I ride often enough that I need new tires every 2-3 years, so I don't have to worry about them getting old. Better to wear out than to "rust" out, as they say.

 

6 years seems like one year too long. I'd replace it, no matter what it looked like.

 

For local short mileage use, I would still replace after six year casing age. Even with no apparent sidewall cracking from UV, after a tire ages you can feel how hard and brittle the rubber becomes. I find when casings are over six years of age, that is when the beads start to tear when you demount and mount. On a bike, I would replace. It always amazes me how frugal people are when it comes to tire replacement. If you take a rear tire costs...lets say $200.00 The price, if it even only lasted one season, would cost you $17.00 per month. I average two seasons on a rear tire, so @ $8.50 per month for a tire, lets not cheap out on a five year old tire.

 

If it was my personal tire, if it had no cracks and plenty of tread...I would ride on it and never give it a second thought. A new tire is no guarantee against having a blow-out. Making a recommendation for some one else, I would tell them your tire is six years old...you should think about replacing it...and let them make the call.

 

Bike serviced and ready for pickup (including front tire). Thanks again from all for the input.

Pic of her ride...

 

I don't think I've had any tire on a bike for more than 12 months ever. Usually 2 fronts and 4 rears on the Triumph per year, and 1-2 fronts and 2 rears on the Harley.