Is 'scrubbing in' new tyres still a thing?

[EazyDuz]

Both tyres on my bike are 9 years old so getting them changed in a couple weeks.

Ive done some searching and seem to find all kinds of answers. Some say fine to use new tyres straight away, some say get on the motorway and do a good 50 miles to burn off the releasing agents.
One went as far as saying he jacks the bike up, puts it in first then gets off and rubs sandpaper all over the tyres.

The bike in question is a C800 with super wide 170 and 130 tyres (rear and front) so I dont want to wind up with 2 massive, dangerous chicken strips covered in 'releasing agents' which will have me sliding over whenever I go to scrape the pegs.

[jjones]

I take it steady for 5 miles and then let rip!

[scorcher]

Michelin and continental seem good from the off. The Metzelers I tried were awful for about 100miles

[Cylon2007]

Always take it easy for the first few miles, just in case. Don't believe tyres are as bad as they used to be but taking it gently allows you check that the pressures are holding etc.

[bogie]

I thought the release agent thing went out many years ago, but force of habit over 30 years of riding leads me to give new tyres a few miles. I dont immediately ride away then use full lean, just build it up over a 10 mile route home. After that just forget they are new.

[Max5476]

Considering the way my brand new Thruxton was squirming out of corners on its first ride, a little bit of scrubbing in is still required. But the best way to scrub them in is to ride then. So don't hold back.

New tyres will feel much better than 9 year old tyres regardless.

[Zarco]

scorcher said:

Michelin and continental seem good from the off. The Metzelers I tried were awful for about 100miles

It felt like I nearly tucked the front on a roundabout on 50 mile old Metzeler. Probably wasn't that close but got my attention.

[Biker's Nemesis]

I take it easy until I get off the drive.

[Unbusy]

Had a look but failed to find the video I’m reminded of. Guy riding a new bike (Suzuki?) away and got about 10 yards before he lost it. Didn’t even get out it from the shop front.

[trickywoo]

The one and only time I’ve crashed a bike in 10 years of riding was pulling out of a garage with a new Pirelli Rosso front tyre. It was worse than riding on ice.

It would be a brave man to throw new tyres on their ear or even gas them upright without a good few steady miles on them first.

[Biker's Nemesis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9zNUPDmnz4

[cuprabob]

Unbusy said:

Had a look but failed to find the video I’m reminded of. Guy riding a new bike (Suzuki?) away and got about 10 yards before he lost it. Didn’t even get out it from the shop front.

I remember the video you are referring to but can only find this one.
https://youtu.be/Q9zNUPDmnz4

[Zarco]

https://youtu.be/Q9zNUPDmnz4

[Biker 1]

I get told by my dealer to 'take it easy' for 30 to 100 miles. I've never noticed anything like riding on ice or similar. Maybe I should by some Metzlers to see what its all about....

[Ho Lee Kau]

Zarco said:

scorcher said:

Michelin and continental seem good from the off. The Metzelers I tried were awful for about 100miles

It felt like I nearly tucked the front on a roundabout on 50 mile old Metzeler. Probably wasn't that close but got my attention.

M7RR? I get this feeling every time I change M7RR tires, for a little while my old CBR600F becomes the king of handling.

[Ho Lee Kau]

EazyDuz said:

Both tyres on my bike are 9 years old so getting them changed in a couple weeks.

Ive done some searching and seem to find all kinds of answers. Some say fine to use new tyres straight away, some say get on the motorway and do a good 50 miles to burn off the releasing agents.
One went as far as saying he jacks the bike up, puts it in first then gets off and rubs sandpaper all over the tyres.

The bike in question is a C800 with super wide 170 and 130 tyres (rear and front) so I dont want to wind up with 2 massive, dangerous chicken strips covered in 'releasing agents' which will have me sliding over whenever I go to scrape the pegs.

There are no releasing agents in modern tires.

[Zarco]

Ho Lee Kau said:

Zarco said:

scorcher said:

Michelin and continental seem good from the off. The Metzelers I tried were awful for about 100miles

It felt like I nearly tucked the front on a roundabout on 50 mile old Metzeler. Probably wasn't that close but got my attention.

M7RR? I get this feeling every time I change M7RR tires, for a little while my old CBR600F becomes the king of handling.

Yep. I've not ridden on many new tyres (couple of sets of Michelins and one Avon) but that's the only time I've had a moment.

[Rubin215]

Biker's Nemesis said:

I take it easy until I get off the drive.

Remind me how you broke your hip again...?

[Pothole]

Ho Lee Kau said:

EazyDuz said:

Both tyres on my bike are 9 years old so getting them changed in a couple weeks.

Ive done some searching and seem to find all kinds of answers. Some say fine to use new tyres straight away, some say get on the motorway and do a good 50 miles to burn off the releasing agents.
One went as far as saying he jacks the bike up, puts it in first then gets off and rubs sandpaper all over the tyres.

The bike in question is a C800 with super wide 170 and 130 tyres (rear and front) so I dont want to wind up with 2 massive, dangerous chicken strips covered in 'releasing agents' which will have me sliding over whenever I go to scrape the pegs.

There are no releasing agents in modern tires.

Correct. Modern moulds are really smooth, though. A bit of gentle scrubbing for the first 50 miles won't kill anyone...

[EazyDuz]

Ho Lee Kau said:

There are no releasing agents in modern tires.

Do you have a source for that which proves for all brands?