it to be done in the UK, i would have been laughed out of the shop.
I suggest you contact any tyre manufacturer about what you are recommending people do to new tyres. They will tell you absolutely NO to chemicals. Just wash with soapy water and rinse if you really feel you are unable to scrub in through normal riding.
From: Michelin [mailto:webmaster@au.michelin.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 11 August 2010 11:46 AM
To:
Subject: Reply from Michelin
Thanks for your message. Yes, you are correct in your questioning of this action. Michelin do not recommend any washing of tyres with chemicals such as acetone. Our recommendations on new tyres concern pressures, running-in period and so forth as detailed on the website. best regards Michelin Australia
Comment by Steve — Oct 18 @ 9:11 amsteve has it right who would wipe a tyre with acetone? and most manufacuters do recomend 100 mile runing in. I keep the bike fairly upright and am very easy on the trotle in corners, on the way home. each day leaning the bike a bit more agressivly. after a tank of fuel I forget about it and ride as normal
Comment by jmck — Sep 13 @ 4:04 pm