Original tire - 15 years old - use it or replace it?

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#1 Unread post by **rhd** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:01 pm

Just bought a 1991 bike that has been garaged since new. Both tires are original. The back one has got to be replaced - original owner "flatted" the tread in the middle.

But the front tire looks like new - no cracks, etc. But it is 15 years old.

My older brother, who rode bikes for decades - going back to the Ariels and Indians - said it's fine as long as the rubber isn't cracked etc.

Me, I am real skeptical.

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance, Bob

rapidblue · #2 Unread post by **rapidblue** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:10 pm

the rubber breaks down over time and can become brittle. No way in hell would I ride on that tire, sorry but I think you should bite the bullet and replace the tire. It's your call though, what's your life worth to ya?

enjoy the bike though!

#3 Unread post by **Kal** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:15 pm

I'd be with your brother, as long as the rubber is in good condition then there is no problem.

If you have any doubts about it though it is time to get a new tire, you're riding will be better for it.

flynrider · #4 Unread post by **flynrider** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:02 pm

It may look good, but the rubber has dried out. It probably shows no cracks because it hasn't been rolling with the weight of the bike on it. If it's 15 yrs. old, the cracks will show up soon.

Aside from cracks, rubber that has dried out tends to become hard and somewhat slippery. They will lose traction much easier than a fresh tire.

I've resurrected a few bikes that had ancient tires on them. I rode like I was riding on a wet slippery surface until I could get them replaced.

JCS · #5 Unread post by **JCS** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:17 pm

Replace it immediately.

#6 Unread post by **Kal** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:21 pm

Okay, Now I'm interested... What is the longest you guys would actually continue to use a tire for before replacing regardless of mileage/condition?

Every three years/ every five / every ten...

#7 Unread post by **High_Side** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 10:24 pm

It will be a bowling ball, replace it immediately. The only tire that I have had that was that old was on the front my wifes old 250 and it was deadly. Spend the $$

#8 Unread post by **Sev** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 10:34 pm

Mine get worn out before they staledate.

Replace that tire btw.

#9 Unread post by **rhd** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:42 pm

as you all know, there's really no margin for error on a bike - and old rubber is pushing the odds the wrong way.

MontyCarlo · #10 Unread post by **MontyCarlo** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:54 pm

High_Side wrote:The only tire that I have had that was that old was on the front my wifes old 250 and it was deadly.

The evil part of me smiled when I read that...

"Nah, honey that tire is fine, now lean a little more into that next curve by the ravine...."

CNF2002 · #11 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:55 pm

Replace!

Social Distortion · #12 Unread post by **Social Distortion** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:07 am

replace it....havin your tires fail on you in the streets, freeways or in traffic is no way to find out if they are good or not

MakeCarsStandSTill · #13 Unread post by **MakeCarsStandSTill** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:19 am

Dude you tire is almost as old as i am (missed by three years) GET A NEW ONE!!!!

#14 Unread post by **Kal** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 4:19 am

Yeh but Cars that is no big deal, I've got socks older than you...

jstark47 · #15 Unread post by **jstark47** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 7:03 am

Kal wrote:Yeh but Cars that is no big deal, I've got socks older than you...

Yeah, but motorcycle tires are under a lot more stress than socks.... leastwise, my socks, can't speak for your socks

jbois28 · #16 Unread post by **jbois28** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:22 am

Believe, I read the tire institute recommends replacing tires after 6 years regardless of mileage. I'd replace them immediately, can't say enough about the importance of tires on a bike..

badfish89 · #17 Unread post by **badfish89** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:29 am

get the new tyre bro!

#18 Unread post by **Kal** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 11:13 am

jstark47 wrote:Yeah, but motorcycle tires are under a lot more stress than socks.... leastwise, my socks, can't speak for your socks

My socsk can speak for themselves - they have personality!

No one has come back with a best before date for tires yet... What is the oldest you'd allow a tire to get before you'd change it?

jstark47 · #19 Unread post by **jstark47** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 11:55 am

Personally, I think 5 years is starting to push it for bike tires.

#20 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 1:06 pm

Kal wrote:No one has come back with a best before date for tires yet... What is the oldest you'd allow a tire to get before you'd change it?

I'm lucky to get 6-months out of the rear, 12 from the front. But if I buy used again, I'd replace 'em if they were five years old.

Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Original tire - 15 years old - use it or replace it?

Scrap the tire?

Original tire - 15 years old - use it or replace it?

Thanks everyone - I'll get front and back ones