Just saying.
Old Tires A Problem?
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
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From: Canton, GA
Old Tires A Problem?
So while in my garage today I decided to check the manufacture date of my Dunlops on my 05 Road King. When I checked the date I saw Week 3 of 2004. Now I bought this bike last October with 4000 miles on it, so these have to be the original tires. I consider myself fortunate nothing has happened with tires this old. They have plenty of tread and since Ive had Ive put 2500 miles on them and had no issues.
So do I keep riding them or change them immediately? I am guessing the popular choice will be change immediately, but Im interested to hear your feedback.
So do I keep riding them or change them immediately? I am guessing the popular choice will be change immediately, but Im interested to hear your feedback.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I'd just give them regular visual inspections and run 'em unless I saw something to tell me differently. Date codes on anything can only be used as reference point. Nothing goes from good to bad overnight just because of some date code.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 203
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From: Mt.Pleasant Pa.
I have a 69 ford torino talladega with 21k miles and the original Firestone bias ply tires dated sept 1968.(My retirement parachute) 
I keep the car on jack stands and keep it covered.Though I drive it very little to keep the mileage down, the tires look and run great.
I think the reason the rubber lasted so long is because the car is garaged out of the sunlight.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
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From: Roseville, CA
I have a 69 ford torino talladega with 21k miles and the original Firestone bias ply tires dated sept 1968.(My retirement parachute) I keep the car on jack stands and keep it covered.Though I drive it very little to keep the mileage down, the tires look and run great.
I think the reason the rubber lasted so long is because the car is garaged out of the sunlight.
Last edited by Deuuuce; Jun 5, 2012 at 12:30 AM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
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From: Wisconsin
I agree it's an issue with the Torino, but not so sure on an '05 HD. Before you take all the "good" advice available here, why don't you call Dunlop customer service and get the immediate and correct answer? Compounds have changed over the years and 7-8 year old tires may or may not be an issue. Now if you had a set of Goodyear Speed Grips from the '70's, we all know they last forever.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
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From: Wisconsin, USA
I agree it's an issue with the Torino, but not so sure on an '05 HD. Before you take all the "good" advice available here, why don't you call Dunlop customer service and get the immediate and correct answer? Compounds have changed over the years and 7-8 year old tires may or may not be an issue. Now if you had a set of Goodyear Speed Grips from the '70's, we all know they last forever.
I wouldn't enjoy riding, worrying about a blowout. The original tires probably were fine, but I didn't want to worry about it.