I‘m looking at getting a 2001 ZX-6R or similar (R1, R6 etc). I‘d drive mainly locally some highway, but never racing or spinning the tires etc. How often must the tires be replaced? How much does it usually cost?Also, how often must oil be changed and whats the price on that? Thanks!
When To Change Motorcycle Tires
I buy inexpensive tires, about 50 bucks a piece. And I usually mount them myself. Last year I had the Honda dealer mount and balance them. Charged me an hour apiece at shop rate ($75.00!!!!). I usually get about 9K on a rear, the front cracks before it wears out. Original Dunlop on the HD has gone 10K, it's about done. I don't ride hard
It depends. If it is a gerbil's first time then probably a while. A Gerbil may like other things like paper towel (brown rolls) they like obstacles too.
In certain types of riding, a squared tire is a fact of life. If you replaced the tire at the first sign of it, you would be throwing away money way more often than you have to. It really does change the handling characteristics of the bike though. Depending on your riding style, you may notice it, and you may not. It's not exactly dangerous in the way that you are risking your life every time you throw a leg over and ride. It's just dangerous in that anything that degrades the handling of your bike is less safe than if it was perfect. I would just change it when it comes close to the wear indicators. The best way to judge how it changed the handling is to pay close attention to your last ride before you change and the first ride after you get new ones (or at least after the new ones have been scrubbed in). I thought my Cyclone was a nice handling bike with the old slightly squared tires. It actually was a good handling bike I guess. When I had a brand new set of Road Attacks put on, it was like I got a new bike. The new rubber was more pliable and absorbed minor imperfections way better than the old set. The bike felt more stable on the highway, and MUCH more lively in the corners. It didn't follow rain grooves and cracks like the old tires did, and in the wet weather, the bike was much more confidence inspiring. Just ride it the way it is for now, but if it ever doesn't feel right don't mess around. Just get new tires and count it as money well spent. If you don't put a lot of miles on your bike, remember old rubber is often more dangerous than slightly worn rubber and the way old tires let you down can be catastrophic and deadly. (Lots of good advice here today.)
