Flat spots on tires during storage

[Upstater]

I have my '12 RT-L up on auto dollies in my garage. It allows me to move it around in/out of storage position. Has anyone experienced flat spots on the tires after a few months of storage on dollies (or cement floor for that matter)? Should I "rotate" the tires every couple of weeks to prevent this?

 

[spydermanstever]

I have my '12 RT-L up on auto dollies in my garage. It allows me to move it around in/out of storage position. Has anyone experienced flat spots on the tires after a few months of storage on dollies (or cement floor for that matter)? Should I "rotate" the tires every couple of weeks to prevent this?

I keep my Spyder lifted off the ground in my garage with two low profile jacks when I store it for the winter months to prevent this from possibly happening. I would even say it is more likely to happen with the softer compound original Kenda tires. Alternatively, I would suggest that you just increase the air pressure in the tires, say 10 pounds more, to compensate for the flat spots developing when they sit. I do this for my atv when I store it, as I don't keep it off the ground during storage like the Spyder. Just remember to drop the pressure back to spec before you go riding in the Spring.

 

[wyliec]

I've kept my 2008 GS on the garage floor since Jan. 2009. I've noticed no flat spots, and I've always had kendas. I've left my tire pressures the same as when riding.

 

[Bob Denman]

"Flat spots", are something that used to happen to the older style tires (I want to say the ones with fiberglass bias-plies:dontknow: ...)
Modern tires don't seem to suffer the same fate... :thumbup:

My bikes have always been stored with their feet firmly on the ground...
But I do pump the fronts up to 25 psi, and the rear to 35 psi.

 

[Upstater]

Thank you

Great responses (as usual). Thanks so much!

 

[Bob Denman]

Of course ; It's always best to keep the tires turning... :thumbup:

 

[robmorg]

"Flat spots", are something that used to happen to the older style tires (I want to say the ones with fiberglass bias-plies:dontknow: ...)
Modern tires don't seem to suffer the same fate... :thumbup:

My bikes have always been stored with their feet firmly on the ground...
But I do pump the fronts up to 25 psi, and the rear to 35 psi.

Even modern tires can develop flat spots when parked for an extended period of time - especially true of high performance tires with low profiles. Two of the major contributing factors to flat spots is low tire pressure and the weight of the vehicle. You are wise to "over-inflate" your tires for storage. Also the relatively low weight of the Spyder would make it less prone to developing flat spots in properly inflated tires.

 

[blacklightning]

Even modern tires can develop flat spots when parked for an extended period of time - especially true of high performance tires with low profiles. Two of the major contributing factors to flat spots is low tire pressure and the weight of the vehicle. You are wise to "over-inflate" your tires for storage. Also the relatively low weight of the Spyder would make it less prone to developing flat spots in properly inflated tires.

:agree:I have an 06 Roush mustang, and a 2002 lightning that I drive less than the spyder. If either sits for more than 2-3 months at a time (which is almost always), I can actually tell that there is a slight bump when I first start to drive. After a few miles, and the tires are heated up, things are back to normal. I know it is not good for them, but I am not jacking them up, to have to let them back down every time I want to drive it. The roush has really become more of a vacation car for me and the wife since we are now empty nesters. And the lightning, well I keep it because everyone needs a truck.

 

[Saluda]

My bikes have always been stored with their feet firmly on the ground...
But I do pump the fronts up to 25 psi, and the rear to 35 psi.

X 2, never had an issue.

 

[Motorcycledave]

Flat Spots ????

That problem is long gone tires today are mostly all
radial with radial belts they don't flat spot.
Flat spotting used to occure with bias ply nylon tires

 

[vided]

flat spots are not one of the better " BACK IN THE DAY " things:thumbup:

 

[JCGammack]

New shoes

My plan is simple and not to worry about flat spots. I have managed the tire wear well enough that the ST-L will need tires next spring. So it will sit the snow season out on the old shoes and get new ones in the spring.