Tire age - When to replace?
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
Tire age - When to replace?
Hey Guys - Bought my 2003 Ultra this past December with very low mileage. Tires currently have only 5300 miles and tread looks good with no dry rot or cracking. However, my concern is the tires are likely 5-6 years old. Dude at the HD shop passed them for state inspection and saw no problems regarding age. I do know that rubber degrades over time. Just wanted to get your thoughts about replacing. I'm thinking better safe than sorry ... agreed?
Thanks
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Northern CA
RE: Tire age - When to replace?
Absolutely...if I buy a used bike the first thing I do is new tires and brakes, whether they appear to be OK or not. Used bike problems with other things (like a broken gauge or a minor oil leak) are usually irritating and inconvenient, but bad tires and/or bad brakes can kill you. My current ride is number 29 in my lifetime. My safety and peace of mind is worth more than a few hundred dollars.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Houston
RE: Tire age - When to replace?
You said the tires have about 5300 miles on them and are 5 to 6 years old.Even though you don't see any weather rot or cracking, you need to feel them when they're warm. If they seem hard to the touch, replace 'em. I owned an older bike a few years ago that had plenty of tread and no visible cracking. Took a corner at moderate speed and down she went. Tore up a leather jacket (thank goodness that was all). When I pulled the tires off, the rubber had gotten very, very hard, but visibly looked o.k. Lesson? Trying to wring extra miles out of old tires is not a good idea. It could cost you some skin -- possibly your life. Spring for new ones.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: Tire age - When to replace?
I would change them. 5 years is about the max I would go. Fortunatly age is never the problem it is alway milage that comes first
Hopefully that will be the way it is now that you own it.
Hopefully that will be the way it is now that you own it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 34
From: Iowa
RE: Tire age - When to replace?
Sell them to me, I need a new rear and I will go threw them fast and get the goody out of them! Seriously, if you put new on keep the best one and I will pay shipping on it!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: Tire age - When to replace?
I got 10,000+ out the the last rear, the front was fine, but I like to change them in pairs.... Like others said, change them if in doubt. I also like to get them where the tire has not sat in some shop for a year....
Later
Later
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 681
Likes: 4
From: N.E. Oklahoma
RE: Tire age - When to replace?
Check the DOT stamp on the tire. The first 4 digits indicate the week and year of manufacture:
DOT 3407 XXXX YYYY = 34th week of 2007.
If more than 3 yrs old replace the tire. Same rule for car tires.
DOT 3407 XXXX YYYY = 34th week of 2007.
If more than 3 yrs old replace the tire. Same rule for car tires.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
