Only mentioned once, but check the date code. Its possible that the tire was produced a few years before put on the bike.. making them even older. Replacing is the way to go. Small price to pay for safety.

 

Never heard of 3. Metzler says 7 years.

 

New tires installed. They are great!!! smooth, quiet and most important handle so well. None of that wandering on the groves in the concrete roads or slipping on the black patch lines. I had no idea the old tires were so bad. Absolutely the best improvement I have ever done to a bike (well except maybe getting rid of that duel point distributor and [linkert] carb on my Pan in 1978)
Thanks to most of you. Mike
As for the others I ride when I can and am thankful for it. Got this bike from a dear friend about 18 months ago with 1700 miles on it now 7700 miles
RIP Carl

 

7 years? those rubbers are pretty brittle by now.Simple solution...Replace them. There should be no compromise on safety

 

I just saw an add for a '04 softail 6,000 + miles original tires plenty of tread left on them. Not with my life.

 

spend the money,go get tires

 

Glad to hear that you put new rubber on if you have ever blown one you will never forget it