Odd Tire Wear

[chip0704]

2018 XR with the stock Bridgestone tires and approx. 9,000 miles.  I noticed my rear tire has developed a slight groove along the entire circumference of the tire, just left of center.  Otherwise the tire looks in very good shape, with a recent service by the dealer in June.  I can't recall if this groove was in the tire when I took it for service (memory failing).  It looks random, but if you inspect it closer, it's a clear repeating pattern around the entire tire.  Was this groove always there and I'm just noticing it?  Is this some tire defect or a sign of tire wear?

I saw a similar post here but more extreme
https://www.s1000xr.uk/index.php/topic,3391.msg31159.html#msg31159

[Antares]

Maybe you dragged something along or something is stuck in the rear mudguard, It's odd but looking at the thread left and the depth of the mark I wouldn't worry but keep monitoring.

[MattR]

Topic moved to Tyres board

[Quent]

Seen this line alot! Used to happen on my R1200rt with BT023gt. Happened to the T30 On my S1000xr and I have just put a pair of T32s on with just 800 miles on them and the line has appeared. At a guess I would say it might be something to do with the different compounds used across the tyre. It certainly has no effect on the performance of the tyre and I have to say that so far I am mighty impressed with the T32s. I was out on Sunday and got caught in a monsoon, the tyres behaved impeccably.

[chip0704]

Originally Posted by Quent

Seen this line alot! Used to happen on my R1200rt with BT023gt. Happened to the T30 On my S1000xr and I have just put a pair of T32s on with just 800 miles on them and the line has appeared. At a guess I would say it might be something to do with the different compounds used across the tyre. It certainly has no effect on the performance of the tyre and I have to say that so far I am mighty impressed with the T32s. I was out on Sunday and got caught in a monsoon, the tyres behaved impeccably.

Thanks Quent!  It's always better to know you're not alone.  Just very odd.  I've reviewed a lot of tire (or tyre) threads and seems like I've already gotten more miles than most out of the stock Bridgestone T30s (9,200 miles), so I still may look for a new set soon.

[Quent]

Just checked my front tyre and a similar line is appearing there too. It's not a problem but would be nice to know if it is because of wear differences due to the harder centre compound! Anybody here have a Bridgestone technical contact ?

[Antares]

I genuinely wouldn't worry, 99% it's just some manufacturing related mark

[Dixy]

Hi noticed on mine before on rear T31 but seemed to be when the tyre was hot ie when you've just stopped when tyre cooled off line disappeared

[Quent]

Hi Antares, not worried just curious as the lines aren't there for the first few hundred miles. I think it may be the varying compounds used, but would be nice for somebody inthe know to confirm!

[Quent]

Hi Dixy.  My pics were taken after bike has been standing for 2 days so not going away after cooling down.