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Old Feb 22, 2012 | 09:05 PM
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hey all just curious anyone ever noticed on their front tire small cracks near the sidewall where it meets the wheel. I think I'm gonna replace not sure I like it. only 2500 or so on tire tread looks good.
 
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Old Feb 22, 2012 | 09:26 PM
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Small cracks are usually fine. How old is the tire? I use mine up in two to three years, long before weather checking appears. If you've got a tube in there, no worries about air leaks. Again, small cracks are ok. Gaps and tears are not. Extended high speed driving may worsen this condition. If you want to cruise at 90, think about replacing the tire to keep your peace of mind.

Jake
 
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Old Feb 22, 2012 | 10:02 PM
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Most likely not a problem as stated above but being that you only have two wheels if one goes it would be ugly at a high speed I would stay off the interstates.
 
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Old Feb 22, 2012 | 10:04 PM
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Had this on every front tire for the last 100,000 miles. Normal. Even have checked the date code.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 11:51 AM
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IMO I would change it out. $200 is way cheaper than hospital bills or a totaled HD. If it was on your car I would say run it but on the bike you only have one front tire and if it goes your F***ed.

Stone
 
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Old Feb 24, 2012 | 04:53 AM
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I wonder if any of those tire shine products do anything to slow/prevent weather checking?
 
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Old Feb 24, 2012 | 08:46 AM
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With a tube, I would run it as long as the cracks / checking is very small. Tubeless, I would replace it. JMHO
 
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Old Feb 24, 2012 | 09:29 AM
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Just fill the cracks with shoe polish. Worked in "The worlds fastest Indian"!
 
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Old Feb 25, 2012 | 01:19 PM
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Went ahead and replaced the front tire. At least now I can ride w/o having that front tire in the back of my mind. 168 out the door not to bad. Test ride tomorrow, can't wait!
 
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Old Feb 25, 2012 | 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 06fxsti
went ahead and replaced the front tire. At least now i can ride w/o having that front tire in the back of my mind. 168 out the door not to bad. Test ride tomorrow, can't wait!
Good decision !!! Cracks in the side wall rubber usually indicates dry-rot and possibly premature failure. I change mine out if and when that occurs on my bike... Been doing it for 47 years. A small price to pay for piece of mind and my safety. Imo !!!!

Woody
 
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