Tread depth
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I seems to me that one you get near that 3/32nd tread depth that it doesn't take long before you really need to replace the tire.
No way would I start on a trip of any distance with a tire that's getting that close to needing replacement.
I've been caught before where I couldnt'h get a tire replaced and had drive a good distance at a low speed on a tire that looked dangerous.
Also, with the stories that I'm hearing about bearings going bad I'm going to order a complete set of "All *****" bearings and put them in my saddlebags and have them replaced on my next tire change.
Trying to get those last few miles out of a tire, bearing or battery will most likely happen at the most inconvenient time and place.
No way would I start on a trip of any distance with a tire that's getting that close to needing replacement.
I've been caught before where I couldnt'h get a tire replaced and had drive a good distance at a low speed on a tire that looked dangerous.
Also, with the stories that I'm hearing about bearings going bad I'm going to order a complete set of "All *****" bearings and put them in my saddlebags and have them replaced on my next tire change.
Trying to get those last few miles out of a tire, bearing or battery will most likely happen at the most inconvenient time and place.
Went into the local Harley Dealership to have some work done. I had just measure the tread depth a week before and haven't put on to many miles since then. The tread depth was around 3/32" to 4/32". Dunlop says a tire has the tread depth of 9/32". While checking in the bike and they've done this before, they said you need a new tire, I said really ? I said what do you consider low tread depth. Their reply was Wisconsin DOT says 3/32 or less is not good, and I had to sign a waver saying that they had told me that it needed a new tire. I didn't read the waiver but I'm thinking it was statement saying they were not responsible in case of an accident. made it sounds pretty frightening if you were just a plain joe off the street. Anyone else hear of such a thing.
Thanks Jonnierock
Thanks Jonnierock
D407 Spec Chart Tire Name Size Full Tread Depth
D407 BIAS REAR 180/65B16 MT 10/32
D407 RADIAL REAR 170/60R17 9/32
D407 RADIAL REAR 200/55R17 8/32
D407 BIAS REAR 180/55B18 MT 10/32
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 20,420
Likes: 24,207
From: WetCoast
I will generally run to 2/32, then get a new tire... I have run less than that in the rain, and not had a problem... but I am also not an aggressive rider... If they had asked me for a waver, I would have paid the bill, taken my keys, and waved to them when I left...
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 2,058
From: Phoenix
Motorcycle tires have tread wear indicators built into the tread pattern of the tire.
Just look at the sidewall for a triangle molded into it. There will be a high spot in the tread groove that aligns with the triangle. Once the tire wears down to that high spot it's time to replace the tire.
Just look at the sidewall for a triangle molded into it. There will be a high spot in the tread groove that aligns with the triangle. Once the tire wears down to that high spot it's time to replace the tire.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 102
From: Waukesha, WI
I had a guy come in for a rear tire this past Saturday, was squared off and worn to around 1/32". He asked how many more miles he should go before replacing it, my reply was "none, you need a tire now". His front tire was also dry rotted and falling apart, which he declined. The tires are the only thing between your bike and the ground, if you feel comfortable running them until they're slicks, have at it. Even fair weather riders are susceptible to being caught in a pop up rain shower, that's where having sufficient tread depth makes a big difference. I'll suggest replacement when a tire reaches 3/32", is 7 years old or older, or has visible signs of deterioration.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 9,836
From: Detroit
If your tires are 7 yrs old you own a garage or trailer Queen. If you're getting more than 2 seasons on a tire you aren't riding that bike much either.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
I seems to me that one you get near that 3/32nd tread depth that it doesn't take long before you really need to replace the tire.
No way would I start on a trip of any distance with a tire that's getting that close to needing replacement.
I've been caught before where I couldnt'h get a tire replaced and had drive a good distance at a low speed on a tire that looked dangerous.
Also, with the stories that I'm hearing about bearings going bad I'm going to order a complete set of "All *****" bearings and put them in my saddlebags and have them replaced on my next tire change.
Trying to get those last few miles out of a tire, bearing or battery will most likely happen at the most inconvenient time and place.
No way would I start on a trip of any distance with a tire that's getting that close to needing replacement.
I've been caught before where I couldnt'h get a tire replaced and had drive a good distance at a low speed on a tire that looked dangerous.
Also, with the stories that I'm hearing about bearings going bad I'm going to order a complete set of "All *****" bearings and put them in my saddlebags and have them replaced on my next tire change.
Trying to get those last few miles out of a tire, bearing or battery will most likely happen at the most inconvenient time and place.
carl
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 3,354
From: usa
Well thats about 75% of us .