Over the next few months I want to work on rolling burnouts regularly. I will be changing my tires next week and wanted some input for the rear tire. I was debating about going new or just picking up some used tires and putting some plugs in them.

New tire
I figure I will go through a tire pretty quickly. If I go with a new tire how much longer will a hard touring tire last compared to the stock one that came with my 954? Is it even worth buying a touring tire? Does anyone recommend a tire that will last a long time?

Used tire
If I do not go with a new tire I want to be able to put my own used tire on. I do not expect any shop to put a used tire on that needs a plug. What is the best way to take off a used tire and also put one on? I have a air compressor but I am not sure if it is powerful enough to get the tire to seat properly. How much PSI do you need to get the tire to seat properly? If I were not going to balance the tire what would be the safest top speed?

 

Well, I get used tires from Carl's Cycle Sales for free, they're usually worn just down to the wear indicators, but there's plenty left for burnin' off (expecially on the sides, which you use plenty in figure 8s, etc.) BUTT, I've never had to put plugs in them. They've all held air just fine. I've never noticed any vibration from them not being balanced. So I go as fast as I want until all the tread's gone and I'm worried cords might be close to showing. Course my FJ only goes 105.

Another tip-- Getting the tire to hold air requires a lot of air flow! More air pressure will help, but you can get a lot of flow without as much pressure if you just take out the valve stem core. Hit it with air as you wiggle the tire around a bit if need be till it starts to fill, just wait for the two "thunk" sounds (one for each bead that's seating), then lay off, all the air will spew out, put the valve core back in, and fill to whatever pressure you like to ride with.

As for touring tires, I presume they will last longer (haven't actually tested the theory), especially since they usually have a flat spot with loads of rubber for straight up riding. Sport tires have a lot of their tread on the side of the tire where most riders don't ever use it up. But another advantage to a touring tire (especially an old one) is the fact that a slicker rear tire makes it easier to learn burnouts! The easiest tire I had was an old old Chen Shin off the junk heap, it looked hard and slick from years of sitting on a bike. But it had lots of tread left. That was the only tire I could pull off a 4th gear non-decelerating burnout with. Terrible tire for cornering, but great burner learner

Chris

 

The best tires are FREE tires!!:D

 

Put a used one on!!! Don't make you money go up in smoke.For as long as I've had my bike I've never put a new tire on the back...only the front.

 

WORD


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