tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Tech section strictly for the FJR. Everything from oil changes & suspension setup's to removing sheep hair from hard to reach places on the bike so that your wife never finds out.
User avatar
Boston
Member
Posts: 185
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2019 2:54 pm
FJRModel: 2005 FJR1300 2001 Roadstar
x 119
x 184

tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Boston »

The front tire (new had 7mm) has about 2mm of thread left. I want to go on a ride that is 2000 mi r/t. If the tire get about 1000 miles per mm then we should be good.
Right.
Now you say It depends on tire pressure, driving style (slow old man) and hows the been wearing. All is good with in that way.
Then if it rains, It may not be good.
I have a set of new tires. The rear is good.
Planing the ride to SEO from titusville fla.
Need input from the collective.
IBA# 76760
User avatar
FJRoss
Veteran
Posts: 2892
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:41 pm
FJRModel: 2011 FJR 1300
2017 BMW F700GS
Location: Fredericton NB (Canada)
x 908
x 2660

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by FJRoss »

In my experience, tire wear is not linear. I find they go away faster as you approach (and pass) the wear bars.
As they say YMMV.

Do ya feel lucky?
Hppants, rbentnail, Full House and 1 others loved this
User avatar
Pterodactyl
Veteran
Posts: 2537
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:16 pm
FJRModel: R1250GSA w/ Sidecar
Location: Big Sky Country
x 723
x 6906

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Pterodactyl »

1mm = 6.213712e-7 miles.
Blister_1, 0face, Intech and 1 others loved this
Kevin
The Outpost
Silver City, MT

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.
M. Tyson
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 21222
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 47197
x 20055

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by wheatonFJR »

Wear is not linear, nor is it the same for different riders, different road surfaces, different twistiness of roads. Your margin of tread depth required depends on what surfaces you may encounter; dry, wet, slightly gravelly, cold, hot. Asking strangers on the internet if your tires are gonna be good enough for a 2000 mile trip is foolish; taking their advice would be foolisher.

You should use your own past experience in these situations to determine what is right for you. If you don't have that experience, err on the safe side with a wide margin. A set of tires, even with today's prices, is far cheaper than replacement of plastic or god forbid, an ER visit.

wheatonFJR - test pilot for Michelin with a PHd in coefficient of friction of tires near the end of their wear life on various surfaces.
Brodie, Steel_Gin, CraigRegs and 2 others loved this
boatanchor, 3rd class.
D-Eagle
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1576
Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:16 pm
FJRModel: 2014 FJR
2003 Honda VTX1800
2023 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
Location: Clarkston MI
x 2890
x 3091

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by D-Eagle »

I change my tires out way too early. But I never have had to get a tire mid trip before either. I'm not getting my full money's worth on any of my tires, but my vacation time is limited and I don't have time for preventable things to go sideways.
Steel_Gin, LKLD, wheatonFJR and 1 others loved this
SE Ohio: Never trust a hill.
User avatar
Cav47
Veteran
Posts: 4318
Joined: Sun Feb 16, 2014 7:42 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES well appointed FJR
2012 KLX 250S
2022 Honda CRF450RL
Location: Central Illinois.
x 12276
x 9111

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Cav47 »

I would throw the new front tire that you have on. I know changing tires is a pain, but honestly it would be much more of an inconvience if you have to miss a day or two of riding waiting on a tire. WORSE yet if you have an unscheduled dismount as a result of not changing. When it comes down to it, you are maybe saving $50 bucks by changing it early. I know 50 bucks is still 50 bucks, but not worth it.
Hppants, wheatonFJR, BkerChuck and 2 others loved this
I often have found myself when I was not looking, nor did that discovery take place where I thought it would!

Image
User avatar
extrememarine
HMFIC
I post more than I ride
Posts: 7193
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:17 pm
FJRModel: 2009 FJR
Location: SE Michigan
x 2354
x 14487
Contact:

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by extrememarine »

I endorse the above statements - tire wear is unique to the right, especially near the end.

The picture below is my reminder - If I leave Michigan, I have new tires on. This is the service bay at Iron Pony in Columbus, on a sunday afternoon 30 minutes before the closed. The graciously fit me in because the rear tire was not going to get us home. That single rear tire change cost me the equivelent of 2 fulls sets if changed in my own garage. Not to mention the pucker factor of tip-toeing 300 miles to get there.

Image
Brodie, Steel_Gin, FJRPittsburgh and 7 others loved this
Ride There!
-Wayne aka asphalt surfer...

