Modern Vespa

Hey all

Looked through threads on blowouts, didn't see info specific to the 14" rear on a 400. My rear MGS has reached the wear bars at 6,200 miles. I have a 300-mile trip planned this weekend and wonder if I can reasonably expect to do it. I know water traction will be compromised, but will I be able to make this trip without a blowout?

Opinions, please. Thanks.

If the wear bars have been reached, you will be pushing it. Once the thread is gone, the threads show up real fast.

Wayne B

you may or may not have a blow out. Is it worth the risk to run on a worn tire? please consider having a new one installed.
If you have a problem with a wore out tire and damage say a rim will your insurance pay? probably not.

I change my tires before they hit the wear bars, but thats me. It costs me more but I never have any issues.

If I had the new tire in hand, I would certainly have it mounted right away. The tire is on order and might not be here for a week or so.

after seeing the pic you posted of the tire you should be ok for just the 300 miles but any further and your pushing the risk factor.

I'd be changing the tyre before a 300 mile trip - even though the wear bar hasn't quite been reached as far as I can see in that picture. Fine for local use, but not for a 'journey'.

My rear tire looked like that and I'm changing it out before my next 300 mile trip to atlanta and back. Why push it for just 300 miles?

it's not like that's saving you any money and it's only increasing your risk.

Just so y'all don't all think I'm an idiot ... I asked my Piaggio dealer to order me a new rear tire in May or June. He found out his vendor doesn't handle 150/70-14s, so he just plain didn't order a rear tire for me at all, and never let me know! So now I'm waiting on a new tire, much too late. :(

FYI, don't order tires from your dealer. Can get them MUCH cheap on line and have them at your door in 3-5 days.

I use www.motorcycle-superstore.com and there are lots of other site just as good for tires.

Wayne B

Yeah, I knew I'd be paying more but was trying to support my dealer. I ordered from Superstore today.

I support my dealer by buying all my OEM parts from the dealer, and I buy tires, oil, filters and such locally or on line.

Wayne B

I tried to support my dealer by ordering a new tire 4 weeks before I had a trip planned. 3 weeks went by and still no sign of a tire. Eventually ordered it from motorcycle superstore and had it two days later. Then the dealer told me it would be 2 weeks before they could fit it

AMT shipped my tire and I had it in 3 days and that was from the west coast to Illinois.

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=362_433

I am changing my rear MGS for METZELER FEELFREE 150/70-14 tomorrow. MGS is completely bald after 5000miles.(much more than this one)

Your one should be fine if you are not going to hit rain. I am almost certain it won't blow but you have to take the decision, no one else..

I have ordered tires from Smalltires.com, Moto Amore and Scooter Trap. All had on UPS truck in less than 24 hours, same day if ordered early. All will ship overnight for an extra fee. Many others will do the same these are just the ones I have personal experience with and all good.

The tire won't likely blow in 300 miles but is getting to the point you will notice the ride is diminished and litle traction in wet.