Is the tire safe to use after a big hit?

[Limecreek]

Had a mishap on the highway. Hit a large block of wood at 70MPH. Instant flat tire that I got to the side of the road (barely) with the help of an alert trucker driving behind me. 
 

The PR6 was brand new. It looks undamaged but I wonder about the internal structure of the tire I can’t see. 
 

Thoughts?

[Stiggy]

I would run it without hesitation if it shows no visual damage. 

I can't imagine how it could fail, maybe you're thinking a blow out? I can't imagine anything like that happening..

[Cap]

Good luck finding a replacement front wheel.  I have discovered that rear wheels are easy to source, but fronts are rare and very expensive.  At least you already have the brake rotors, bolts, and ABS disc.  I eventually found a front wheel from a salvage yard in Italy (!) that needed new bearings and spacer, as well as one new brake rotor.  I added up the cost of buying all the new components from BMW, and at the time several years ago, it was about $2000.  So, if you can find a used one, don't hesitate even if the price seems outrageous.

 

Cap

[Limecreek]

1 minute ago, Cap said:

Good luck finding a replacement front wheel.  I have discovered that rear wheels are easy to source, but fronts are rare and very expensive.  At least you already have the brake rotors, bolts, and ABS disc.  I eventually found a front wheel from a salvage yard in Italy (!) that needed new bearings and spacer, as well as one new brake rotor.  I added up the cost of buying all the new components from BMW, and at the time several years ago, it was about $2000.  So, if you can find a used one, don't hesitate even if the price seems outrageous.

 

Cap

There was one silver wheel in the US. It arrives Friday and comes with new wheel bearings installed. $1300 - ouch

[dirtrider]

8 minutes ago, Limecreek said:

There was one silver wheel in the US. It arrives Friday and comes with new wheel bearings installed. $1300 - ouch

Morning Limecreek

 

Look closely at the tire bead in the damaged rim area. See if it looks different than the other bead areas.  Also look for signs of a bruised or compromised sidewall just above the bead in that area. 

 

If you are having your insurance cover the rim (if you have road hazard)  might as well have them cover a new tire also. 

 

 

[Limecreek]

6 minutes ago, dirtrider said:

Morning Limecreek

 

Look closely at the tire bead in the damaged rim area. See if it looks different than the other bead areas.  Also look for signs of a bruised or compromised sidewall just above the bead in that area. 

 

If you are having your insurance cover the rim (if you have road hazard)  might as well have then cover a new tire also. 

 

 

Will not submit a claim. They just get it back in premium adjustments. 
 

The entire internal bead area looks good but I just found two internal areas where the tire is deformed exactly at the impact area. 
 

Oh well - adding a new tire to the list of expenses.  But I’m alive so no complaints. 

[dirtrider]

14 minutes ago, Limecreek said:

Will not submit a claim. They just get it back in premium adjustments. 
 

The entire internal bead area looks good but I just found two internal areas where the tire is deformed exactly at the impact area. 
 

Oh well - adding a new tire to the list of expenses.  But I’m alive so no complaints. 

Afternoon Limecreek

 

You might try calling your insurance to see how they cover a road hazard type deal. If they consider it a collision or comprehensive type deal. If needed tell them that it was moving & it hit YOU. Do not tell them it was stationary & you hit IT. 

 

If they consider it a comprehensive type deal then in most cases (at least in my state) that doesn't increase future insurance rates.  (probably still have a deductible though) 

 

 

[Dennis Andress]

You won’t really know about the tire until about 120…

[dirtrider]

1 hour ago, Limecreek said:

The entire internal bead area looks good but I just found two internal areas where the tire is deformed exactly at the impact area. 
 

Afternoon Limecreek

 

Just a thought, you might try calling Michelin & explain your situation.  I have heard of Michelin occasionally sending out free replacement tires when the integrity of one of their motorcycle tires is in question.  (I'm not sure if it was a possible lability thing or just a customer satisfaction thing)__ Might just be worth a try.  

[DakarTimm]

Ouch , The same thing happened to me . The tire was good for another 6000 miles. Glad you were safe.

