Recently purchased my '09 Road King Classic with only 1,800 miles on the original tires. My common sense and safety side of my brain says ... Put on new tires. The side of my brain that controls my wallet says ... Let it ride.
Seriously the tire show no sign of abnormal wear, dry rotting or flat spots.
If I was taking a longer or more aggressive run I think I would change them with no regrets but my running around right now is around town and with no issues so far.
Checking to see if anyone has any first hand experience on very old but good tires and recommendations?
Thanks James

 

Listen to the side of your brain that says to change the tires out Old tires are just that; think of tires in terms of time instead of miles in your situation. It's now '17, and tires harden with age. Your tires are worn out not from mileage, but by time.

Every thing you are is riding on two contact patches; never try and save a few dollars when it comes to your tires or your braking components. Change the tires out, and then wear out the new set with mileage

 

Thanks Tincup. My buds were split and just needed to hear someone else say it. Sounds like most people are split on Dunlops and Metzelers also ... Do you have a preference? From what I have gathered the Dunlops have better traction and the Metzelers last longer ... Starting to sound like my original question.

 

I've always been a loyal Pirelli fan on my sport/track bikes and my Dyna's, but hear good things about the Metzeler's. If you have the ability to pull your own wheels, buy your tires at Jake Wilson; best in pricing and fast shipping...

https://www.jakewilson.com/

 

I just changed out the stock tires on my 2010 Road King, and they did have some tread left @ 11K miles, but they're 7 years old and that's simply too old for me. My advice mirrors tincup's, spend the dough and change your tires.

Now I got a little crazy and upgraded from stock 16" spokes to billet 18" hogpros with Dunlop American Elite tires. There's no better time to do a wheel upgrade when it's time to replace tires!

 

Went with the Metzelers. Stayed with white walls on the spokes Sean. Wasn't ready to part with the 'classic' look yet. Really like your wheels ... Nice upgrade.