re changing tires

[bmwlarry]

I needed a rear tire at 18,000 miles on the Spyderfest ride. I developed an alignment issue, I think, and now the left front is warn down to bars on the outside edge. I had the shock relocators installed at the event and I think a small alignment issue was maybe amplified when they were installed. The bike is now a bit unsettling in the high speed corners ( a bit darty). I will take the bike in on Monday to have the 14,000 mile service (at 19,000) done, alignment, ride on reinstalled on new tires. My question is - would you replace both front tires at the same time or is it fine to replace only the one front that is warn? If I replace both front, I will keep the one that is still good for road hazard protection.

 

[ARtraveler]

I would recommend replacing both front tires at the same time. There could be issues since the tread will be somewhat different if you don't.

 

[va2djd]

Ask thé mechanic to check lower tab bushing if they worn out it can affect alignment?
i just went for a alignment down at performance NC in valcourt and they do the alignment
first on the rear wheel and after they do the front one.

 

[Bob Denman]

Larry,
Good question! :thumbup:
When i had most of the left front corner of my bike replaced at 7,000 miles; I didn't change the right tire as well...
At 15,000 miles; I'm still getting pretty good tire wear that looks pretty even, and it hasn't become an issue.
BUT... when one tire is ready for the "back of the barn", the other one will be going with it!

 

[Bob Ledford]

Tire replacement

Since your replacing front tires, if you wre me, it would be a no brainer. Replace both fronts. Your safety rests on/in those ugly round rubber donuts.

 

[NancysToy]

Having one front tire worn unevenly is not normally an alignment issue. It indicates a problem with the suspension...a worn shock or a-arm bushing, worn ball joint or tie-rod end, or a damaged suspension component (or in rare cases frame damage). If you replace the tires without finding and repairing teh problem, the new tires won't last. A thorough inspection by a dedicated and experienced technician is in order. This is not their normal area of expertise, so you may have to push a little, and be a little patient.