[Limecreek]

47 minutes ago, Dennis Andress said:

You won’t really know about the tire until about 120…

On UT-95

[Skywagon]

1 hour ago, dirtrider said:

Michelin occasionally sending out free replacement tires

 

I have had that happen on a punctured tire with 150 miles.  They had me buy a new tire, send in the receipt, and they sent me a check for the full amount.  I just sent a nice email asking if they could help since I was a lifelong Michelin guy for cars and motorbikes.

[LBump]

I had a similar thing happen to me on a ST3 a few years back.  Though it was a good size rock with the same taco damage. 

Took the wheel to a local wheel/frame shop that specializes in frame and wheel straightening.  It came back like new. Had to change the rotors, one was slightly warped.

The tire did take a hit but was fine.  Don't throw your wheel out. 

[Indy Dave]

NO. And please don't risk it. 

[dirtrider]

49 minutes ago, LBump said:

I had a similar thing happen to me on a ST3 a few years back.  Though it was a good size rock with the same taco damage. 

Took the wheel to a local wheel/frame shop that specializes in frame and wheel straightening.  It came back like new. Had to change the rotors, one was slightly warped.

The tire did take a hit but was fine.  Don't throw your wheel out. 

Afternoon LBump

 

That wheel isn't getting repaired as it has a big crack in it's main structure. 

 

 

[JCtx]

Tires get damaged/compromised before the wheel does, so the fact your wheel was obliterated with that hit, I'd absolutely NOT use that tire. Just not worth the risk. Plus it'd most likely develop a bulge right away. Glad you made it out without falling. That's the advantage of a heavier bike, and one of the reasons I dislike light bikes for the highways. Trip ruined, but there are many more. Take care.

[Bill Murray]

My two cents worth. I would replace the tire -- for me, it would not be worth the risk. Based on the deformation of the wheel (as well as the crack in the centerline area of the wheel), I would be concerned with possible unseen damage to the belts inside the tire.

 

[Tron]

I'd agree, the cost of a tire isn't worth it giving out on you at the most inconvenient moment, not only leaving you stranded but possibly causing a crash as well.

[Limecreek]

New wheel arrived. Can’t find a new PR6 GT. May put on a PR6 Road and call it good. 
 

Looking at the crack and thoughts of how it could have ended if the wheel had broken up makes me appreciate the BMW engineers!

[Rougarou]

If you don't want the tire, I'll chance it

[c10]

In the automotive tire side no reputable shop would reuse a tire that sustained a hit that destroyed a wheel .  If you purchased Road hazard certificates from Discount tire the unit would be replaced .   Michelin will tell you Not to reuse that tire if you e mail them the photo of the wheel .  Ask yourself is saving $200 bucks worth life , injury or another wheel replacement ?   The belts and cords being smashed for milliseconds then the rolling to a stop will have some internal damage .     

[Skywagon]

Limecreek...check stores in Houston and surrounding area.  If you find it, I can meet you half way Saturday afternoon or Sunday

 

There is a huge Cycle Gear now in Katy

 

Cycle Gear Store - Katy, TX | Motorcycle Gear, Parts & Accessories Near You! - Cycle Gear

[c10]

15 hours ago, Skywagon said:

Limecreek...check stores in Houston and surrounding area.  If you find it, I can meet you half way Saturday afternoon or Sunday

 

There is a huge Cycle Gear now in Katy

 

Cycle Gear Store - Katy, TX | Motorcycle Gear, Parts & Accessories Near You! - Cycle Gear

I'm in sugar land and have a tire tooling / balance 

[Limecreek]

16 hours ago, c10 said:

I'm in sugar land and have a tire tooling / balance 

Appreciate it guys - tire is on the way.  

[Rougarou]

I’s serious when I said Id take that tire. Heck, I bought a coupe from goodwill with no known history 

[Limecreek]

56 minutes ago, Rougarou said:

I’s serious when I said Id take that tire. Heck, I bought a coupe from goodwill with no known history 

Gone into the bin already.  You could feel where the belts had separated in two areas of the tire at the impact zone.

[Rougarou]

Thanks was looking forward to the thump-thump trial ride

[JCtx]

I'd have slashed one of the sidewalls, to prevent it from ending up on another bike.

[Scotto336]

On 4/25/2024 at 3:04 PM, Limecreek said:

New wheel arrived. Can’t find a new PR6 GT. May put on a PR6 Road and call it good. 
 

Looking at the crack and thoughts of how it could have ended if the wheel had broken up makes me appreciate the BMW engineers!