IBA#60836

#Peteyismyhero & #JWillywashere
BkerChuck
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1909
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:02 am
FJRModel: 2014 FJR1300A
x 3038
x 3380

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by BkerChuck »

I just played this game myself with the tires on my 2013. Michelin Road 6GTs trying to eke out as much as I could from them mostly just commuting for work. I can attest that the wear accelerates quickly once the wear bars hit.

Better safe than sorry.
ImageImageImage

IBA #50866
User avatar
FjrVfr
Contributor
Member
Posts: 254
Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2015 1:00 pm
FJRModel: 2012
Location: Columbus, OH
x 53
x 622

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by FjrVfr »

I'll just add that on multi state trips, all moto related problems manifest themselves late on Saturday afternoon. Typically a few minutes after the dealerships have closed (and are closed Mondays of course).
CraigRegs, FJRPittsburgh, and wheatonFJR loved this
"Anything that happens before or after is just waiting."
User avatar
Reserector
Squid
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2022 10:27 am
FJRModel: 2003
Location: Laurel, MS
x 119
x 132

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Reserector »

Tire diameter technically decreases as they wear, requiring the tire to rotate more often per mile. Maybe that's why they wear faster toward the end. :ugeek:
LKLD loved this
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 21222
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 47197
x 20055

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by wheatonFJR »

Reserector wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 5:48 pm Tire diameter technically decreases as they wear, requiring the tire to rotate more often per mile. Maybe that's why they wear faster toward the end. :ugeek:
Lowered wear belt thickness, lowered mass to dissipate heat, higher belt heat, softer wear belt rubber, faster wear rate. Harder to plug a thin wear belt. Trust me. Ref: Ramble 2013. Roadrunner and 0face and Extrememarine will testify.
boatanchor, 3rd class.
User avatar
Toter
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1496
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2019 8:01 am
FJRModel: 2015 FJR 1300 ES "Renee", 2022 BMW R1250GS Adventure, 2016 DRZ 400S
Location: North Georgia
x 2189
x 2969

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Toter »

wheatonFJR wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 10:50 am Wear is not linear, nor is it the same for different riders, different road surfaces, different twistiness of roads. Your margin of tread depth required depends on what surfaces you may encounter; dry, wet, slightly gravelly, cold, hot. Asking strangers on the internet if your tires are gonna be good enough for a 2000 mile trip is foolish; taking their advice would be foolisher.

You should use your own past experience in these situations to determine what is right for you. If you don't have that experience, err on the safe side with a wide margin. A set of tires, even with today's prices, is far cheaper than replacement of plastic or god forbid, an ER visit.

wheatonFJR - test pilot for Michelin with a PHd in coefficient of friction of tires near the end of their wear life on various surfaces.
Yeah, from the guy that thinks this tire's got at least 2,000 miles left I it.

Image
I spent most of my money on guns, motorcycles, women, and whiskey. The rest I just wasted!
User avatar
Festus
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 5276
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2017 3:40 pm
FJRModel: 2013 FJR, 2023 KTM 390 Adventure
x 4328
x 12147

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Festus »

Toter wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 7:46 pm
wheatonFJR wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 10:50 am Wear is not linear, nor is it the same for different riders, different road surfaces, different twistiness of roads. Your margin of tread depth required depends on what surfaces you may encounter; dry, wet, slightly gravelly, cold, hot. Asking strangers on the internet if your tires are gonna be good enough for a 2000 mile trip is foolish; taking their advice would be foolisher.

You should use your own past experience in these situations to determine what is right for you. If you don't have that experience, err on the safe side with a wide margin. A set of tires, even with today's prices, is far cheaper than replacement of plastic or god forbid, an ER visit.

wheatonFJR - test pilot for Michelin with a PHd in coefficient of friction of tires near the end of their wear life on various surfaces.
Yeah, from the guy that thinks this tire's got at least 2,000 miles left I it.

Image
He doesn’t use the center, he’s got an easy 2,000 left in that with his riding style 😂
Toter and wheatonFJR loved this
"That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be" - 1911

"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
User avatar
0face
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3884
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:30 pm
FJRModel: 2008
Location: Chandler, AZ
x 3764
x 5927

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by 0face »

extrememarine wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:43 am That single rear tire change cost me the equivelent of 2 fulls sets if changed in my own garage. Not to mention the pucker factor of tip-toeing 300 miles to get there.

