Old Tires A Problem?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
The decomposition rate of tires happens regardless of how you store them. A 7 year life is the absolute max. They are 7 years old now, going into the 8th year does not mean a guaranteed failure, they could last several more years, you never know. If money is tight I would ride the hell out of them then get a new set before next year. Or If you have the money, for peace of mind, just get a new set now.
The tires will probably wear faster than normal and might not have the best feel to them. An 05 Road King with 4000 miles on it, what a waste for someone and a score for you.
The tires will probably wear faster than normal and might not have the best feel to them. An 05 Road King with 4000 miles on it, what a waste for someone and a score for you.
Last edited by jjnoble; Jun 5, 2012 at 07:12 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
That is the general advice I have seen and agree with. It is not wise to wait until cracks appear! We all practice preventative maintenance, by changing oils etc at specified intervals of either mileage or age and tyres are the same.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
The degradation occurs gradually over time and while the failure rate may accelerate as time goes on, putting an absolute date on good or no good, safe or unsafe, is a very conservative maneuver to protect manufacturers from liability issues.
While the recommendation from Dunlop is sound advice, I'd still treat it as a point of reference and follow the process given in my previous post, "regular visual inspections and run 'em unless I saw something to tell me differently."
I'm not saying that's what everyone should do as I would, but rather that is what I would do. We are all different when it comes to our own tolerance for risk.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Like I said earlier, any product, tires included, will not go bad overnight at their expiration date.
The degradation occurs gradually over time and while the failure rate may accelerate as time goes on, putting an absolute date on good or no good, safe or unsafe, is a very conservative maneuver to protect manufacturers from liability issues.
While the recommendation from Dunlop is sound advice, I'd still treat it as a point of reference and follow the process given in my previous post, "regular visual inspections and run 'em unless I saw something to tell me differently."
I'm not saying that's what everyone should do as I would, but rather that is what I would do. We are all different when it comes to our own tolerance for risk.
The degradation occurs gradually over time and while the failure rate may accelerate as time goes on, putting an absolute date on good or no good, safe or unsafe, is a very conservative maneuver to protect manufacturers from liability issues.
While the recommendation from Dunlop is sound advice, I'd still treat it as a point of reference and follow the process given in my previous post, "regular visual inspections and run 'em unless I saw something to tell me differently."
I'm not saying that's what everyone should do as I would, but rather that is what I would do. We are all different when it comes to our own tolerance for risk.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I'll say it again, everyone of us has a different comfort level with the risks we're willing to accept.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Like I said earlier, any product, tires included, will not go bad overnight at their expiration date.
The degradation occurs gradually over time and while the failure rate may accelerate as time goes on, putting an absolute date on good or no good, safe or unsafe, is a very conservative maneuver to protect manufacturers from liability issues.
While the recommendation from Dunlop is sound advice, I'd still treat it as a point of reference and follow the process given in my previous post, "regular visual inspections and run 'em unless I saw something to tell me differently."
I'm not saying that's what everyone should do as I would, but rather that is what I would do. We are all different when it comes to our own tolerance for risk.
The degradation occurs gradually over time and while the failure rate may accelerate as time goes on, putting an absolute date on good or no good, safe or unsafe, is a very conservative maneuver to protect manufacturers from liability issues.
While the recommendation from Dunlop is sound advice, I'd still treat it as a point of reference and follow the process given in my previous post, "regular visual inspections and run 'em unless I saw something to tell me differently."
I'm not saying that's what everyone should do as I would, but rather that is what I would do. We are all different when it comes to our own tolerance for risk.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: Lincolnshire UK
well i will be running on a 20yr old front tyre tomorrow all being well so if i get her out ill let you know if i get back or not how it rode lol
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Canton, GA
Well I see I got what I asked for...a lot of different opinions. Since Im put my new 21" and 18" wheels on in 2 months. I'll keep these tires on and stay off the highways for long distance travel. I can't see spending money for tires now then 2 months later spending money again on a set of Avon Cobras. Thanks for the feedback guys!