I think you are very fortunate that the hit occurred exactly adjacent to a structural "spoke".  Could have been much worse if it was on the long section between spokes. 

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

56 minutes ago, Scotto336 said:

I think you are very fortunate that the hit occurred exactly adjacent to a structural "spoke".  Could have been much worse if it was on the long section between spokes. 

 

The oilhead bikes in the late '90s and early '2000s had three-spoke wheels:

 

 

I wonder if that sort of vulnerability is why the oilheads in the mid-2000s were made with a five-spoke wheel:

 

[Scotto336]

Good point.  That would be my guess.

[9Mary7]

2 hours ago, Joe Frickin' Friday said:

The oilhead bikes in the late '90s and early '2000s had three-spoke wheels:

The fronts were quite soft....Coppers bent quite a few

[dirtrider]

15 hours ago, 9Mary7 said:

The fronts were quite soft....Coppers bent quite a few

Afternoon 9Mary7

 

The later 1100RT-P bikes usually came with harder alloy wheels (police wheels), they could still be bent but not as easily as the civilian wheels. 

 

I was never sure if the harder police wheels were used on the very early 1100RT-P bikes (I don't think so) as I have some info showing they were an  04/1999 up offering on the 1100RT-P .    

[9Mary7]

17 hours ago, dirtrider said:

Afternoon 9Mary7

 

The later 1100RT-P bikes usually came with harder alloy wheels (police wheels), they could still be bent but not as easily as the civilian wheels. 

 

I was never sure if the harder police wheels were used on the very early 1100RT-P bikes (I don't think so) as I have some info showing they were an  04/1999 up offering on the 1100RT-P .    

I believe our first P models were '97s, I know we had some '98s.... IIRC most were replaced as the harder ones became available..... Good times

[Limecreek]

On 5/10/2024 at 11:17 AM, Scotto336 said:

I think you are very fortunate that the hit occurred exactly adjacent to a structural "spoke".  Could have been much worse if it was on the long section between spokes. 

 

I completely agree and have thought about all of the what if's. 

 

I do love this sport/addiction, but any of us can be taken out quickly under the right circumstances.  This can be said for a number of other activities too I guess.  My recent return to MTB may actually be more dangerous than motorcycling.  

[realshelby]

I would be happy to get away with a new tire and wheel. My suspicious mind would be worrying about the front fork assembly and fractures there......

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

49 minutes ago, realshelby said:

I would be happy to get away with a new tire and wheel. My suspicious mind would be worrying about the front fork assembly and fractures there......

 

Ayup.  25 years ago I had a little over 600 miles on my new R1100RT when I hit a massive pothole on a Detroit highway.  Insurance paid for new tires and rims, but it wasn't until a few years later that I noticed the paint on the telelever swingarm was peeling, right around the ball joint (circled in red, not my photo):

 

 

In other words, yes, that telelever swingarm had taken some damage.  The rear swingarm had also come up so far that it slammed into the screw on the bottom of the preload adjuster, putting a nice dent in the paint and metal of the swingarm.  The bike went 135K miles without any trouble from those parts, but man, if I had noticed that stuff at the time, I definitely would have replaced those parts and maybe scrutinized some others.  

[Limecreek]

I made a thorough inspection of the entire front end and did not find any cracks or splits in the paint.  
 

The front forks and front axel look good and seem fine.
 

My guess (hope) is the wheel is designed to absorb most of the impact when exceeding normal design levels.  

[JCtx]

The shock could have been damaged too, but not sure how to check it, other than just for leaks. And yes, I'd say MTB is more dangerous than street riding, since it's not a matter of 'if' you're going down, but when, and how many times. The only off-road activity I do now is just hiking, and nothing extreme. The way I ride on mountain roads is enough risk. Ha ha. But don't do it often, and only on weekdays, so a calculated risk, me thinks.

[pwillikers]

Ah, Lime Creek Rd.  The site of my most recent speeding ticket courtesy of an officious Travis Co. Deputy Sheriff.  49 in a 40. :-/

 

[duckhawk64]

On 5/13/2024 at 6:48 AM, Limecreek said:

My recent return to MTB may actually be more dangerous than motorcycling

I bought a MTB with 29" tires and it's taller than my old one.  I think a fall could have me fracturing my upper arm, below the shoulder, which is common for  people near 60 years.