Concrete Motorways

[Black Wing]

Part of the M27 near Fareham is still concrete not Tarmac. I have never really noticed on all my other bikes but the authorities seem to have gouged shallow grooves in it in the direction of travel.

Presumably this it to improve grip and drainage. However, the lines are not straight and my tyres on the Burgman seemed to want to follow the grooves rather than go straight. Gives a very unstable feel to the front end.

It may be a result of smaller wheels than my other bikes.

It may be because I had the suspension on 4 but was riding without a pillion.

It may be that tyre pressures have been set too high on PDI.

It may be that these tyres (think they are Bridgestones but will have to check) are prone to white lining.

Anyone else got experience of this?

[poldark]

I think the Burger is prone to white lining, perhaps as you say primarily due to wheel size but I also think due to the flat profile of the Bridgestone compared to say the Mich Pilot Sport SC. (EDIT: Actually not sure that makes sense reading again, wider tyre would maybe be effected less as it straddles the gaps?)

Perhaps check and play around with the tyre pressures, a lot on BUSA seem to run very high to aid longevity but I'm not sure I'd want to reduce my contact patch. Suspect you'll get used to and have to accept it as a small wheel trait. But checkout non-Bridgestone tyre options when you need replacements.

[Black Wing]

Was travelling at 70 as I am running the bike in so couldn't (wouldn't) speed through the feeling. Will try speeding up next time to serif it is any better.

Will try adjustments to pressure and suspension but guess it is something that is just a characteristic of the bike or the tyres. Not a problem.

[Bluebottle]

Might be too obvious to mention, but your tyres aren't worn square are they ?

Mine always feel more prone to white lining if they get a bit of a shoulder on them.
That's the problem with doing a lot of motorway miles

[Black Wing]

Hi Bluebottle,

They are brand new. Only 300 miles on the bike

[Steve_D]

300 miles? You'll be due for a change of tyres on the Burgman any time soon then.

[Black Wing]

Is this true??

[kayz1]

I used to get around 3000 miles from a rear and 5 front. That was on all three over 8 years so not just a batch of tyres

[masterchop]

I've got a bugger I mean burger. No I did mean bugger.

Anyway I find it really does feel different on varying surfaces.

At the moment I actually ride up from Portsmouth to Chichester and the A27 has got some sections where I can really feel the surface vibrations through the bike.

I'm guessing it is the bike and maybe the tyre size as I don't remember this on my other bikes

[Black Wing]

I did have a Burgman 400 twelve years ago but I don't remember same problem. But then my memory isn't what it should be!