Tire Question...(no, not what to get...lol).

AnimalMother · 11-12-2006, 6:30 PM

I know that motorcycle tires obviously have a definite lifespan with regards to mileage. However, I was wondering if they have a definite lifespan with regards to age?

For example, before a tire "wears out", how long could it be good for on a street bike such as ours? Say that it is garage kept too.

I know I will never get to the point (hope not) where I would have to worry about something like this; just curious though. Such as if you were to buy a very low mileage used 98 or something that has had the same tires for like 6 or 8 years). If the tread looks good on the outside (no flat spots or cracking or cupping), would it still be safe to ride? I personally think so, but am not 100 percent sure.

Thanks

ConqSoft · 11-12-2006, 6:35 PM

I think heat cycles are more important than the age. A couple of months ago a friend of mine bought a left over 2003 VFR that had been sitting in a crate for 3 years. The tires were/are fine.

But if tires are used, and have gone through some heat cycles, then sit for years, I think I would switch them out.

I tend to always buy a new set of tires a least once a year, even if they aren't completely worn out.

tomek · 11-12-2006, 6:59 PM

6-8 years,it is like 2-3 generations old.Tires are almost like a PC in this regard.

As long as a tire was stored where it is dark and cool I don`t see what could go wrong with them.

BDAZXX · 11-13-2006, 12:28 AM

I just installed a Michelin Pilot Power HPX today with a 03/03 manufacturing date on it. Its been sitting on my tire rack in the trailer since new. I am riding to Arizona for turkey day, weather permitting, and the takeoff that was on it, would have never made the trip there and back.

Installed a 1 tooth larger countershaft sprocket as well for better fuel economy.

SSUXX · 11-13-2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConqSoft

I think heat cycles are more important than the age. A couple of months ago a friend of mine bought a left over 2003 VFR that had been sitting in a crate for 3 years. The tires were/are fine.

But if tires are used, and have gone through some heat cycles, then sit for years, I think I would switch them out.

I tend to always buy a new set of tires a least once a year, even if they aren't completely worn out.

+1

Hobicus · 11-13-2006, 11:39 PM

1) I go through at least 2 fronts and 4 rears a year, so this will never impact me.

2) When I buy a bike, some of the first things I do is inspect and replace tires and chain (and oil, and coolant, clutch and brake fluids if they're any color to them).

IF the tires look brand new, I might ride them for a while, but you never know how they've been taken care of, and certainly I'd prefer to have rubber that I know and trust on the bike. Stock tires on the BB suck, IMHO.

AnimalMother · 11-14-2006, 8:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hobicus

1) I go through at least 2 fronts and 4 rears a year, so this will never impact me.

2) When I buy a bike, some of the first things I do is inspect and replace tires and chain (and oil, and coolant, clutch and brake fluids if they're any color to them).

IF the tires look brand new, I might ride them for a while, but you never know how they've been taken care of, and certainly I'd prefer to have rubber that I know and trust on the bike. Stock tires on the BB suck, IMHO.

Rich, what exactly do you mean here?

ConqSoft · 11-14-2006, 8:54 PM

Your brake/clutch fluid will get darker as it gets older/worn out.

AnimalMother · 11-15-2006, 8:06 PM

Ahhhhhh. I never even new that

So, how difficult is it to change these fluids out?

I just did my oil and radiator and didn't even think about these items...

SGTSkiXX · 12-02-2006, 11:05 PM

got my FZR 2 years ago and it had the original tires on it and it is a 97 only had 2200 mi on it. Rode them for till August of this year had no problems with them at all only replaced them because they had 10k on them at that point and were bald.