Tires Question
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,769
Likes: 8,645
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Sorry but I need some input about tires! I'm buying a 2014 SGS and it only has 2017 miles on it! They look great as they should with so little few miles! The bike has been sitting the last 10 months but again very few miles and they do need to be inflated some but from what I can tell I should be good to go right?
thanks in advance!
Ranger Rick
thanks in advance!
Ranger Rick
For example, the number 4913 would indicate the tire was manufactured in early Dec./2013.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 380
Likes: 203
From: Toronto
My take:
The rubber gets harder as it ages with corresponding reduced traction.
If the cost is not a concern, replace with fresh tires.
If your riding daily for a city-commute which may include cold/rain, possible requirements for sudden stops, replace with fresh tires. Or if you are a new rider that may need the traction reserve. Risks vs cost.
If you're tight on funds, will ride more on longer/weekend pleasure rides, warmer temps, drier conditions, then you can get a season out of the rear. Replace both next season (even though the front may still have good tread depth).
The rubber gets harder as it ages with corresponding reduced traction.
If the cost is not a concern, replace with fresh tires.
If your riding daily for a city-commute which may include cold/rain, possible requirements for sudden stops, replace with fresh tires. Or if you are a new rider that may need the traction reserve. Risks vs cost.
If you're tight on funds, will ride more on longer/weekend pleasure rides, warmer temps, drier conditions, then you can get a season out of the rear. Replace both next season (even though the front may still have good tread depth).
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 905
Likes: 51
From: New Jersey
How much is peace of mind worth to you. I don't have $500 laying around for a new set of tires, but if I was buying a 5 year old bike with original tires on it, which means the tires themselves might be 5 to 6 years old, I'd try to find a way to replace them. More than likely, you'll be fine for a while, but is it really worth taking a chance on?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 48
Likes: 33
From: SW MI
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
Likes: 489
From: Louisville, KY
Last summer I had a serious talk with my tire guy, he is 3rd generation running family Dunlop Tires (cars & trucks, no bikes) sales & service. The issue was my 2011 Chevy Tahoe that I bought slightly used in April, 2012, it had been a rental vehicle for a short while as it only had 15K miles on it. So, last summer I asked my guy Herbie for the truth about replacing as, at that time last summer, the Tahoe tires were 7+ years old but only had 30K miles and the tires looked almost like new.
Herbie said, "Joe, if all your driving was going to be around town I would tell you those tires are still good for lots of miles and maybe another year or two but if you are going to be running interstate speeds I would replace them today. They are old and will start coming apart on you at high speed." Tells me all I need to know about tires LOL.
Herbie said, "Joe, if all your driving was going to be around town I would tell you those tires are still good for lots of miles and maybe another year or two but if you are going to be running interstate speeds I would replace them today. They are old and will start coming apart on you at high speed." Tells me all I need to know about tires LOL.