Motorcycle tyres - any advice please (bad roads)

[Martinpeter]

Hi there/. thanks in advance

 

 

I have my trusty stead  a Honda Moove  (great little machine)  - I mainly bought it new because i liked small wheels and chunky wide tyres on it.

(with all the potholes on the roads!) nowadays 

 

This was ok in BKK

 

I did changed the tyres 1 year ago to (attachment 4 tread pattern)  - the dealer told me good (and not the cheapest type! but when i touch a white lines its like being on ice! shaky!

 

 

 

Now i have moved to Rayong! problems start?

 

There is a particular bad section of road all 3 lanes, ( about 500 metres long) i must go on everyday  (see attachments 1-3) i have never seen a road surface like this (seems to have been scoured? not sure why been like this for over 6 months.

 

 

When  i ride over this scoured surface -  my front end shakes like crazy!!! wobbles very badly, i feel like i cant control my steering at all? (i scare accident soon)

 

Questions anyone experienced this before? on bad road surfaces?

 

 

Can you help me? any advice please

 

i cant avoid this road? major detour would take me to far out my way!

 

 

 

my thinking?

 

 

 

Tyres currently : attachment 4 - bad design, little tread! center groove not help with grooves on this surface front end cannot control, shakes? 

when i touch the white lines its so bad, like being on ice (so slippery) not good!

 

 

I have tried! higher, lower pressures (higher helps a bit)

Going faster over it or slower (slower worse)   2 up seems better?

 

HELP

 

 

i am looking at changing my tyres again (attahment 5)  is this better tread pattern?? DO YOU THINK THIS WOULD HELP?

 

 

sorry long winded!

 

 

 

 

Can you make any suggestions to help? on new tyres treads?

 

 

 

Also i want to report this road to the relevant  authorities in Rayong who?  where?  dept (someones going to get badly injured on this section of road soon!   (i hope not me)

 

 

 

 

thanks your help/.

 

 

 

 

 

[NickyLouie]

17 minutes ago, Martinpeter said:

 

 

 

Yes, you want these which are more of an all purpose tire tread. 

[Screaming]

The best advice is to not get on a motorbike in Thailand and get yourself a car that is safer. But I know that most expats in Thailand cannot afford an automobile and put their lives in severe danger on Thai roads. 

[richard_smith237]

9 minutes ago, Screaming said:

The best advice is to not get on a motorbike in Thailand and get yourself a car that is safer. But I know that most expats in Thailand cannot afford an automobile and put their lives in severe danger on Thai roads. 

 

Yes, thats perfect advice for anyone who rides a motorcycle and is asking about tyres... 

 

Better advices still... don't go out at all, even cars have accidents !!!

[SAFETY FIRST]

8 minutes ago, Screaming said:

The best advice is to not get on a motorbike in Thailand

I can understand if you are incompetent, frail, unhealthy, poor vision etc, stay off the motorbikes. 

 

The most fun you'll ever have, riding a motorcycle in Thailand. 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

38 minutes ago, Martinpeter said:

I did changed the tyres 1 year ago to (attachment 4 tread pattern)  - the dealer told me good (and not the cheapest type! but when i touch a white lines its like being on ice! shaky!

 

Avoid the riding on white lines - especially in the wet (riding 101) - they lines lethal. 

 

Ride with speed of traffic, in your lane...  Only lane split (when in very slow moving / gridlocked traffic).

[Hummin]

New bike bigger wheels honda crf  250 o 300 

 

The sketchy road pattern is not dangerous, so ease up your arms and shoulders and let the handlebar "float" in your hands. The more scared you are the more you fight the handlebar. 

 

 

[roo860]

I know quite a few people that have these fitted and very happy with the performance. Pirelli Angel.

[jvs]

What you need is wider tires,wider up front and wider in the back.

Will make a lot of difference.

Type of tire is not really important.

Did this to my own bike and no shaking anymore.

[NoDisplayName]

I like Maxxis Classic for interstate highway and Texas chip-seal.

 

Wanted something wide and tall for a Kawasaki Concours.

 

 

[daveAustin]

1 hour ago, Screaming said:

The best advice is to not get on a motorbike in Thailand and get yourself a car that is safer. But I know that most expats in Thailand cannot afford an automobile and put their lives in severe danger on Thai roads. 

Gawd. There’s always one. Even with a car and a bike, I’d take the bike out 90% of the time. Op, ignore the boring old farts. What’s the tyre pressures like? They tend to over-inflate here. Should be around 30psi.  

[Martinpeter]

2 hours ago, Screaming said:

The best advice is to not get on a motorbike in Thailand and get yourself a car that is safer. But I know that most expats in Thailand cannot afford an automobile and put their lives in severe danger on Thai roads. 

Not an option!!!, Motorcycles in in East districts best, i don't want to sit at a u-turn for 30 minutes in a car? IF YOUR sensible motorcycles are good here!  (enough crazy car drivers now) pull out junctions, pass and don't care for you on the road:

 

is your reply helpful for tyres advice?   