Image
Wheatie would have made it to Chicago ya Nancy.
Festus and wheatonFJR loved this
User avatar
extrememarine
HMFIC
I post more than I ride
Posts: 7193
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:17 pm
FJRModel: 2009 FJR
Location: SE Michigan
x 2354
x 14487
Contact:

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by extrememarine »

Wheaton is probably the reason I had bald tires...
0face wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 9:53 pm
extrememarine wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:43 am That single rear tire change cost me the equivelent of 2 fulls sets if changed in my own garage. Not to mention the pucker factor of tip-toeing 300 miles to get there.

Image
Wheatie would have made it to Chicago ya Nancy.
0face loved this
Ride There!
-Wayne aka asphalt surfer...

IBA#60836

#Peteyismyhero & #JWillywashere
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 21222
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 47197
x 20055

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by wheatonFJR »

Toter wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 7:46 pm
wheatonFJR wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 10:50 am Wear is not linear, nor is it the same for different riders, different road surfaces, different twistiness of roads. Your margin of tread depth required depends on what surfaces you may encounter; dry, wet, slightly gravelly, cold, hot. Asking strangers on the internet if your tires are gonna be good enough for a 2000 mile trip is foolish; taking their advice would be foolisher.

You should use your own past experience in these situations to determine what is right for you. If you don't have that experience, err on the safe side with a wide margin. A set of tires, even with today's prices, is far cheaper than replacement of plastic or god forbid, an ER visit.

wheatonFJR - test pilot for Michelin with a PHd in coefficient of friction of tires near the end of their wear life on various surfaces.
Yeah, from the guy that thinks this tire's got at least 2,000 miles left I it.

Image
I did admit to my adventurous ways in the last line of my post. But tell me in my post what you disagreed with. Anything?

BTW, what jackass was riding on THAT tire? Lol :stickpoke:
boatanchor, 3rd class.
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 21222
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 47197
x 20055

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by wheatonFJR »

extrememarine wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 9:57 pm Wheaton is probably the reason I had bald tires...
0face wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 9:53 pm
extrememarine wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:43 am That single rear tire change cost me the equivelent of 2 fulls sets if changed in my own garage. Not to mention the pucker factor of tip-toeing 300 miles to get there.

Image
Wheatie would have made it to Chicago ya Nancy.
Yeah, you were engine braking hard to prevent hitting me Im guessing.
boatanchor, 3rd class.
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 21222
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 47197
x 20055

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by wheatonFJR »

0face wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 9:53 pm
extrememarine wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:43 am That single rear tire change cost me the equivelent of 2 fulls sets if changed in my own garage. Not to mention the pucker factor of tip-toeing 300 miles to get there.

Image
Wheatie would have made it to Chicago ya Nancy.
lol, At least you had the good sense to pry on some new tires.
boatanchor, 3rd class.
User avatar
Boston
Member
Posts: 185
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2019 2:54 pm
FJRModel: 2005 FJR1300 2001 Roadstar
x 119
x 184

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Boston »

The collective has spoken.
I will put on a new one.
Thanks everyone.

John
Reserector loved this
IBA# 76760
User avatar
Toter
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1496
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2019 8:01 am
FJRModel: 2015 FJR 1300 ES "Renee", 2022 BMW R1250GS Adventure, 2016 DRZ 400S
Location: North Georgia
x 2189
x 2969

Re: tire wear: 1mm = in miles

Post by Toter »

wheatonFJR wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 9:58 pm
Toter wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 7:46 pm
wheatonFJR wrote: Fri Apr 11, 2025 10:50 am Wear is not linear, nor is it the same for different riders, different road surfaces, different twistiness of roads. Your margin of tread depth required depends on what surfaces you may encounter; dry, wet, slightly gravelly, cold, hot. Asking strangers on the internet if your tires are gonna be good enough for a 2000 mile trip is foolish; taking their advice would be foolisher.

You should use your own past experience in these situations to determine what is right for you. If you don't have that experience, err on the safe side with a wide margin. A set of tires, even with today's prices, is far cheaper than replacement of plastic or god forbid, an ER visit.

wheatonFJR - test pilot for Michelin with a PHd in coefficient of friction of tires near the end of their wear life on various surfaces.
Yeah, from the guy that thinks this tire's got at least 2,000 miles left I it.

Image
I did admit to my adventurous ways in the last line of my post. But tell me in my post what you disagreed with. Anything?

BTW, what jackass was riding on THAT tire? Lol :stickpoke:
No disagreement with your post, it was spot on. Just poking at a habitual tire over-abuser. Tire was on a Victory cruiser that just rode 1,100 miles in 2 days, to my place. :shock:
wheatonFJR and FJRPittsburgh loved this
I spent most of my money on guns, motorcycles, women, and whiskey. The rest I just wasted!
Post Reply