How old is too old for a tyre?

The tyres may have renewed check for a date , think its a 4 digit code is 0705 which would be July 05 or something like that, other than that if they're not cracked or damaged I'd probably use em, but if it was my lad reckon I'd change em

 

The tyres aren't going to be fantastic but as long as they haven't got any flat spots they should be ok. I wouldn't really suggest they would the best for scratching.

Most probably a good idea to give the bike a proper going over as carbs block up over time and the brakes could do with a clean out and fluid change along with the engine and filter.

Cheers

Steve

 

SteveJ has a good point, brake fluid change is probably the single most important job. Use a syringe to empty the reservoir to just above the drain hole, then refill with new fluid, bleed until new fluid comes through. That way you don't get air in the system so it's a much quicker job.

As for tyres they're not going to be as good as new but it's middle of winter, tyres are going to be cold a lot of the time, surfaces are going to be slippery, if they look Ok I'd go with them. Just impress on your son that he's NOT Guy Martin!! Out of interest, what tyres are fitted at present? I wouldn't worry about minor cracking between the treads, this happens with some tyres early on, obviously deep cracks or side wall cracking is bad news.

PS. nice bike!

 

Best trick I use is bleed the brakes and then tie the brake and clutch lever to the bars with a zip tie overnight as any bubbles will be forced up with the pressure of them being on.

 

If they are squared off does it really matter how old they could be? Go on treat the lad, give him a comfortable and safe ride!

 

If it was me Richard, I would change them. For my lad I would definately change them.

 

Richard

Might be an idea to put a bit of this in the tank every time you fill up as it keeps the carbs on my T300 clean.

Last ages as well.

Marvel Mystery Oil and Fuel Additive Engine Hydraulic Lifter and Valve Treatment | eBay

 

There is no age limits or time life when it comes to tyres....They wear differently with use, agression, terrain, weather....I was always told that when it comes to your bike, tyres and brakes are two things that should'nt be left to chance. If they look ok with plenty of tread then keep em on. Have a look for a wear indicator for a general idea.

 

For the sake of around £150 a pair, I'd change them for both safety and handling reasons.

 

Is that not just the same as RedeX? ... seems to do the same job...(I often stick a bottle into the car for performance/emission reasons)

 

I had exactly this query (dilemma?) when I got the Thunderbird last year. Tyres looked in excellent condition but were manufactured in 06 and had barely been used since 08. In the end the risk of perishing rubber wasn't worth it compared to £180 for a new set.

 

Nice to hear that Richard. Better safe than sorry.

 

FYI & Every day is a school day chaps eh!

ADVICEBUYING GUIDE

When should I change my tyres?

WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TYRES?
The tyre is the only point of contact between your machine and the road.
It’s essential to maintain the quality and performance of your tyres. With this in mind, we advise you to observe the safety rules and recommendations on use.
Ignoring these recommendations may have a negative effect on vehicle performance and it may also cause problems of use and faulty operation of the tyre which might compromise the safety of the user and third parties.

Tyres which are checked regularly last longer.

In, practice, you are advised to make a weekly check on:

• the condition of your tyres
• the tread depths
• any damage due to impacts or any abnormal sign of wear

and check your tyre pressures twice a month.

If you are in any doubt, ask the opinion of an expert. He’ll be able to tell you whether your tyres are still fit for use.

SIX REASONS FOR CHANGING YOUR TYRES
Below you’ll find six reasons for checking whether or not you need to change your tyres.

In certain situations, a tyre can be repaired. The tyre must be inspected very carefully, both inside and out, before any repairs are carried out.

Repairs can only be done by a specialist since the tyre has to be removed to check whether the interior has suffered any damage not visible from the outside.

1. The tyre is punctured
Although they are very strong and capable of withstanding a lot of impacts, tyres may sometimes puncture.

If your tyre punctures, it must be examined by a professional mechanic. He alone can make sure that the interior of the tyre has not suffered any damage meaning that it cannot be repaired.

Here are a few safety tips to follow if you suffer a flat tyre out on the road:

• Your passenger’s safety and your own is THE priority: make sure you stop your bike in a protected area well away from the road
• Turn the engine off
• Switch on your hazard lights
• Put on your high-visibility jacket
• Place your warning triangle at a distance of 100 metres back down the road from your vehicle

And remember: Your safety comes first!

2. The legal wear limit is reached
How do you make a regular check on the wear of your tyres? Simple.

At the top of the sidewalls on MICHELIN tyres, markings in the shape of the Michelin Man indicate the location of the wear indicators. Looking like little bumps, they are located in the bottom of the main grooves

When the depth of rubber remaining gets to the level of this mark, the tyre has reached the legal wear limit of 1 mm.
Michelin strongly recommend you to change your tyres even before this limit is reached.
If you go beyond this wear limit, safety, grip and performance are no longer guaranteed, particularly on wet roads. Besides this, you’re breaking the law.

Whatever the case, even with a more than 1 mm of wear left, your safety depends on adapting your speed and riding style to the external conditions, particularly on wet roads.

3. The tyres show signs of ageing
It’s difficult to predict how long a tyre can be used. It doesn’t depend on their date of manufacture. Tyres which have never been used, or just used occasionally, may show signs of ageing.
Several factors may affect the service life of tyres: climatic conditions, conditions of storage and use, load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, riding style, etc.
Each of them may alter the expected service life considerably.

For all these reasons, Michelin recommend that all riders should regularly spend a few minutes on checking their tyres so as to detect any external signs of ageing or wear, such as deformation or crazing on the tread, shoulder or sidewalls, etc.
Consequently, Michelin advise you to get your tyres checked regularly, including the spare wheel, by a professional mechanic. His inspection will confirm whether or not you can continue to use them.

The 5 year test – before it’s too late!

When they’ve been in use for 5 years or more, tyres must be examined annually by a professional mechanic.
If they need to be changed, follow the bike manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the replacement of original equipment. As a precaution, any tyre which has not been replaced after 10 years must be changed, even if its general condition seems good and it has not reached the limit of wear.

 

I bought these for £125 inc pp. Dealer said he'd fit em for £50...

Don't use old rubber. It'll only split

, and then she'll be up the duff.

 

Thanks fer posting that Stiff, and I reckon it was never a option really. Family riding a bike I'm looking after, I would never have peace of mind. Had to do it for my wife's little HD, even tho it won't do many miles, peace of mind is everything.