Common Tyre Issues

Dry Rot/Weather Checking (fine lines on Sidewall)

This is usually seen in the spring after bikes have been stored for the winter. Also very hot,
sunny climates are hard on tyres. Ways to avoid dry rot:

• Keep both tyres up off the ground in winter of long term storage
• Use mild soap & water to clean tyres, not tyre cleaners or preservatives
• Avoid exposure to fertilizer, ozone, extremes in temperature, chain lube spray
• Do not park under electrical wires nor near electric motors e.g. furnaces
• Don’t store near petrol, diesal or solvent tanks (hydrocarbon fumes)
• Use bike cover to protect tyres from extreme sun conditions

Groove Cracking

This is usually a result of under or over inflation. Contact your tyre manufacturer for correct pressure if after-market tyres are mounted. Provide weight of rider(s), and luggage,  Also check front forks, suspension.

Avon motorcycle tyres are only for use on vehicles for which motorcycle tyres were originally specified by the vehicle manufacturer, any other use may be dangerous.

Handling problems

These can be caused by the following:

• Incorrect inflation pressures. Remember tyres can lose on the average 1 pound
  per month or 1 pound for every 10º F drop in temperature in the tyre
• Misalignment of frame
• Luggage not balanced evenly on bike or mounted hanging over rear end of bike
• Weight too far forward or back (riding position)
• Poor suspension components condition or adjustment
• Steering and wheel bearings improperly adjusted
• Bent or out of balance wheels

Out of Round/Out of Balance

If a tyre is laterally or radially O.O.R. by more than 1.2 mm or requires more than 2.5 oz. (71
grams) to balance, this would be considered for warranty if it is within the first .5mm of
tread wear. Other things that can cause imbalance:

• Tyre not seated correctly. Ensure bead guide line is equal distance from wheel all around the tyre
• Make sure wheel is not bent or out of balance – good idea to pre-balance wheel
  assembly and leave those weights on rim. New wheels should not be more than ½ oz (14 grams) out of balance, scratched, or dirty
• Check wheel is clean – no rust, debris, duct tape
• Use of proper mounting lubricant

Wear Patterns/Tyre Life

• Cupping can be caused by braking style, bikes equipped with ABS or heavy front
  ends, not enough air, groove pattern or a combination of the above as well as suspension settings and conditions such as road surface
• Luggage not balanced evenly on bike or mounted hanging over rear end of bike
• Squaring off on rear – flat, straight roads, high speeds, incorrect air psi
• Wear on left side of tyre can be generated by the longer distance traveled on right side driving roads or bikes such as older BMW’s which can have purposely offset wheels, wear on right-riding with one hand on the throttle and body leans slightly
  causing wear on right side
• Factors governing tyre life – load, speed, wheel condition, pressure, riding style,
  wheelspin, ambient temperature, storage, road surface, incorrect brake adjustment or frame/wheel alignment, excessive tolerances on steering head or swingarm bearings, worn dampers