Time for new tires?

[kerrfunk]

Suppose you have an old motorcycle with an unknown but dubious history and you spend an inordinate amount of time getting it in running shape again and you've put a few hundred miles on it.

When's it time to get new tires?
My tires aren't bald and they hold air, I don't have to pump 'em up or anything, but I just wonder, yknow, how do you evaluate tires?

[BigD_83]

Date stamps on the tires are your best indicator of rideability. They are not the be-all to end-all, but the current recommendation is 10 years, whether you ride them or not. If they are wearing well, stick with them if they were manufactured since 2007.

Storage conditions will play a role in the longevity of the rubber.


My personal gauge is how their wet weather performance compares to new, but of course, with a dubious history, you can't make that comparison.

[sharpy]

If tyres are stored in a cool dry covered environment there good for 6 yrs, but anything that is stamped over 4 yrs old you still have to wonder. I even said 6 yrs before i read this article below...

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/blog/2013/01/16/tech-tips-read-motorcycle-tire-date-codes/

[BigD_83]

Even more conservative estimates give them 5 years...

[kerrfunk]

I shoulda scrolled down farther to the tires subsection, lol.

I read a 3402 on both tires. So I guess they're fifteen years old. Yeah, I think I'll be getting some new tires.

[bwringer]

I shoulda scrolled down farther to the tires subsection, lol.

I read a 3402 on both tires. So I guess they're fifteen years old. Yeah, I think I'll be getting some new tires.

Good idea.

Generally, tires on my bikes are like Roman soldiers: they lead short, brutal lives but with lots of excitement, travel, and glory.

My personal limit is about three years, but it's been a while since I've had a set hang around that long.

As a rule of thumb, if I find myself thinking or worrying about my tires, I replace them. One less thing on my mind, and it's simply not worth taking risks to eke out a few hundred more miles.