What do you guys say about 4 year old OEM Dunlop tires with only 6k on them on a heavy Ultra Classic. No cracks in side walls and still more than 1/2 the tread. Replace anyway or go another season?

I'm looking at picking up a non ridden 2009 Garage Queen from a divorce estate sale. Things covered in dust and mouse droppings and has some minor scratching from bicycles and garden tools laying up against it. So far all I see that it needs is a good buffing and cleaning, a complete fluid change, a battery, and a new seat. The tires are still holding plenty of air and look to be in good shape, although they are 4 years old? Everything is apparently OEM and it only has 5970 miles on it and it started right up with my battery installed. I can pick it up for $9500.00 cash!

 

I say ride 'em! I wouldn't even think twice about it. But I'm sure you'll get a lot of naysayers here.

If the bike has been sitting in a garage the tires useful life will be extended over those that have been sitting outside in the elements, especially the sun.

 

You wouldn't think twice if it was a car or truck right?

Just wait until the pencil pushers get in here and tell you about flat spots and yada yada... Nonsense.. Ride the friggin thing and have fun.. Any flat spots will be gone after a mile or two..

 

I say to change them... The internal cords could be stressed from sitting in one position a long time & could lead to unexpected failure. You saved a bunch by buying the bike so be safe & put on new tires. You wouldnt need to do it immediately but I would change them before summer.

 

I guess I'm a naysayer. You can ride it but you will feel that old hard rubber and when you do get new tires the difference will be night and day.

 

I'm with the naysayers! You came and asked, so you are already halfway to replacing them!

 

Comprise


Spend 300
Buying tires online. Pull them yourself and take to Indy to mount.


400 or less and you know
Where you are at.

 

No cracks in the side walls and plenty of tread life? I say Ride the Hell out of them!

 

Ride them but be mindful od cornering too fast. I rode some that were over 10 years old and just cruising back roads and getting to know the bike was ok for me, I did not run them on long freeway trips because did not want to heat them up. Put about 1500 miles on them before making up my mind which tires to run, I chose Michelins.
Take some pics of a couple huge smoky burnouts before you replace !!

 

Your looking in the wrong place for cracks. If you've already got the bike home and proper air pressure in the tires, look in the valley of the treads for cracks. It'll look like it may have been caused by something hit on the road but that's not the case. I've seen a lot of Dunlops separate due to age but still had lots of tread left. As stated earlier you can replace both relatively cheap. Peace of mind is priceless.