Un-even tire wear

[Becky973]

I have a pair of Dunlap Roadsmart (sportmax) on my K1200RS (02) with less than 3K miles. The pressure is 36 front and 38 back. The tires are a dual compound. The problem I have is the sides are almost gone. Which means when I'm cornering the lean angle changes very quickly. The middle of the tire is great and the rear is not having this problem. I have had this problem with other tires but not this soon. So is the reason:
A. Wrong air pressure
B. Wrong type of tire
C. Sometime wrong with the front end
D. Riding too aggressive
E. Need to ride on more straight roads

Any ideas?

Becky:scratch

[Brettendress]

You will find a lot of different opinions on this but I always run 40 rear and 41 front for best tire wear and check it everytime you ride because a lot of bikes can lose a pound a week.

Brett Endress
Altoona Pa

[SugarHillCTD]

....So is the reason:
A. Wrong air pressure
B. Wrong type of tire
C. Sometime wrong with the front end
D. Riding too aggressive
E. Need to ride on more straight roads

Any ideas?


Maybe A- Brett does what I do- try around 40 F/R

Possibly B- Michelin PR2 is what works best for me on my RS

C?? Doubt it

Don't even consider D or E- aggressive in the twisties is what we live for:dance

Good luck,
John

[Becky973]

I do check the tire pressure every time I go for a ride. I also check it by touch test (tire is warm but not hot) during rest breaks during a ride. I liked the way the tire performed when they were new. They rate right up there with my race tires on the track but less than 3K in mileage that is not good! I will have to buy stock in a tire company at this rate.

Becky

[58058D]

Becky,
I have yet to try the Roadsmart, so I am not sure where they lie in the hierarchy of pure sport to pure touring, but I am very familiar with the Pilot Power, just took off a set with 5,050 miles. For a dual compound, your wear indicates a Very soft side. Is it just off cente that they are well worn? The first inch or 2? Or is it all the way to the edge? The type of road surface could be a factor as well, but if you are on the same roads as you. As far as answering...I would say:
A) do not raise your front tire pressure, the center is fine, so it is not a pressure issue, in fact it would likely prevent your sporty tire from coming up to temp - something the Pilot Power is very sensitive to in my view. I use 36 front, 42 for the rear on most tires, but was about 33/38 on the Pilrrelli Strada and Pilot Power, 30/29 for Pilot Race.
B) It is possible that the K12 is much heavier than this model tire was intended for.
C) Without othe 'odd' wear, I have to agree this is NOT likely.
D) FOr this tire/bike combo - maybe?
E) Fugedabowdit! though the tire may have been intended for more straights than you are giving it?

So, if you do nothing but twisties and track days, maybe your riding really calls for a soft single compound. I just wore my Powers to the cord on the rear but still had 'some' tread on the sides. I do very twisty roads for the most part, but not a lot of aggressive braking. For me, that is the part that really wears the front at the track.....ymmv