Definitive advice for breaking-in modern tyres?

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I put on a brand new BT003R last year to replace my worn out BT003RS.
After I left the shop, I took the first ramp quite aggressively and got rid of my chicken strips right away.
As stated previously, the "break in" period is for the rider to get used to the way the new tires handle/feel or so I've been told.
The whole mold release thing is nothing more than a myth.

I just put on a fresh set of S20's and I have been taking it quite easy and not pushing as hard.
With my first track day around the corner, I don't feel the need to push it on the street as much.

Put the tires on and just ride.
 
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Generally speaking, not all moulded components require mold release compounds. They are usually only used as a last resort as it is both costly and time-consuming. For a flexible component like a tyre I would not expect them to use such a compound.

However, You do not know where the tyre has been stored or what environment it was shipped in. It could easily pick up a layer of grease from sitting in the wrong area, etc.

That being said, I just put on a set of supercorsa sps and I slid when braking hard in a straight.
 
bboySushi said:
That being said, I just put on a set of supercorsa sps and I slid when braking hard in a straight.
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+1 slip on my the BT016 riding home from GP Bikes. They said to go easy around turns and breaking for about 200km. I don't ride track so I cannot comment but it wasn't in my head that it slipped.
 
bboySushi said:
However, You do not know where the tyre has been stored or what environment it was shipped in. It could easily pick up a layer of grease from sitting in the wrong area, etc.

.
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This is another reason why I'm switching original tires (made in '07) on my 2008 CBR600rr. When I bought the bike in October is only had 2500km on it and tires had more than enough thread. I quickly realized how crappy those tires more.....they warm up really long and not as good. Then quickly get hard as a rock as well. Really dangerous.
Putting fresh Michelin Pilot Road 3 this friday as I hate riding and not have full confidence in my tires.
 
e90 said:
Yeah.. same here.. if you use the shoulders you will die.. but if you don't ever use them and then try to use them, you will die.

That seems illogical to me.
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I bought a brand new bike this year that would obviously have new tires on it. I rode it like I owned it for about 75-100 kms, being civil in turns etc. I will say the rear would spin really easily when it was new. After the 100ish km mark I noticed some improvement but on the wrong surface they still slide easily (hurontario and mayfield heading north for example) Now when I ride it like I stole it, the grip is there :D
 
theres an easy way to figure out if your tires need to "break in"


touch them. if they feel all greasy, take it easy for a bit.
the greasy tires will make you hand smell funny, and also won't come off if you wipe off with a rag. it leaves a residue.
kind of like touching oil.

tires without release compound will feel like you expect a tire to feel. non greasy.



mold release was commonly used into the late 80's, tire tech changed reduing the need for them (its not cheap to spray the inside of a mold)

however there are still manufacturers out there using release compound (both chen shins i have come across, and other cheapass makers)
 
This may be nuts but couldn't you 'scrub' new tires with something like 3m scotch brite pads? Lightly of course and with the fine version. Then away you go?

These
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defect_9 said:
All new tires will have a mold release compound on them. This is a greasy film that helps the tires no stick to the mold when being made. this will make your tires very slick for the first little while, so you just want to use them in a safe area on all the surfaces to 'scrub' them before trusting them on high speed moves.
if you just take it easy on straight roads for 100km, and then think you are going to be okay making a hard curve, you will be in for a surprise. make sure you get the full area of the tire that you normally would use scrubbed up and enjoy.

Please ignore all of this garbage above. sorry my bad. my years as a manufacturing engineer have led me astray.
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this is not true!
 
Mina said:
I put on a brand new BT003R last year to replace my worn out BT003RS.
After I left the shop, I took the first ramp quite aggressively and got rid of my chicken strips right away.
As stated previously, the "break in" period is for the rider to get used to the way the new tires handle/feel or so I've been told.
The whole mold release thing is nothing more than a myth.

I just put on a fresh set of S20's and I have been taking it quite easy and not pushing as hard.
With my first track day around the corner, I don't feel the need to push it on the street as much.

Put the tires on and just ride.
Click to expand...
Now let's understand that taking a ramp with tires that are cold is not a good idea with new or old tires. Just saying this so a newer rider doesn't read you post and goes out and tries doing the same with cold tires
 
Tire manufacturers haven't used mould release in quite some time though new tires tend to be a bit on the slipery side from storage and handling for the first few kms. I advise riders to ride like you're in the rain for the first hour or so, meaning that you don't do anything sudden with turning, braking or throttle. Tires can be used 100% right away but i advise they be wiped off with a cloth sprayed with brake cleaner to remove dust etc.
 
With all this back and forth talk and no one giving a straight answer, I almost wanna write or call tire makers and ask them straight up.
 
Old wives tale or not, I'd personally steer on the side of caution and go slow and watch the braking, lean angles, etc. the first few miles. Even if the manufacturer does not use mold release, it's possible that the outside edge of the tire is slightly harder (the outside edge of the mold would be coolest and 'chill' the rubber), or could have little irregularities from the mold.

The new tires I've had installed - or tried - (all Michelins, out of coincidence) felt decent from the get-go. However, crashes are painful and expensive. As the articles state, even if the tire is at (or near) full grip, the tire will probably feel different from the tire that came off the bike.

Suit yourselves.
 
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