Why do big V-twins eat tyres??

david916 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

My SV1000S needed a new rear Michelin Pilot Sport at only 3869 miles and it needed a new front Michelin Pilot Sport at 5386 miles. It will need another rear when it goes in for its 7500 mile service next week as that is now at the wear limit (after around only 3600 miles use). I had heard previously (and the chap at the bike shop mentioned it too) that big V-twins do go through tyres quite quickly. However, can anyone tell me, in easy to understand terms, why big V-twins eat tyres more than other bikes - something about the power delivery? I realise that I could change to another type of tyre or make, but I quite like the feel and grip of the original spec Michelin Pilot Sports!
Cool

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Suzuki · Roger Joined: 03 May 2005 Karma :

That's a normal amount of miles for that type of tyre.
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joe black · Nova Slayer Joined: 18 Oct 2006 Karma :

i think thats quite good , 3000mls rear my gsxr1100 streetfighter dunlop 207.

P4LERIDER · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Karma :

to be fair that's not bad milage... i certainly wouldn't be unhappy with that.

It's said that big twins munch through tyres quickly because of the fat torque they put down... same thing with most 'big bikes' really Smile

landy.s11a · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 May 2005 Karma :

agree with all above you did well getting that amount of mileage out of your rear Thumbs Up

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Keen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Apr 2002 Karma :

Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

Big V-twins have huge low-down torque where inline-4 engines lack it. This is what chews up your tyres.
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extreme3d · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2004 Karma :

finpos · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2005 Karma :

big singles, twins = longer stroke = more low end torque.

finpos.

extreme3d · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2004 Karma :

Dan 4RR · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Karma :

I assume motorbikes go through tyres at a quicker rate than cars because of the power at the rear? Embarassed

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dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I would say that a 1000 - 1500 is heavyish tyre wear and anything over 3000 miles is a bargain.

On a seperate note, what do you think of the Super Duke? Wink

finpos · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2005 Karma :

Ranger05 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Karma :

My old bike, gixxer 600 eat up a rear every thousand miles. Bridgestone BT012's

That was without even doing anything stupid like burnouts etc. Just fast road riding.
3000+ miles is pretty good.
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sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Actually a four should shred the tyre more than a twin, because the power is continuous on a four, meaning that it is more likely to break traction.

Twins usually deliver their power in one short lump before having a longer time with no power. This gives the tyre time to 'recover'.

Or so MotoGP engineers think. This is why 'Big Bang' engines were invented!
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phk6 · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Karma :

it may be because big V twins deliver lots of torque (turning power) at very low revs, so say for town riding while u are going slow at low revs your bike is sending alot of torque to the rear wheel which obviously is going to put more stress on the tyre its self therefore reducing the life of the tyre.

in theory anyway
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hairychipstic... · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Karma :

the gsxr1000 has more low down torque than all the litre twins, as would the zx10r i would imagine
the 2004-2006 r1 would be a weaker low down litre bike, more revvy with a massive top end, thats why theyve gone and changed their engine to a 4 valve set up and added that YCCT thing to try combat their short stroke design
ive heard of people going through rear tyres in 1000 miles on litre bikes so thats fairly good mileage, i got 600km out of mine, but 1500 of that was running it in in winter :p