New tires are SLICK!

I restored an old Honda about five years ago. It was a CM400T. I fitted it with some sticky sport tires, at least I thought they were sticky. OK, I finished the restore and parked the bike. This morning I decided to give it a go before I sell it. Hey it's a Hilda after all. I reinstalled the battery and fired it up. It ran fine mostly because I'd drained the carbs before the Kulongoski (alcoholic) gas could go stale.

I decided to put on all my gear even though I was just contemplating a couple of turns around the block (good choice). I fiddled along till the bike would accelerate without stumbling and then attempted a pretty tight left turn at no more than 10 MPH. I touched the rear brake in the turn and immediately went down. I wasn't hurt, except for my pride. I picked up the bike and rode away. I continued on the ride playing with the brakes, front and rear, the front did fine but he rear could cut loose as if it had oil on it.

Lesson learned: New tires need to be scrubbed in. I knew that but now I'll not forget it again.

Bill

Wow...I've been on many new sets of tires but have never had any tires that were that slick. I've never had any problems. Maybe I'm just lucky? The usually have a "mold release agent" on them but still....nothing that caused me any problems....your tires must really have a thick coating...glad only your pride was hurt....hate to see that happen to anyone...

glad your okay....400 honda twins are very cool bikes..i'd love to stumble on one....lots of fun....I hit my hand with a hammer or cut myself with my razor knife ...every five years...it takes another five to forget the pain and it happens again....you will be good for 5+ years now imo

Maybe the tires just got slicker from sitting?

Powerstroke_fan wrote: Maybe the tires just got slicker from sitting?

That's very likely. I wonder if they're ruined or if I can just rough 'em up with some sandpaper.

Bill

mold release....... my brother wipes his "new" tires tread with rubbing alcohol. I've never done it... :blink:

Give her a rub with brake clean as the mold release compound will make you slide out if pushed even lightly into a corner.
David