2 Minute Moto - Do You Need To Break In New Tires?

2 Min Lesson - Do You Need To Break In New Tires?

Got some new tires? You might have heard a range of suggestions and opinions about how best to break those new skins in. Some say take it easy, and others opt for a hard break-in to get that rubber just right. Lemmy’s broken in a tire or two in his time, and he’s here for another quick lesson. This time, Lem gives his honest take on breaking in those new tires. Don't overcomplicate it!

[RevZilla]

Want to learn more about all things moto? Head over to RevZilla's Common Tread to read more.

[destro]

Dang Lemmy. That is one hell of a tan line from your gloves

[gremlin]

Nothing makes a bike feel fresh an new like a new tire. I love that feeling, makes me ride the bike more so I can change the tires again.

[neanderthor]

When I bought my bike, it had new tires on it. The dealer decided to send one of the new techs out to test ride it before I did, since it hadn't been run in some time. He brought those pretty new tires on to some smooth new asphalt, and ended up putting the bike down. Luckily, it had crash bars, so it just got a few scratches, and I payed $500 less for the bike.

[cxbkpmf]

Well done Sir. Well done. The correct answer to many things is "it depends", and that applies here. Lemmy has a brilliant mind to be able to take such a boring well-covered topic and add nuance with fresh perspective. Treat this as "getting to know your tire?" Boom. Done. Next.

[justaguyreal]

Good advice. I go to a big empty parking lot and make progressively lower leaning angle turns thereby scrubbing off the release agent bit by bit from middle to edge.

[MiaMariaMedia]

This is a handy video I'm getting a new set of Perelli Rosso 3's this weekend love that tyre on my bike :)

[DRChevalier]

Great stuff Lem. I've followed that get to know you process most of my riding life and knock on wood (taps forehead) I have never been badly surprised. Different tires even on the same machine respond very differently, and there is an acclimatization period. Some makers still suggest a rough-in period of 100km and really what's the harm in that?

[DUDEWITHMOTO]

I just bought a brand new obviously outgoing 2017 Speed Triple S with ZERO miles last week, still waiting on delivery. Will be breaking everything in. 🤩

[MrMesospheric]

Good advice; it always takes a little while to adjust to any new thing on a bike and a re-learning period is always needed, regardless of experience.

[billhunter]

I’ve never heard of tire break-in. Thanks for the info.

[cpuuk]

I put a pair of Bridgestone on my bike (dry day), got about 20 yards from the shop door and found myself on the ground. I had ridden out hard with the bike slightly leaning to the right to avoid a hole in their metal drainage gully, and the bike low sided me. The bikes TC made no difference, the tires just went from under me.

[MCruzerProductions]

Thanks as always for the video Lemmy! Always great tips from you in these 2 minute lessons! I figure I would give my experience on the 2 tires I've ever broken in on my Yamaha FJ-09!

When I bought the bike used with just over 5k miles on it I requested the back tire be changed out because there was a visible flat spot, likely from the type of flat-land riding we have in the chicagoland area, but the shop was kind enough to put a new tire on for me when I went to pick up the cash to finish the transaction. The tire was a continental something or other, and was practically a slick sport. I noticed that during my first few turns no matter the power I gave it the bikes TCS would kick on for rear tire spin because of just how slippery the tires were at first. After breaking in to the point I felt comfortable accelerating around the turns again there was plenty of grip. The other tires I've broken in were the Road 5's and those babies were glued from the moment I got them put on, even when my first ride was in misty/damp driving conditions, I never felt a slip from them or saw my TCS kick on for rear tire spin but only for front tire load reduction (wheelie stop) while accelerating :'D My coworkers don't believe I could wheelie in the rain, while I haven't really tested it I bet you could no problem with the road 5s. But it goes to show that every tire is different, and as a rider you need to be observant to know what method/time for break in is the best for you in your situation.


If you read this novel good on you, take care friends and RIDE SAFE!

[hghmhgm]

Nice video dude !, I tried Continental's traction skined tires and they really work straight away.

[roscocsa]

Hey lemmy and revzilla, how about a 5 and 10 min lesson series too. With tires for instance. 2 min for do you break them in, 5 min for why are your tires cupping. 10 min how do you set your suspension up to take advantage of your long wearing really good rain pilot?

[cliff]

Bought a 2nd (3rd or 4th) hand bike last year with a pair of Bridgestones. Mid way through the year and the tread vanished between fill-ups. Reviews (and Lemmy) really like Road 5s and he dealer was pushing Road 4s. One review said the 5s really quickened up the steering on his sport-tourer. Being a new to rain, and getting caught in a small tropical storm, I went with 5s. Having never "broken in" a new set of tires I went light on it to a nearby business park that had a nice 2 ish mile "dog bone" loop in the middle. The first left on the way there and I think I'm being gentle on the bike. It dives into the corner faster than I've ever leaned into turn.


I learned those tires real fast after that. It was an interesting few days getting to know the steering all over again. They are more stable over rain grooves and tarsnakes (for me anyway). So until Road 6s come out, I'll ride on 5s. But that first 100-200, it's interesting getting to know the bike all over again.

[DannyBBom]

I’ve only just noticed the profile difference of the Conti Road Attack 3s vs the Michelin Pilot 5. The Contis don’t have such an “acute peak” (no idea the technical term, LOL) compared to the Michelins. I wonder if that means that the Michelins would feel more sporty and tip into corners better than the Contis. FWIW I’ve put about 10k miles on my set of Conti RA 3s and those are the best tires I’ve ever used on the road.

[disekjoumoer]

Thank ya, Lemmy. Good idea to reverse the break in idea.

[alwaysandforever]

Hi there
I just had my front tyre changed and had white marks, similarly like the tyres at 1:58 . Do they get rid after riding a certain distance ? As the marks are all the way to the side, idoubt i will lean that much to get rid of them

[nyinfamousk]

Over 20 plus years of riding experience, never heard of "tire break in" but what IS real is the waxy type coating that is on tires when you get them, I believe its to preserve the rubber while in storage. now that is dangerous if not addressed. Ive seen many accidents from guys with new tires and they slip out on them when tires would normally stick ESPECIALLY ON WET ROADS. you could ride easy for the first 50-100 miles or so to wear that coating off. But what we always do as soon as we get new tires in is, take some light sand paper and hit the entire tire with it. dont go crazy trying to rub through the thing, just scrub it down removing the coating and your good to go.