Tyres wearing out suddenly

I really rate Z6s, only problem is there seems to be v. little indication of when the rear is about to wear out. You get horizontal cracking appearing on the tyre about 75 miles before you're down to the mesh. Due to the tread pattern, until it's cracking, it's technically legal and there's no way (other than "guestimating" based on the mileage done on it/shape of the tyre) of telling how much mileage you have left. As it's not uncommon for me to do 600 mile+ round trips, I am concerned it's only a matter of time before I find the problem when I'm hundreds of miles from home and riding home gingerly isn't an option.

Are other tyres better at giving you early warning they're on the way out, or is there some other sign/indicator I should be looking at? I ride for work and need to get every last mile out of a tyre so "replace it before it needs it" isn't much help.

TIA,

Ceri

[jambo]

Diablo Strada, same tyre, slightly different tread pattern. Check it out

[Biker Biggles]

The Strada wears out in much the same way.It's because they are "slick" around the centre so there is no indication that they are worn down,but it does seem they keep their profile better than other tyres.I think it's just something you need to keep watch on and replace the tyre when it gets close to the end.I find Z6s give excellent mileage anyway so you still get your economy.

[Viney]

Originally Posted by jambo

Diablo Strada, same tyre, slightly different tread pattern. Check it out

Tis the same as the z6 in the centre. I had both, and my strada is looking a little thin!!

I don't know about Diablo Strada's but this sounds exactly like what happened to me with me with my Diablo's. They were still showing legal on the wear bars but actually I was through to the metal mesh and I got a flat.

I think I shall follow the advice above and basically keep better observation on the state of wear and as it gets close just get them changed if I'm going to do a ride of any distance.

We had it several times on our Diablos. Ended up riding on canvas or whatever it is. We learnt to look out for the tread starting to "ball" and then knew it was time replace it pronto.

Another reason we like the PR2's.

Why not change brand of tyre if those two are such problems.I prefer to get premium tyres as against bargain priced. Unlike on a car which gives a half chance when a tyre failure occurs,a bike is life or death,what value do you put on your life?

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

Why not change brand of tyre if those two are such problems.I prefer to get premium tyres as against bargain priced. Unlike on a car which gives a half chance when a tyre failure occurs,a bike is life or death,what value do you put on your life?

I'd call the Diablo a premium tyre. In terms of performance it certainly exceeds my requirements.

What do you call a premium tyre?

[Viney]

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

Why not change brand of tyre if those two are such problems.I prefer to get premium tyres as against bargain priced. Unlike on a car which gives a half chance when a tyre failure occurs,a bike is life or death,what value do you put on your life?

As said they are premium tyres. Its just one of the quirks for design. One where the pattern doesnt cover the whole tyre leaving a harder strip round the centre making it very diffucult to judge how much rubber you have left. They still are very good tyres and one of the best out there for the SV.

Viney - I read DirtyTicker's post as implying they weren't.

Personally I am actually in favour of the design which whilst some might view it as a serious flaw (and I see their point) it does at the same time allow you to get maxiumum useage out of the tyre whilst remaining legal.