Ducati Monster Forum

Just attained around 9500 miles on the bike when things began to feel a bit wonky. Slow speed handling and turn-in was a bit stiff. Still stable as a rock at higher speed. Cornering was scary. My rear tire looked like somebody shaped it with a belt sander; the center was flat, the sides were flat. The front tire had cracks in the sidewall. Was waxing the chain on the rearstand thinking hmm I need a new set of rubber when I glanced at the rear tire. Lo and behold I saw what looked like fine metal wires in the center where the flat spot was. Yikes. So I hemhawed and did some price checking, local Kawi dealer whom I know personally had a set of Michelin Pilot Road 2s that he would sell me for 265 out the door mounted and balanced. Got 'em on, been taking it easy. Got about 150 miles on them now and wow - bike seems to run better. Buttery smooth acceleration, cornering is secure(I even have crap nonadjustable suspension). Bike is transformed.

So - don't underestimate the power of tires. I was wondering where all the performance my bike used to have went to, now I know. Only problem now is it's going to rain every day this week  [bang]

In the words of ducvet:

"I can spend 2 whole days aligning, adjusting, tuning, tweaking, and doing everything in my power to make a motor run like it should. I might get a 'thank you.'

If I change the tires, 'It feels like a whole new bike!'"

I love the feel of scrubbed-in new tires!  [thumbsup]

You gave me a scare - my brain read the title more like "New tires = AHHHHH!"

Thought I was about to see another rubber side up story.

in know what you mean that flat spotted rear tire, its funny you can be stable on the superslab with it bald, and leanign into a turn you are fine again, the side are good, but that transition from straight to turn is scary due to the tire litarally having "a corner or ledge" on it.. tire totally doesn't fell planted at all when you are healing the bike over..

good job,new tires are great.