Down to the bars but decent tread left
Down to the bars but decent tread left
I'm about to turn 7,000 miles on my 2013 Limited with original Dunlop tires. I'm down to the wear bars on the tires, but a close up inspection shows tread left...a good bit. I'm down to about 6/32 on front and rear. I'd say I've got another 2,000 miles left on the tires. Why do the wear bars show up so soon?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 33
From: East Alton, IL
6/32 is what they came with on the front. I think I remember 8/32 on the rear new. You sure you're looking at the wear bars? Are the wear bars level with the surface of the tire. You can see the wear bars long before they are level with the surface. I just replaced my rear, 2/32 left and was level with the surface at 19500 miles.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Because it's time to change them! By all means ride on, but you may find that the remaining tread disappears more quickly than you suggest, also that grip will deteriorate fast. Stay especially alert if it rains while you're riding!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 33
From: Upstate NY
I agree with grbrown, watch those tires if you keep them on. Its amazing how fast they do wear once you are near the wear bars. Its getting to be rainy out more often so I would change them if you feel a bit of hydroplaning or sliding in the wet.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 326
Likes: 22
From: Panama City, FL
I agree with jd. If you maintain correct PSI you should get at least 15 to 16 thousand miles on the original Dunlaps. Changed mine at 16,500 but could have gone at least another 2,000. You really got to stay on top of your PSI. Off by even 5 or 10 pounds will seriously increase wear.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I wouldn't want to get caught in the rain with tires that are at the wear bars. Dry pavement you would be fine but not in the rain.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: On. Canada
Thats odd.....I'd let the dealer explain that one to me.
Wear bars shouldn't show with 6/32 on front and rear. I have 23000 miles on my original front one now and not showing the wear bar just yet at 3/32.
Wear bars shouldn't show with 6/32 on front and rear. I have 23000 miles on my original front one now and not showing the wear bar just yet at 3/32.
Last edited by Pete6114; Apr 14, 2014 at 11:33 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Ladera Ranch, CA
Change 'em. Not sure about you, but I'd rather KNOW I'm safe on new tires rather than trying to stretch out a dollar further on tires that are marginal. My life and my safety is worth more than that to me.