zip ties and tyres

[simi_ed]

Whether the tire is thicker or thinner @center is irrelevant when "The Man" cites you for bald tires.  "Wear bars = done" in my book.
YMMV (sorry I couldn't resist)

[ribbert]

I could be wrong, but I feel pretty sure that most motorcycle tires have so many layers in the middle that even when the tread is bald, it's still far thicker than the sidewall. The mechanic I worked for once mentioned something that put that idea in my head, can't remember exactly what, but something about tires being way thicker than most people realize.

Kyle, whatever it was that you can't remember that the mechanic told you, is wrong.

A bald tyre is scarily thin in the centre, unless it's a tractor tyre.

Noel

[yamaha fj rider]

Tires wear out that is why we replace them. That is why they have tread wear indicators, so you know when it is time to replace them, if not sooner. New tires are cheaper than falling down.

Kurt

[fintip]

I wasn't suggesting one keep riding them, guys. Bald = bad idea to ride. I was purely commenting on whether it would be wiser to cut it in half at the center or on the sidewall.

[simi_ed]

Sorry, I think I mistook your intentions.  Never mind ...

[FJ_Hooligan]

You can use an 8 inch C-Clamp and a few scraps of wood (to protect the rim) to break the bead.

A simple utility knife will cut through the sidewalls.  Once you get the cut started spread the cut with your (gloved) fingers and it will slice easily.

[yamaha fj rider]

Sorry I also misunderstood what you were saying and yes most tires are belted. So thicker in center.

Kurt

[1tinindian]

Have none of you guys ever heard of tire irons?
I've changed several motorcycle tires and never had to resort to cutting them off.
I put them on the same way!

Leon

[FJmonkey]

Have none of you guys ever heard of tire irons?
I've changed several motorcycle tires and never had to resort to cutting them off.
I put them on the same way!

Leon

Thats no fun...

[aviationfred]

Have none of you guys ever heard of tire irons?
I've changed several motorcycle tires and never had to resort to cutting them off.
I put them on the same way!

Leon

You know how the engineer types are..... ..... They don't get to play with power tools very often, they have to make a reason to use one. 

Fred

[Dads_FJ]

Tires wear out that is why we replace them. That is why they have tread wear indicators, so you know when it is time to replace them, if not sooner. New tires are cheaper than falling down.

Kurt

These 'indicators' you speak of... are they the wire things sticking out on the side?

[yamaha fj rider]

Have none of you guys ever heard of tire irons?
I've changed several motorcycle tires and never had to resort to cutting them off.
I put them on the same way!

Leon

+1

[chiz]

Holy C
I come back a day later and there is two pages of stuff to read very interesting thanks for all the info.... Going to pick up my forks shock  calipers masters etc on Thursday and start to put the beast back on the road.
Chiz

[FJmonkey]

Tires wear out that is why we replace them. That is why they have tread wear indicators, so you know when it is time to replace them, if not sooner. New tires are cheaper than falling down.

Kurt

These 'indicators' you speak of... are they the wire things sticking out on the side?

These things:

[Bones]

Tires wear out that is why we replace them. That is why they have tread wear indicators, so you know when it is time to replace them, if not sooner. New tires are cheaper than falling down.

Kurt

These 'indicators' you speak of... are they the wire things sticking out on the side?

I bet the bike handled like a beauty with that tyre on it. Check the shape of it.