I use to run tires till they were bald since I do not ride in the rain, but the older I get the more I understand that my safety is worth more than an extra 1000 miles out of a tire. I replaced the rear on my XL50 at like 13*** miles and it still hade like 2/32's tread left in the center and more on the outter edges, but it was very squared off and made the bike handle like poo. I replaced the front tire on that bike at like 14*** miles and looking back I could have got the rest of this season out of it, but it was already in the shop, it was starting to get dry rot cracks and I had the money set aside already so I had it done. HD recomends that you replace the tires when they get down to 3/32's left off tread at the lowest point, but I think unless you ride in the rain all the time that is a bit earley.

 

I figured up that I am paying $0.052 per tire mile. Add that to the $0.065 per mile for fuel and my motorcycle does not look near as good expense wise compared to my truck at $0.01 per tire mile and $0.11 per fuel mile.
I know if I factor in the initial cost it does not compute but both are paid for so...
How can a 6000lb truck cost about the same to operate as a 500lb motorcycle?

 

same here - most of my miles were highway, so less wear.

 

just replaced my front at 8,000 miles. probably had another 1000 left but shop wasnt doing anything. its the skinny 21 inch wheel. the 06 heritage i had still had the original front at 17,000 miles when i sold it.

 

Does tire age worry anyone? Reason I ask is that I was talking to a guy that had a 2001 HD for sale with 8300 miles on it with still the original tires. Running a bike with 9 yr old tubes and side walls makes me worry a bit, should it or would these be ok to run?

 

Not me, but riding 20,000 miles a year doesn't give them much time to rot.
But, to answer your question, I wouldn't bet my life on 9 YO tires.

 

The Brand of the tire plays a huge role. It varies more than many like to think. More traction often means quicker wear.

I change them when I only have 1/32 or so left, regardless of what the odometer says.

 

Just changed mine at 30,000 Kilometers, rides lots better!

 

i tried the hot tire pressure,that Osco posted ,what a nice difference in handling.
38 rear
33.5 front
thanks Osco

 

You might want to redo your math.