Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Riding Technique Warming up tires

I was wondering how long does it take for your tires to warm before riding twisty roads. I know its best to let the tires heat for more grip but how long does it take. After asking several people this question no one really seems to know so I thought I throw the question out there. My trip next month to NC and the Tail of the Dragon had me thinking about this.

Dennis,
I'm aware that several roads in your state have minimal twisties. Here in SW PA every ****** road there is follows what was once a goat path. We may not have the equiv. of the Dragon - but niothing is straight. I would venture to say that the tires will perform adequately from start-up to any speed you could safely achieve on either a BA or SM. No doubt that warm tire grip a bit better than stone cold ones, but you'll never know the difference at the speeds you can achieve. I'd be far more concerned with those whith which you'll share the road and your personal competence. Enjoy the ride. You'll love it.

Dennis,
Some very experienced riders helped me with this same question. While pipedr is right in the regards that you might not even notice a difference, for different tires you might. Tires designed for higher mileage tend to be a little harder when cold. In the case of my ME 880s, I do notice them being a little harder when I first get on the bike in the morning on my way to work. That being said, they have never slipped, and within a mile of riding they are warm to the touch. Unless you are getting on the bike after it has been sitting over night and immediately starting the twisties right then and there you should be fine. If for some reason that is the case, I would ride a couple of miles not only to warm up the tires, but the engine as well before you start pushing it through the Tail of the Dragon. Have fun and ride safe.

where are you staying when you get there??

Enjoy the ride