Why do new tires need to be broken in?
The manufacture of tires involves the use of moulds that give them the exact shape defined at the time of their design. When it comes to demoulding, it is necessary to use products that allow the tire to be removed. As these products tend to leave a thin film of a shiny appearance on the tire, it is important to take some precautions when riding until this film has completely gone.
What can happen if this break-in phase is not taken into account?
Some people have had this happen to them: after getting on their motorcycles with brand new tires from the dealer, they quickly picked up speed, turned at too wide an angle and ended up in a horizontal position on the road...
Regardless of the brand of tires you buy, care should be taken when they are new so that you can use them to their full potential once the break-in period is over.
What you should not do?
We will explain how to proceed to a smooth break-in in a moment. But let's start with an important recommendation: do not use abrasive products to rub the tire's surface in the hope of removing the film more quickly. Doing so could cause irreversible damage to your tire. Michelin's recommended break in is explained below.
How to break in new motorcycle tires?
Breaking in new motorcycle tires simply requires riding, but with the following precautions:
For road usage
Start slowly and use gentle acceleration and braking, as well as low lean angles. Gradually increase the demands on the tires until you get used to their performance. We recommend at least 100 km for this process. This applies to all our motorcycle and scooter tires.
The ideal conditions would be to make a trip that covers at least this distance and to ride on all types of roads. Why? Because in daily use, for example for commuting, one tends to put more angle on one side than the other, especially on roundabouts which imply a direction of rotation that is always the same.
The break-in is still possible in this context, although it may take a little longer, until it is sufficiently applied to both angles.
For off-road usage
For some activities, the break-in time may be faster than on the road due to the more frictional surfaces involved (e.g. dirt for Cross Country). However, keep the target of 100km before you put any more strain on the performance of your new tires to ensure that the break-in is complete.
For track usage (NHS et road legal)
- With tire warmers: maintain the temperature with sufficient demand from the start.
- Without tire warmers: start slowly and use gentle acceleration and braking, as well as low lean angles. Gradually increase the demands on the tires until you get used to their performance.
For rain tires (NHS)
Avoid strong acceleration, braking and cornering. Then gradually increase the pace of the race to get used to the performance of your tires.
Temperature influences the break-in time
The break-in period can be shorter or longer depending on the ambient temperature. Driving in warm weather lets the tires reach their optimum grip level sooner. Break-ins can also be done in cold weather, but just be aware that it will take longer for the tires to be sufficiently broken in.
Keep the proper pressure.
Keeping your tires at the correct pressure (as recommended by your tire manufacturer) is important throughout their life. In the break-in phase, when the tires are still new, incorrect pressure could not only have a bad impact on short-term handling, but also on their long-term performance.
How do you break-in when you only change one tire?
It may happen that you do not need to change both tires at the same time. For example, if you have a flat tire that cannot be repaired and the other tire has a low level of wear, your dealer will probably advise you to change only one tire.
The break-in should be carried out with a new tire in the same way as if you had changed both tires. As long as the thin film is present on your new tire, the break-in process is not complete and the same precautions should be taken as explained above.
And after the 62 mi?
Once you have ridden over 60 miles, you should be able to push your vehicle more, but be careful not make any abrupt changes to your riding style. Be progressive until you gain complete confidence in the performance of your tires.