Tire life span

[Suzukidave]

Are there any real facts on how long a bike tire should be used .. i know even if it has a bunch of tread it should be replaced but how long is that ?

[Suzukidave]

Thanx guys .. did a google search and found the answer.... " Since rubber has a tendency to degrade as time goes on, tires are limited to a maximum shelf life of 6 years. This rule applies to all tires made for motorcycles and automobiles, new or used. Even though they may look structurally sound, if your tires are older than six years, replace them immediately. You can identify the age of a tire by locating the four-digit number imprinted onto the tire's sidewall. The first two digits represent what week of the year the tire was manufactured, while the last two digits denote the year. So, a tire with 3306 was made on the 33rd week of 2006. Tires made prior to 2000 use a three digit code: 339 or 33rd week of 1999, for example."

[Suzukidave]

I know my bike's rear was good as it was replaced after a nail stuck in it several years ago but wondered about the front . Its dated 0703 so according to the info it was made Feb. of 03 so it does look like its time for it to be replaced .

[tz375]

Tire grip is overrated. The tires on my RZ are ... well let's just say they fall outside those guidelines.

Bad news is they are getting hard. Good news is that they are so hard that they can't get much harder. They will be replaced some time soon.

On our race bikes where we don't get to a lot of races, it's a pain to take off tires with most of the tread still looking good, until teh replacement tires arrive and they are so much softer that it makes you question what is going on...

They do get hard though. I gave away a set of Dunlop triangular tires not so long ago. They looked fine, but were harder that the driveway.

[Suzukidave]

Well to finish the story i pulled the front and took it up to a near by Cycle Gear store and they sold me a Michelin Pilot "Power" that is a good sport / touring tire for a fair price out the door so i am fixed up for a while . I even threw down for the road hazard warranty for a few bucks more .. they replace it free during the first 1/4 of tread life and a included balance .

[tz375]

Dave is that for el bandito or the GSXRbeast?

[Suzukidave]

Yeah .. it was for the Bandit that did the flounder act Jan. 1st