Tread depth
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 861
Likes: 136
From: Wisconsin
Tread depth
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 81,309
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From: Oklahoma City
They would make a notation he refused to sign it and file it away.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Masshole
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9,605
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From: Globe AZ
the dealer was itchin to make a sale on a new tire. Of course, you knew better than to fall for his fear tactic (that its UNSAFE AS PER XXXXX.... SIGN WAIVER HERE). Unfortunately there are too many places that rely on these tactics, but what is even sadder is that people cannot be bothered to know enough about their vehicles to not fall victim to it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,388
Likes: 3,357
From: usa
I wish there was a Federal standard . That said all NEW rear tires must have a minimum of 12 / 32 “ Tread depth. And yes thats 3/8 of a in .
Last edited by Iron lHorse; Aug 31, 2020 at 04:51 PM.
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The standard I've always heard and went by was 2/32. however for me personally I don't take a chance at all with a cycle tire. Once it's even close to being worn down I just get a new one. For my Dyna I used to change the tire every season, I would just do it over the winter so I didn't miss out on riding time. A new tire is only $100 or so if you get a tire online. It's not a big deal to just replace it if it's even close. I'm not gonna take any chances wrecking my bike because I was riding around on **** *** tires.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
I check tread depth with a penny and look for Lincoln's head. It's a little easier than trying to do the math.
If someone at the dealership told me I had to sign something just because they informed me my tread depth was shallow I would blow my nose on it and hand it back to them.
carl
If someone at the dealership told me I had to sign something just because they informed me my tread depth was shallow I would blow my nose on it and hand it back to them.
carl
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Dunno about the correct depth measurement but I have had a couple helpful policeman use the old Lincoln Head penny gauge to show me how usafe I was and wrote those nice tickets to help remind me to change those tires.
Dealers have to play a lot of cover their *** game's, we do live in a world full sue happy poindexters anymore.
Dealers have to play a lot of cover their *** game's, we do live in a world full sue happy poindexters anymore.
