at what tread depth to replace tires
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 762
Likes: 435
From: NE Oklahoma
In addition to the wear bars or tread depth measurements already described, consider the tire’s age. Tires will deteriorate regardless of how far down your tread depth measured at - just a consideration.
I change ‘em at 4 years. Front and back.
I change ‘em at 4 years. Front and back.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
If you have the HD Tire And Wheel Coverage, the tire must have a minimum of 3/32" or you are on your own.
For me and my bike, 3/32" is the mark to replace. On my other vehicles, it's about the same, unless I plan a trip or if it's winter soon, then I may do it sooner.
My Grand Daddy used to say "Drink good liquor and ride on good rubber and you'll be around a good long while, Son". In His day, a bad choice in either could be the end for you! (Recaps and moonshine).
For me and my bike, 3/32" is the mark to replace. On my other vehicles, it's about the same, unless I plan a trip or if it's winter soon, then I may do it sooner.
My Grand Daddy used to say "Drink good liquor and ride on good rubber and you'll be around a good long while, Son". In His day, a bad choice in either could be the end for you! (Recaps and moonshine).
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 60
From: Colorado Rockies
For me it is when they get so squared off I feel like I am riding on a 2 X 4! Usually before the wear bars. I am also a 2 rear for every front guy. The last miles on that second rear can get a bit exciting!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,728
Likes: 9,233
From: Snow Hill, NC
In all seriousness, I keep a close eye on mine... Never let it go too far... If it gets low and I am going on a trip then it's a no brainer... I always have a spare ready to go on... I have been thinking of buying a tire changer...but I pay like $25 to get the local guy to change it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 1,210
From: AZ
Yes the metzeler on my Electra glide is quite square at the moment. & yes as u said I think my front is still fine. Have an Avon storm to get mounted but I wanna get the rear rim off myself. Haven't messed w a belt drive before. My rice burners were all shaft drive.
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Either due to getting a flat or the tires just being noisy from wear, I seldom have gotten below 4/32's remaining. Usually if they are at 4/32's and I have a trip coming up they get replaced. If I get 11k out of the rear I am happy. I still replace the front every other time I do the rear. Unless something punctures the tire and throws me off schedule.
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 274
Likes: 17
From: West Slope Colorado
It's so true that tires can wear down quickly towards the end of their lives. My last tire looked like it might make it home on about a 2000 mile trip but when I checked it again after the first day I decided it wasn't worth taking the chance with 1400 miles to go while pulling a trailer.
The 2 rears before that had cord showing when I changed, one at the end of a trip, the other before I took off.
I agree with those who have said they get 10-12 K from rears and about double that on fronts.
It's a major expense on a bike, wish they lasted longer.
The 2 rears before that had cord showing when I changed, one at the end of a trip, the other before I took off.
I agree with those who have said they get 10-12 K from rears and about double that on fronts.
It's a major expense on a bike, wish they lasted longer.