I was looking for some info before buying a used motorcycle at one point and ran across this information:

http://www.canyonchasers.net/shop/generic/tires.php

Before reading this stuff I had no idea that they actually put dates on tires. It is good to be able to verify how old the tire really is, not just how long ago it was put on the rim.

 

I found out yesterday that the friend of mine who started all this concern in me by pointing out these 'microscopic' cracks in my front tire, has them in his tires, and they are even worse-looking in some places.

I rode 220 miles yesterday into the mountains and back with no problems. The tires are fine, but I still plan to replace them sometime this summer before the long road trip I hope to be able to do.

Friends. The guy's concerned more about my safety than he does his own, seeing how I am his only 'brother' left, seeing how he lost all three of his real brother's over the years. What can I say.

 

i had to replace my oem rear at 7800. i did not do a good job watching the wear and it should have been done at 7500. the tech said that is the average life of the tire. imho it would be time to replace both for safety and peace of mind at high speeds. i suggest you shop around for the best deal though. the dealer wanted to put the same tire back on for $225. i went with the metzeler me880 installed by a local indy for $165.00. i will go with the same tire for the front in about 500. i don't have any cracks, but i am lucky enough to garage the bike.