Currently have an 08 SG, ~9k miles with original tires (bought this summer with 5k).
Just curious with those likely being made in '07ish, and approaching end of '14, how much traction/grip I'm losing out on with those being older. Are they considered older?

Will admit I drive a bit like I stole it, coming from sport bikes so like to get my lean on and certainly need those brakes/tires performing well.

How old until people suggest a change? What sort of mileage should I expect to see keeping them around?

Thanks!
Sean

 

Old tires crack and get hard hurting traction and comfort. Take a look at the side walls, if you see any cracks, get rid of then. My experiense is that over 5 years, motorcycle tires are done, too old.

 

Check for cracks from dry rot! I'd put some Dunlop E-3 or Michelin commanders on for aggressive riding.

 

I'd put new tires on without thinking about it. You only have two tires and if one goes bad you are going to have a problem on your hands.

 

I am surprised that you would pass inspection.

I have a 12 SG, i just turned 7,000 miles, went to inspection last week,
they said i have about a 1/4 season left on the treads. Already showing a couple cracks
on the sidewalls as well.

 

5+ year old tires? maybe OK on my mother in law's bike, but not on mine. Just sayin'

 

lol OK OK point taken gentlemen.
No bike inspection required around these parts.

Took some pictures, don't look so bad to me but understood the rubber won't be nearly as quality now. Unless I can't read tires very well?





Will likely ride out the rest of the season carefully then pick up some new rubber in the spring.
Thanks!

 

I'm really surprised to see how good they look. They do look like new tires. You know there are date stamps on tires. Some where on the sidewall will be a week.year stamped on it. usually some letters followed by 3208 for 32nd week of 2008. Sometimes they dont put the 0 in front of the year so it would be 328 Maybe they are newer than you think?

 

When I was vintage bike racing there was a guy using tires from 10 years prior - he was fast as heck; the tires on my 73 vette were 15 years old and were fine... they seem to lose their wet grip sooner than dry grip so be careful in the rain. so even if the lawyers say replace after 5 years, if you know your bike you will know when they aren't performing well.

 

Nothing wrong with those tires, other than they are Dunlop's