Metzeler rupture

[revkev]

I was riding late this afternoon on a gravel road, about 50 mph. Just caught a late second glance in the dusk of a big chunk of concrete or a rock. Couldn't avoid it so I took a hard hit, wobbled but kept upright. I was concerned that with the violence of the hit the tire would being losing air. I checked the TP gauge and it seemed to stay inflated as I road. When I got home I noticed a pretty good rupture on the side wall of the tire. I am sure it is from the hard contact because I can see some abrasion and discoloration on the tread near the rupture. Question is, if the air stays in the tire can it be ridden? Does it need to be replaced? I am assuming so but I would be interested in some advice or comments. Metzeler Tourance tire. Tire is only about a six weeks old with 3-4,000 miles on it.

[RJM2096]

When you say it has a rupture, what do you mean? How about a close up picture?

[kgadley01]

I was riding late this afternoon on a gravel road, about 50 mph. Just caught a late second glance in the dusk of a big chunk of concrete or a rock. Couldn't avoid it so I took a hard hit, wobbled but kept upright. I was concerned that with the violence of the hit the tire would being losing air. I checked the TP gauge and it seemed to stay inflated as I road. When I got home I noticed a pretty good rupture on the side wall of the tire. I am sure it is from the hard contact because I can see some abrasion and discoloration on the tread near the rupture. Question is, if the air stays in the tire can it be ridden? Does it need to be replaced? I am assuming so but I would be interested in some advice or comments. Metzeler Tourance tire. Tire is only about a six weeks old with 3-4,000 miles on it.

If its got a bruise, cut, scrape, or any kind of damage, REPLACE IT!!! better safe than sorry...

[revkev]

I can't get a picture to this board. It is about the size of a half a golf ball, and it is pushing out on the side wall. I hit the concrete pretty much on the tread, and not the sidewall, I think. It was dusk so my reflex was to avoid an angled hit that would dump me. I am thinking the concrete pushed the tire in causing the sidewall rupture/bulge. My guess is that it broke a metal belt in the tire. I don't think the rim is bent. It was a pretty violent hit. I will see if it holds air overnight. I am thinking I will drive it to the dealer on Thursday if I get a chance but it is a 2 1/2 hour ride one way. I want to be safe. I have see such ruptures on car tires off and on but the front tire of a motorcycle has much more risk of course.

[PGlaves]

You have a blowout waiting to happen. Park it till you get a new tire mounted.

[AZ-J]

There a few tires issues more dangerous than a ruptured side wall, that is a blow out waiting to happen.

[leadfoot]

Ditto on the not-riding....not worth an accident.

If you have the time and the ability, just remove the wheel and take it in.

Chances are they can replace it in a short bit and you can be on your way.

I live by the rule below, and I was pretty tough back in the day!!

[j-budimlya]

A tire is a multilayer structure....that bubble clearly shows that at least one inner layer has failed....the side of the tire is much thinner than the outer layer...you have a limted time before the other layers will fail....side wall cords could be broken at that spot....and if you know all of this already....don't even think about riding that tire any farther....not even to the dealer....easy decision...

[R80RTJohnny]

You have a blowout waiting to happen. Park it till you get a new tire mounted.

Words of wisdom.

[revkev]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

I have a bike shop about 4 miles from here. I think I will cripple to that place and have them put a replacement tire on. Otherwise, I will have the BMW dealer pick it up.

I have always been a big believer in keeping good tires on my vehicles and certainly that applies even more to a motorcycle front.

It will be interesting to see how it looks after it is taken off.

It was a very hard hit and I am very glad that I remained upright. I am also glad that the rim wasn't damaged. At least it looks like it wasn't.

It was a beautiful ride through north-central Wisconsin with the yellow leaves now coming into their own.

Thanks again...

[revkev]

New Metzeler arrived today, installed at private bike shop. Back to riding again.

Glad I didn't dump the bike when I hit the concrete. Easier to buy and have a new tire installed than to fix broken bones, cheaper too.

The ruptured tire seemed to have a bit of a vibration, even when new, this one doesn't. So, not a bad thing to have a different tire.

End of thread...