Cracked sidewalls
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,218
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From: Eastern NC
Cracked sidewalls
I had a new set of Dunlop's put on my SG at the beginning of the year last year and put about 10k miles on them so far. The tread looks good on the front and rear but the sidewall on the front is starting to crack. What causes this and how dangerous is it?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,218
Likes: 7
From: Eastern NC
I don't know how to read the code but I'll check when I get home in the morning. The bike is always garaged and clean. I've had dry rotted tires on older bikes in the past and always replaced them. Just seems like this happened kinda fast to me. Maybe the rear tire was fresher than the front causing it to deteriorate faster? How long are they supposed to be good for?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
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From: Houston, TX
I don't know how to read the code but I'll check when I get home in the morning. The bike is always garaged and clean. I've had dry rotted tires on older bikes in the past and always replaced them. Just seems like this happened kinda fast to me. Maybe the rear tire was fresher than the front causing it to deteriorate faster? How long are they supposed to be good for?
I'd replace them anyways. Cracked sidewalls are a NO NO.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
Has any brake fluid been leaked or spilled on the tire without being immediately, completely cleaned off? I've seen that happen and it looks like a prematurely aged/weathered tire.
Last edited by Recycled; Feb 24, 2014 at 10:44 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,218
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From: Eastern NC
No brake fluid leaks and I don't use harsh chemicals to clean the tires either. I only use the best, Armor All - just kidding. Soap and water with a small tire brush
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Extreme HDF Member
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From: Badlands of ND
Whatever the reason, whatever the age, if the side walls are cracked, replace the tires.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
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Likes: 7
From: Eastern NC
I'm definitely replacing it ASAP. I'm just not happy that I'm having to replace a tire after 1yr/10k miles. I'm guessing the tire was old but what would be considered an acceptable shelf life for a tire?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,224
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From: St.Louis Mo.
dunlop has had problems with this for awhile now, call them and they will replace for free. at least they did mine. i was told this was only a cosmetic thing and was safe to ride in them, but i wanted them replaced .