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

Scrap the tire?

yes
35
92%
no
3
8%
 
Total votes: 38

Message
Author
rhd
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2006 5:44 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Baltimore, Maryland

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

#1 Unread post by rhd »

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
1984 Nighthawk 650SC

1991 Nighthawk 250

User avatar
rapidblue
Legendary 500
Legendary 500
Posts: 535
Joined: Wed May 11, 2005 7:05 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Saskatoon, SK

#2 Unread post by rapidblue »

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! :D
80 honda CB750F Super Sport

User avatar
Kal
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 2554
Joined: Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:08 am
Real Name: Jade
Sex: Female
Years Riding: 14
My Motorcycle: 1998 Kawasaki GPZ500S
Location: Nottingham, UK

#3 Unread post by Kal »

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.
Kal...
Relationship Squid...

GPZ500S, CB250N, GB250Clubman

User avatar
flynrider
Legendary 2000
Legendary 2000
Posts: 2391
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2005 1:36 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 30
My Motorcycle: '93 Honda Nighthawk 750
Location: Phoenix, AZ

#4 Unread post by flynrider »

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.
Bikin' John
'93 Honda CB750 Nighthawk

JCS
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 383
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2005 12:19 pm
Sex: Male
Location: NW Ohio

#5 Unread post by JCS »

Replace it immediately.
I would be the old, slow guy. Just let me know where you are going and I'll try to get there before you leave.

User avatar
Kal
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 2554
Joined: Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:08 am
Real Name: Jade
Sex: Female
Years Riding: 14
My Motorcycle: 1998 Kawasaki GPZ500S
Location: Nottingham, UK

#6 Unread post by Kal »

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...
Kal...
Relationship Squid...

GPZ500S, CB250N, GB250Clubman

User avatar
High_Side
Site Supporter - Platinum
Site Supporter - Platinum
Posts: 4532
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2003 2:05 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 48
My Motorcycle: Desert-X, CB1100F, CRF300 Rally, Nightha
Location: Calgary AB, Can

#7 Unread post by High_Side »

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 $$

User avatar
Sev
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 7352
Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 7:52 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta

#8 Unread post by Sev »

Mine get worn out before they staledate.

Replace that tire btw.
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.

[url=http://sirac-sev.blogspot.com/][img]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/Sevulturus/sig.jpg[/img][/url]

rhd
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2006 5:44 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Thanks everyone - I'll get front and back ones

#9 Unread post by rhd »

as you all know, there's really no margin for error on a bike - and old rubber is pushing the odds the wrong way.
1984 Nighthawk 650SC

1991 Nighthawk 250

User avatar
MontyCarlo
Elite
Elite
Posts: 183
Joined: Thu Apr 27, 2006 7:45 am
Sex: Male
Location: Seattle WA

#10 Unread post by MontyCarlo »

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... :twisted: "Nah, honey that tire is fine, now lean a little more into that next curve by the ravine...."
"At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

Post Reply