So, my wife is actually thinking about riding her 2003 Heritage. It has the original tires with 5000 (aprox) miles (yes she rides it often).

So these tires look pretty much like new. I suppose they're still safe. It is always indoors, so there are no cracks or wear due to weather.

What are some other thoughts? Should they be replaced just due to age?

I'm going to change all the fluids (maybe the fork oil too) and the battery.
She thinks I'm neurotic(spl/chk) about maint, but she's never had to call me and say the bike (or car) won't start.


I'm thinking when gas hits 5 bucks a gallon, she might ride more often
(ha ha) Not really funny though. This gas (middle east thing) is going to put our economy back in the tank. I'm worried actually.

 

If they show no signs of dry rot, they'll be fine.

 

My wife also has a 2003 bike she bought new. I just replaced the tyres for two reasons. One is that rubber degrades over time and 7 year-old tyres are getting to the end of their useful life, also there are much better tyres out there! I fitted Avon Venoms, to get better ride quality and grip in all conditions. The usual arguments about getting high mileage don't count in our circumstances! Might as well get the best and enjoy the ride a little more. I should say I sometimes get to ride her bike, if I promise to be good!

My advice is change them.

 

After 6 years you are on hope and prayer. Nomatter how they look. Even the Manufactures say so for autos.

 

I think I'll feel better with new rubber on there.
She's planning a ride here soon (local) and a longer ride 400 mi rd trip in a few months.

I'm thinking Metzlers . Maybe a 140 on the rear. That Dunlap 150 that came stock on there is one hard ridin SOB.
She's not into the wide tire look. Any sugg there?

Then I'll do that compl 10K service on it (even though its only got 5K)
But the trans fluid & prim/fluid was only changed once @ 1K.

I want to drain the fork oil and run heavier oil in it. The HD lwr'g springs are mush. If you're lightly on the frt brake and hit a *small* bump, it will bottom out (CLUNK!!)


Thanks for the input !!!!

 

Stay with the stock tyre sizes, its much easier than messing around with other sizes. My recommendation is Avon Venoms. They give excellent quality ride as well as good grip. Their website will tell you which sizes to select for your wife's bike, also tyre pressures, which will probably be a little higher than for the Dunlops. That's what are on my wife's 03 bike!

 

OK, thanks.