How do you know when you need a new tire? I haven't been a bike owner for long, but just by the looks of it, it seems like it needs replacing.
There are a couple of factors...
Most tires have a wear indicator (I high point in one of the grooves where there is some extra rubber sticking up.. When that is level with the rest of the tire wear, that is when it is recommended to replace the tire..
You can also use a Quarter and put it in the groove, if the rubber does not reach Washington' head, it's time to think about replacing.
IF you have a lot of weather cracking in the side walls, recommended to replace the tire
Motorcycle tires also get harder as they get older.. So you have have a tire that has lots of tread left, but might be 5+ years old.. You should think about replacing the tire as it will not have the traction of a new tire...
All of these are up to you, your riding style, how far you ride, how much $$$ you have, etc. etc.. but these are some basic guidelines.. IMO
Quote from: hootmon on April 15, 2010, 03:46:33 PM
You can also use a Quarter and put it in the groove, if the rubber does not reach Washington' head, it's time to think about replacing.
I always thought it was a penny and Lincoln head.
Quote from: Magnum Magna on April 15, 2010, 11:11:42 PM
I always thought it was a penny and Lincoln head.
It is for car tires, but it is recommended to replace a tire on a motorcycle earlier..
Please understand.. I live in a place that many months a year we have some nice weather.. I've violated several of these rules. It's not smart, but it's true..
Advice is advice and reality is reality.. that's why they are guidelines..
Is a more worn tire more likely to be punctured - Absolutely
Are you more likely to skid/slide on an older more worn tire - Absolutely
Follow the guidelines IF you can.. Pray often no matter what the condition of your tires are, and even more if they are not in top condition.
I usually don't change it until I see threads in the tire. :lol:
Also you can look up the date codes on the side of the tire.
Quote from: silveradocowboy on April 17, 2010, 08:13:44 AM
Also you can look up the date codes on the side of the tire.
I have replaced tires on one bike because of age. In trying to decide, I deflated to a low pressure, and the cracks in the sidewalls showed cords, so I knew it was time...
Quote from: silveradocowboy on April 17, 2010, 08:13:44 AM
Also you can look up the date codes on the side of the tire.
This is what my front tire says apart from the sizing and make (it's a typical Dunlop K555 120/80 17):
E11 75-R 000290 2913
This site (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11) says that third number could possibly be the date, making it made in week 29 of year 0 of 'that' decade - IF it's a pre-2000 tire.
The quarter text puts the tread at half the distance of the edge to Washington's head on both front and back in the center of the tire. The side treads are good so the previous owner rode it like I thought he did, in a straight line and very conservatively. He was a mild mannered bloke that rode it to work occasionally.
Any thoughts on its age? Probably time to change them both anyway but I'm curious.
Cheers, DR.
Hi All,
Thanks DR for the tire link it was full of good info. I would like to buy a set of S11 Spitfires for my 84 VF700C but they only make a 120/90-18 for the front and my spec is a 110/90-18 can I mount the wider tire and still have a safe ride?
Thanks
I called Global Motor sports in Hstn and he has a front tire but says it's >2 yrs old and to call him back for the date code.
I am hesitant to make the second call. Any thoughts? I will be going to Hstn on the 16th and was going to have the tire changed then.
Quote from: Troystg on April 07, 2011, 12:16:12 PM
I called Global Motor sports in Hstn and he has a front tire but says it's >2 yrs old and to call him back for the date code.
I am hesitant to make the second call. Any thoughts? I will be going to Hstn on the 16th and was going to have the tire changed then.
I wouldn't hessitate to buy a 2yr old new tire. I contacted Avon because I found a tire that was over a year old and they said that 2 years in stock was no big deal. Global Motorsports is where I buy all my tires and they are kept in a climate controlled enviroment. I wouldn't hessitate calling Ed anytime.