[Martinpeter]

3 hours ago, Hummin said:

New bike bigger wheels honda crf  250 o 300 

 

The sketchy road pattern is not dangerous, so ease up your arms and shoulders and let the handlebar "float" in your hands. The more scared you are the more you fight the handlebar. 

 

 

Thanks I try that 

[Agusts]

I don't know, that road surface is not so bad, maybe get a mechanic check your front tire / wheel / suspension / handlebar, maybe something is not right...!? I can't imagine Honda Moove with good fat tires already should be effected so much ... 🤔

[scubascuba3]

Are you a new rider? Maybe lack of experience. White lines can feel like you are stuck tracking on them. You won't slide, just avoid lines and poor surfaces the best you can, being nervous won't help

[scubascuba3]

12 hours ago, Screaming said:

The best advice is to not get on a motorbike in Thailand and get yourself a car that is safer. But I know that most expats in Thailand cannot afford an automobile and put their lives in severe danger on Thai roads. 

You are really missing out if you don't ride, takes you to the next level

[Ralf001]

13 hours ago, Screaming said:

The best advice is to not get on a motorbike in Thailand and get yourself a car that is safer. But I know that most expats in Thailand cannot afford an automobile and put their lives in severe danger on Thai roads. 

 

stop talking BS.

[Martinpeter]

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

Are you a new rider? Maybe lack of experience. White lines can feel like you are stuck tracking on them. You won't slide, just avoid lines and poor surfaces the best you can, being nervous won't help

 

 

 

Hi Thanks, no i  have been riding Motorcycles here for over 10 years, i still think its the tyres! 

 

 

i think i am going to try and change the tyres shortly to a more treaded pattern? as in attachment 5 ( cant be any worse)

 

I have never seen a road surface like this anywhere before? its bad - other road surface no problems

 

yes i avoid most whites lines i know they are not good. 

 

 

 

I will l take motorcycle to a dealer to check it over, but i already know its in top condition 

 

 

i think this tread pattern is the answer? update soon  

 

 

Thanks help 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gsxrnz]

OP - changing tyres won't help (much) riding over the piece of road in your picture. Observe from behind another scooter riding on the same surface - look at the motor and rear wheel in relation to the floorboard and you will see the whole "frame" warping on every bump due to the frame design, and cheap-as-chips suspension.

 

Some after-market adjustable suspension that can adjust pre-load, damping, and rebound might help. A steering damper might also help.  But hey, it's a scooter and not practical or feasible.

 

Best advice is to use decent tyres with a general purpose tread and experiment with tyre pressure. Don't go above the recommended pressure, a recipe for disaster in the wet. A slightly lower pressure will help grip and braking in the wet.

 

Avoid the white paint when braking or leaning, especially in the wet. As somebody has already suggested, don't have a "white knuckle" grip on the bars, hold them loosely with bent elbows. Avoid the straight arm grip style.

 

When riding solo over the section of road, shift your weight as much as practical to the rear and specifically don't have your weight leaning on the bars - this takes weight slightly off the front, meaning less impact from the road surface. 

 

Standing up dirt bike style will also help, it just depends whether you're prepared to look like a muppet. 

 

 

 

 

[VocalNeal]

16 hours ago, Martinpeter said:

i am looking at changing my tyres again (attahment 5)  is this better tread pattern?? DO YOU THINK THIS WOULD HELP?

 

These are Michelin City Grips. For less money locally made ND Rubber have the same tread pattern on their ND City. Been OK on my Honda Zoomer. Also 14 inch.

 

White lines are usually a bit twitching but only fleetingly.

[Martinpeter]

48 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 

These are Michelin City Grips. For less money locally made ND Rubber have the same tread pattern on their ND City. Been OK on my Honda Zoomer. Also 14 inch.

 

White lines are usually a bit twitching but only fleetingly.

 

 

Yes i have been shop today they have ND Tyres  same tread Pattern pictures!

 

tomorrow i go fit these (worth a try thanks)

[Grumpy one]

17 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I can understand if you are incompetent, frail, unhealthy, poor vision etc, stay off the motorbikes. 

 

The most fun you'll ever have, riding a motorcycle in Thailand. 

 

 

Also the second fastest way to end up in an ICU, the quickest is wear gold near a katoey, something Indians seem to enjoy  

[SAFETY FIRST]

9 minutes ago, Grumpy one said:

17 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I can understand if you are incompetent, frail, unhealthy, poor vision etc, stay off the motorbikes. 

The most fun you'll ever have, riding a motorcycle in Thailand. 

Expand  

Also the second fastest way to end up in an ICU, the quickest is wear gold near a katoey, something Indians seem to enjoy

Mate, if you are up for it, jump on a motorbike, go for a ride, enjoy the experience. 😎

 

You may even change your name from Grumpy one, to Happy one. 👍

 

It's still available 

[Hummin]

2 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

 

Best advice is to use decent tyres with a general purpose tread and experiment with tyre pressure. Don't go above the recommended pressure, a recipe for disaster in the wet. A slightly lower pressure will help grip and braking in the wet.

.

