Should I replace this tire?

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

My front tire has a few crack like this halfway around the rim. Is it still usable, or should I replace it?20200206_145112.jpg

[Steve]

The fact that it is an IRC tire tells me you should, but look at the date code. Look for the DOT number on one of the sidewalls. At the end of the number should be a block with three or four numbers. If it's only three numbers, don't even use that tire to push the bike across your garage, it's 20 years old. If it's four digits, the first two are the week number, the last two are the last two digits of the year. Example: if you see 1407, the tire was made in the 14th week (early April) of 2007. They did the same thing before 2000, but only used three digits. The same tire might have had 147, but you would not know if it was made in 1987 or 1997, so they added the fourth digit in 2000.

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[rphillips]

If it's bad enough you need to ask, don't do it. Date code is important, but if it shows signs of dry-rot, it doesn't matter how old it is.

[Grimly]

Bin it - even I wouldn't risk it.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

i don’t know why you’re not replacing that tire right now.

[mrbill5491]

Shoulda been replaced some time ago.

[hank2]

Another vote for ditch it ASAP. I'm in one of 7 US states left with safety inspections and that would fail on any vehicle.

[RedBaron]

I'm with the other guys. If it's any sort of questionable then just replace. I tell the motocross kids the same about engine oil. You'd be amazed how many times I've had people ask about topping off their 4 stroke motocrosser because it's getting low! ��

[LAB3]

My bike had the original tires on it when I bought it two years ago, that tread looks the same. You might find that it's so hard you'll need a Sawz-All to get it off the rim!

[Noreg]

The manual for my bike says the tire should have no cracks or tears. When it comes to tires I wouldnt risk it.

[Cipher]

LOOKS like an oem factory tire
mine came with irc tires
dismount it before it dismounts you

[Wingsconsin]

**~~ sarcasm alert ! ~~**

I think you should just ride it and save the money -
-you're gonna need the cash when that tire fails and throws you to the curb.




Seriously --
The one thing connecting you to road surface is tires-
If they are not good -- neither are you safe.
I don't mess around with running old or worn tires --
I usually replace them and throw away some extra miles I could've gotten out of them
Replace them - check the brakes - and ride

[zuluwiz]

Some things are not worth trying to stretch: tires and brakes are high on that list. Don't take chances with your irreplacable body. Toss that tire......NOW.

(edit) And take a good close look at the other one too.

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

I planned on replacing it, I just wanted another opinion. I checked the DOT code, 439.

[Steve]

I checked the DOT code, 439.

That would make it a DEFINITE no-brainer. A 3-digit code was made before 2000, so that tire is already 20 years old.

More specifically, it was made in the 43rd week of a year ending in 9. Could have been late October of 1999 or even late October 1989. Either way, it's too old to use and not old enough to be in a museum.

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