Vespa is back on the road. Muffler resurrected, winter tires in storage, battery rejuvenated, and a brand new pair of Kenda tires mounted for warm weather. As all riders should know there is nothing quite as useless in terms of traction as a new pair of tires. Combine that with wet roads and it’s just a slippery mess. You always want to watch for slippery scooter tires.
Breaking the tires in will wait for dry pavement. Instead just a quick trip down the street to the Pump Station to pick up a brownie.
That’s scooter riding adventure.
Could be a real adventure depending on the brownie recipe 😉
My first and only accident was riding on wet pavement after I had a new back tire installed. That’s a slippery combo.
Hi Steve , all is looking good mate.
Glad everything went successfully.
How long do you recommend bedding in the new tyres?
Regards
Len
I just put a new set of Kumho tires on my car, and they recommended a 500 mile break-in period. I have read of motorcyclists who give the tread area of their brand new tires a light scrubbing with a wire brush before using them. I’m about to replace my scooter’s rear tire with a new one. I think I’ll try this wire brush method — but I’ll still take it easy for the first couple of hundred miles.
Yep, that anti-mold coating they put on new tires can be quite slippery….I always try and keep things cautious for first 100 miles or so.
VStar Lady: Pennsylvania isn’t selling those kind of brownies yet!
Scotty Moon: I think more than a few riders have learned that lesson…
william0603 (Len): I usually try for at least 50 miles and usually 100 before I become completely comfortable with the traction.
Fred: 500miles would be a lot for a little scooter tire. They really spin around a lot more than a car tire. Not sure about the wire brush. Seems like it might tear the rubber up a bit. Maybe a sanding block would be better?
Charlie6: The mold release compound definitely can impede the traction. Some manufacturers say they don’t use it anymore but not sure which. Regardless, I think it prudent to break in new tires. Only means a little restraint…