Question about tire tread and when to replace
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 250
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Question about tire tread and when to replace
So I was trying to get my bike ready to ride other day when it was warm and I had free time, but on cue my sister came over with her kids to visit.
So I managed to get battery and seat back on and checked the tire/brakes for wear. I noticed that my front tire still looks good has little more than 1/4" of tread left on it but my back tire is a little more worn it has between 1/8" and 1/4" of tread left in middle of tire. Side area of tire is same as front 1/4" + of tread
Not sure why the difference in tread, I dont smoke the tires.
So I asked a couple friends who stopped over last couple days they said F' it seems allright, but then again they arent bike experts.
Anyone have any opinions on when to replace the tire? I have to get it inspected soon anyway in NY I can ask tem, but of course they will say replace it to make money. I also dont want to ride on a bad tire and have it slide out
So I managed to get battery and seat back on and checked the tire/brakes for wear. I noticed that my front tire still looks good has little more than 1/4" of tread left on it but my back tire is a little more worn it has between 1/8" and 1/4" of tread left in middle of tire. Side area of tire is same as front 1/4" + of tread
Not sure why the difference in tread, I dont smoke the tires.
So I asked a couple friends who stopped over last couple days they said F' it seems allright, but then again they arent bike experts.
Anyone have any opinions on when to replace the tire? I have to get it inspected soon anyway in NY I can ask tem, but of course they will say replace it to make money. I also dont want to ride on a bad tire and have it slide out
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
your front tire will almost always wear slower than your rear. most guys get 2 rears to each front as a general rule of thumb.
also when checking the tread depth, look in the middle of the tire, not near the outside. you don't spend as much time on the sidewalls as you do on the middle (no matter what anyone says.....) if you're at the tread wear bar, or even close to it, its time to start thinking about replacing.
also when checking the tread depth, look in the middle of the tire, not near the outside. you don't spend as much time on the sidewalls as you do on the middle (no matter what anyone says.....) if you're at the tread wear bar, or even close to it, its time to start thinking about replacing.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 265
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
Ride it till You can see air. nah, theres a small arrow on the sidewall of your tire, that will be where the wear bars are, and become visible when the tire is worn down to 3/32 of an inch. thats supposed to be the point where you should change the tire. Some people change it before that, and some go farther. That goes for a Dunlap don't know if other brands do the same thing?.,,,
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,528
Likes: 606
From: Raleigh NC
some folks ride until the tire won't hold air....
others ride until the cords shows
some ride until the wear bars show....
I'm not made of money, but two things in life I don't try to save money on.... is tires and brakes.
If you ride from home to the bar, and back again... I doubt it matteres when or if you change them. 10-15k on a rear, I replace it, 20-25 on a front I change it.
2 rears and 1 front each year....
others ride until the cords shows
some ride until the wear bars show....
I'm not made of money, but two things in life I don't try to save money on.... is tires and brakes.
If you ride from home to the bar, and back again... I doubt it matteres when or if you change them. 10-15k on a rear, I replace it, 20-25 on a front I change it.
2 rears and 1 front each year....
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,372
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From: Central Coast of Cali
I fit pops, you waited too long.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I would say if theres any question in your mind they probably need to be replaced. Any cracks in the side wall or shallow tread depth and they should definately go. No better feeling than fresh skins. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,423
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From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....
Only times I have were on the racetrack back when I was still racing and working as a track instructor. Time on the sidewalls is best kept to a minimum!
