I’m not trying to point out the obvious, but I’ve never read anything on this here and never had it happen to be before today. New rear tire on bike (Commander II) and first corner from a stop sign and it almost came out from under me. Just rolling out from the stop in a turn. I could have been taking it a little easier, but I wasn’t really hammering it or anything crazy.

I was headed to the Harley store for a rear brake light switch and the parts guys said new tires have something on them that helps them come out of the mold and they need like 3 cycles of heating up to temperature and back – 3 good rides more or less; before that stuff wears off.

I’ve never heard that before and thought I would pass along my experience.

 

Yes new tires are very slick, but i never knew why.

 

Yup new tires have a break in period, you would think they would tell you this when you buy them.

 

New tires have a soapy substance on them which will make them slick until it's either washed or worn off. Usually there is a warning issued with the purchase of tires.

 

My Commanders never did stop sliding. I have posted a few times about my inability to take corners like before with these tires. My Commanders were made in Thailand, Some with good results have said theirs were made in Spain....

 

This time of year, the roads are rather slick too for some reason, at least here in SD.
We haven't had any real rain, other than a tiny shower the other day for about 2 months too. I started wearing some better grip of boots too just for that reason as I about slipped in a parking lot.

 

Yes, new tires have what is called a release compound; used by the manufacturer to get the new tire to break away from the mold when tire is made. They can be slick, very slick.

 

I run a sheet of 80 grit around my tires before I mount them, get the shiny stuff off, then do a 50 mile run after mounted. Helps keep the shiny side up.

 

Funny. Both mine were made in Spain. More than happy with mine.

 

You never knew that about new tires? How long have you been ridding.