Stupid Question...Tire Tread Depth
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Salt Lake City
Stupid Question...Tire Tread Depth
I'm sure some of the seasoned riders here can answer my question about tire tread depth. I've got about 9k miles on my tires, both with about 3-4/32s of tread depth. From what the dealer told me at my 10k service (yes, I know that taking it to the dealer for my 10k service is my first problem), I should consider replacing my tires sometime soon.
I have a 700 mile ride coming up soon. Should I be concerned and buy new tires now or am I needlessly worrying about it and I have plenty of tread left?
I don't know what the tread depth is on a new tire, so I don't have anything to compare it to.
Thanks for any input you might have!
I have a 700 mile ride coming up soon. Should I be concerned and buy new tires now or am I needlessly worrying about it and I have plenty of tread left?
I don't know what the tread depth is on a new tire, so I don't have anything to compare it to.
Thanks for any input you might have!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You can check new tread depths by looking at the website for your brand of tyre. Front tyres are typically around 5mm or 3/16", rears around 7-8mm or 3/8". I would say your tyres are fine, although obviously I can't see them!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Depends a bit on the conditions.
Dry pavement, you can go bald and be fine.
Rain, you're more likely to hydroplane. That becomes unpleasantly exciting very quickly when it happens. The less the tread the more likely the hydroplaning.
Dirt & gravel. Just a generic loss of traction, which makes the turns more exciting and has the bike floating and drifting more.
Personally, I'd replace the tire now, before the trip. I'd also do it well before departing, so if any problems with the mounting or balance of the tires shows up it can be dealt with before hitting the road.
Dry pavement, you can go bald and be fine.
Rain, you're more likely to hydroplane. That becomes unpleasantly exciting very quickly when it happens. The less the tread the more likely the hydroplaning.
Dirt & gravel. Just a generic loss of traction, which makes the turns more exciting and has the bike floating and drifting more.
Personally, I'd replace the tire now, before the trip. I'd also do it well before departing, so if any problems with the mounting or balance of the tires shows up it can be dealt with before hitting the road.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 13
From: Fort Worth
If you have between 3 &4/32, you should be good to go for your ride. I generally take mine down to 2/32 which I think is where the wear indicator shows up as flush. In Texas, I think 3/32 is the minimum limit to pass state inspection.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
1/8 inch should be good for 700 miles. Ive nearly ran my last 2 rear tires down to smooth. My main concern on thin tires is rain
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 793
Likes: 23
From: AZ
This statement applys to Dunlop 402 tires only! there are two specs to go by. 1. Harley says to replace at 2/32 and 2. Dunlop says to replace at 1/32. I go by the 1/32 and this puts me at about 15k on the rear and 30k on the front. For some that is about 1 tire change per year for me it is a tire change about every 3 years.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Central Islip, NY
a new rear has about 8-32nds if I remember correctly, that last 3-4 will take a bit to go through you should be fine for your trip but replace when you come back. Personally I would replace it now and be done with it