Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ShadowJack on May 05, 2016, 03:38:46 PM

Title: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: ShadowJack on May 05, 2016, 03:38:46 PM
Anyone have a new or near new BT021 190/50 still and can tell me the starting tread depth? I found lots of 'tread depth' comments but there are lots to wade through and I thought I'd just ask in case someone knows while I search.

With almost 4,000 miles on mine, if I know the starting, I might have an idea on what's left before I need to replace. If it's just a few k, I'll make a few short road trips around the state and then replace them.

Thanks!
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on May 05, 2016, 04:38:49 PM
it simply doesn't work like that, you cannot interpolate tred life vs depth of groove...
all of thes new tires are multi polymer compounds, and inconsistant based on available thickness'  if the tire has less than half what it started with as far as depth, you will only get about another third more out of the remaining tread, or even more closer to 25% left as far as miles go...

I can say my BT's when half worn, at about 4k by tread groove, only bought me  another 1200 miles in reality, befor they were unusable. and I pushed them to 5800, before buying new ones.. and not BT's..
been thru multiple PR2's, 3's, and I can't say I could push any more than 7500 out of any of them, without worrying... and then the tire all of a sudden eats itself overnight..
leaving the house riding 2 up for a 4-5 day trip of 2k miles, thinking I was good for at least 3k, and changing a tire out on day 3, at dealer cost... sukz..
just saying...
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: ShadowJack on May 05, 2016, 05:31:56 PM
Yea, I figured something like that too. Even crappy tires have some use, especially since I'm only 5 miles from work. 10 miles a day for the next 6 weeks plus weekend running would bring it down enough that I don't feel like I'm wasting the tire.

I bought the Angels for the 'busa and replaced them. They've been in my garage for 4 years now I guess. I probably should just recycle them but $500 or so is a tough wad to swallow  :-\
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 05, 2016, 06:20:18 PM
Over the years, I've come to this conclusion.....if it's enough for you to worry about or question, change it.  It's not worth the angst.
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: maxtog on May 05, 2016, 10:52:34 PM
Over the years, I've come to this conclusion.....if it's enough for you to worry about or question, change it.  It's not worth the angst.

+1

And when tires get old, they start to get hard and lose traction and can become dangerous... even if they have tread left.  Tire expense is significant on motorcycles, but your safety and life are riding on those two little patches.
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: Deziner on May 06, 2016, 06:42:12 AM
+2
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: ShadowJack on May 06, 2016, 08:04:50 AM
Yea, I know I know. I'm specing out new tires now.

Thanks all.

New bike, trying to get it all up to "speed" (the same comforts of the 'busa :) ) has me trying to save a buck here and there when I need to just take care of business.

Mounting the Canyon Cages this weekend.
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: connie14boy on May 06, 2016, 07:32:57 PM
Yea, I know I know. I'm specing out new tires now.

Thanks all.

New bike, trying to get it all up to "speed" (the same comforts of the 'busa :) ) has me trying to save a buck here and there when I need to just take care of business.

Mounting the Canyon Cages this weekend.

The 021 Crapstones are 'wooden' and hard to begin with- If you're at 4,000 miles you are pushing your luck unless you ride like PeeWee Herman around town.
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: PlaynInPeoria on May 10, 2016, 02:49:15 PM
Mine were toast before that.   Some of the shortest lasting tires I have owned. And even if there's a lot left, they are squared off and handle like crap.

Jake Wilson had some rebates on the main page, try there.  I got $40 off a set of Pirelli Angel GTs, so I bought 2 sets!  I have yet to get the rebate but it should be here soon.
Title: Re: More Tire Questions (Tread Depth)
Post by: jimmymac on May 10, 2016, 04:19:30 PM
I found the 021s that came stock on the bike to be quite different from the tires you buy off the shelf.
But I totally agree that once they come into question, they're toast. ;)