[Ducati] Tire ware, good, bad, then good?

[Doug Barnette]

I hope I don't start a tire thread....
Just some advice, OK...

Lately while fixing a headlight relay on my 04 999 I noticed my  
"stock" front tire, a Michelin Pilot Sport 120/ 70 ZR17, had warn an  
unusual tread ware pattern.
While rubbing my hands over the tread I noticed a normal ware pattern  
with good tread deepth and then, as I rotated the tire, I noticed  
quite the opposite.

Upon visual inspection the deep groves disappeared and the ware  
markers were gone and  the tire was completely flawed. From  
mountains, with good tread, to valleys with ridges with out tread... 
6" long segments.

Thinking back, I had felt some slight vibrations while riding at  
speed lately, and now I wonder if all this could be "just" attributed  
to balance.
I know it was about time to replace the front as it has 4500 miles.

Could it possibly be something else besides balance?


Doug
04 999 Mono