Tire pressure is essential, and a good tool to have is this one or simular. This is from Lazmall and you can get it cheaper as well other version or brands. 

 

Normally scooter tires is over pressured when poor dealers or corner stores do the check for you. So make sure you have the right tire pressure. Pirelli or Michelin tires can't go wrong, and a bit more threads like these ones could make you feel a bit safer. Except from that, It is just by experience getting a bit more confident. I do not recomend standing up on smaller bikes. Bigger bikes have more power, and therefor easier to balance when staying up. Small bikes do not have the power, especially you never did any excessive training before on dirt tracks or rough surfaces. The short wheel base as well small tires. 

 

Michelin anake street or city good choices, 1, 2 and extra. 

 

29 tires Bangkok always have fresh rubber and good stock, prices  as expertise.

 

https://www.29tire-motorcycletire.com/en/

 

Xiaomi Portable Electric Air Compressor 2 Pro เครื่องอัดลมไฟฟ้า | ปั้มลมอัตโนมัติแบบพกพา | เครื่องปั๊มลมไฟฟ้า ที่สูบลม | https://s.lazada.co.th/s.Cgh9v

[Grumpy one]

3 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Mate, if you are up for it, jump on a motorbike, go for a ride, enjoy the experience. 😎

 

You may even change your name from Grumpy one, to Happy one. 👍

 

It's still available 

At my age I have enough fun in my life just getting to the bathroom and back, without going arse up.

My bike riding days are far behind me

[Martinpeter]

3 hours ago, Hummin said:

Tire pressure is essential, and a good tool to have is this one or simular. This is from Lazmall and you can get it cheaper as well other version or brands. 

 

Normally scooter tires is over pressured when poor dealers or corner stores do the check for you. So make sure you have the right tire pressure. Pirelli or Michelin tires can't go wrong, and a bit more threads like these ones could make you feel a bit safer. Except from that, It is just by experience getting a bit more confident. I do not recomend standing up on smaller bikes. Bigger bikes have more power, and therefor easier to balance when staying up. Small bikes do not have the power, especially you never did any excessive training before on dirt tracks or rough surfaces. The short wheel base as well small tires. 

 

Michelin anake street or city good choices, 1, 2 and extra. 

 

29 tires Bangkok always have fresh rubber and good stock, prices  as expertise.

 

https://www.29tire-motorcycletire.com/en/

 

Xiaomi Portable Electric Air Compressor 2 Pro เครื่องอัดลมไฟฟ้า | ปั้มลมอัตโนมัติแบบพกพา | เครื่องปั๊มลมไฟฟ้า ที่สูบลม | https://s.lazada.co.th/s.Cgh9v

Thanks i have one similar type i chk at home weekly? i have tried varying the pressures  - so far up 3 psi in the front works best (2 up also seems alot better).

[Hummin]

1 minute ago, Martinpeter said:

Thanks i have one similar type i chk at home weekly? i have tried varying the pressures  - so far up 3 psi in the front works best (2 up also seems alot better).

What pressure do you have in your tires for now? 

[IsaanT]

I'm intrigued as to whether any other scooter riders are experiencing the same thing on this piece of road.  The photo doesn't suggest that it should cause issues.

It may just be your tyres, or maybe something is worn on the bike, e.g. headstock bearing, wheel bearings, suspension bearings, etc.

As for any painted lines on the road - white, yellow, any other colour - they are always slippery in the wet so experienced motorcyclists always cross them carefully.  I should also point out that if you have slightly worn tyres, you may experience an effect where the scooter doesn't want to go in straight lines when riding along painted lines, and wants to 'fall off' the line to the left or right.  This is normal, and another reason why you shouldn't linger on them.

[Martinpeter]

30 minutes ago, Hummin said:

What pressure do you have in your tires for now? 

As per the book  29psi front ( i use 32psi now better  and 33psi in the back

[Martinpeter]

19 minutes ago, IsaanT said:

I'm intrigued as to whether any other scooter riders are experiencing the same thing on this piece of road.  The photo doesn't suggest that it should cause issues.

It may just be your tyres, or maybe something is worn on the bike, e.g. headstock bearing, wheel bearings, suspension bearings, etc.

As for any painted lines on the road - white, yellow, any other colour - they are always slippery in the wet so experienced motorcyclists always cross them carefully.  I should also point out that if you have slightly worn tyres, you may experience an effect where the scooter doesn't want to go in straight lines when riding along painted lines, and wants to 'fall off' the line to the left or right.  This is normal, and another reason why you shouldn't linger on them.

 

 

I am intrigued to/. tomorrow i book in for change my 1 year old tyres now from attachment 4 no tread much to fully treaded type in attachment 5? then i run the road again after!

 

i had the bike serviced last week buy my local Honda dealer i explained this problem! he checked most things on the bike! but this is Thailand - do they check properly nowadays just money! money! don't really give me much confidence! I was a mechanic before  many years ago.

 

My local Joe blogs man seems helpful tough! (translate questions)

 

Lets c what happens tomorrow change tyres! 

 

Thanks! - update again tomorrow! after!