I am posting this to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. I believe the tire in question is 6 years old. I've started experiencing increasingly bad steering wobble at above 80 mph. Constantly watch the tire pressure is 36 psi. Think everything else is solid. Your experience good or bad?
Pirelli Sport Demon opinions
- Thread starter Treadlightly
- Start date
This is on the front of my 1992 with abs.
I ran Sport Demons on an old KZ650 and had no issues up to and including top speed, which was probably +/- 115 mph. Unless your tire has a defect or failure, or has worn funny. I've never heard of a sport demon on an ST, is the bike within the tires load range?
Read the timestamp on the tire to be sure.
I'd personally be reluctant to run on a tire that's "6 years old" ... it's NOT just about miles on a tire, it's also AGE.
I ordered a Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact 1 from Dennis Kirk. Hope it runs better than the Pirelli. Going to balance the Metzeler to perfection. Any Metzeler fans out there? Revzilla Review was very good.
If the wobble you're experiencing is a weaving oscillation that feels like the frame is rubbery, re-torque the front axle using the proper procedure to see if that helps. That procedure consists of fully tightening the axle first, with all 4 pinch bolts loose, then tightening all the pinch bolts on both forks.
Since you're changing the tire, make sure to use this procedure after the new tire is installed.
My only weave experience was on Dunlops many years ago. Different make of tyres eradicated the issue completely. But I don't think I've ever run a Metzeler on any bike.
When it comes to the four clamp bolts, check the torque 2 or 3 times after each tightening sequence.
If the change of tyre doesn't change things then look further. I don't think it's a balance issue.
Upt.
When it comes to the four clamp bolts, check the torque 2 or 3 times after each tightening sequence.
If the change of tyre doesn't change things then look further. I don't think it's a balance issue.
Upt.
A picture of the worn tyre may be useful for later reference for other users.
My experience exactly. I have a nickname for Dunlop's, but I'll refrain from saying it, so as not to offend anyone
After a closer look I believe I need to replace the bearings in the wheel. Have no idea how many miles are on them so replacing them seems prudent.