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The tires of your motorcycle are the only thing that connects you to the road. So riding with expired tires is like playing Russian roulette with your life. But how can you tell when your tires are past their prime? And how old is too old for motorcycle tires?
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about determining tire age, detecting wear and deciding when to replace your motorcycle’s shoes. You’ll learn how to read DOT date codes, what the experts say about tire life, and dispel the myth that tread depth equals safety.
Riding a motorcycle is all about safety and the feeling of freedom. Keep your motorcycle’s shoes fresh and enjoy many more miles of safe and confident riding.
The Key Points from this Article:
- Motorcycle tires degrade over time as compounds break down, even if tread looks OK
- Check tire sidewalls for the DOT date code to determine age
- Replace tires at least every 5-6 years per industry standards
- Look for cracking, hardening, deformities as signs of deterioration
- Don’t buy into the myth that tread depth equals safety
- Follow manufacturer and expert recommendations for tire replacement
- Proper maintenance can maximize tire life, but materials still age
Stay tuned and you’ll learn how to keep your bike’s shoes in top shape!
Never skimp on tire safety after my painful crash
I’ve always been a frugal guy, and I used my tires way too long without looking at the expiration date to save money, which wasn’t so smart. One day I leaned into a corner and my front tire lost traction, and the next thing I knew I was sliding across the asphalt. Luckily it was just a graze, but it could have been a lot worse.
After my painful crash, I vowed never to skimp on tire maintenance again. Good tires grip the road so you can ride in a controlled and safe manner. Worn, cracked, or otherwise damaged tires put you at high risk of a crash. It’s just not worth it.
If you’re looking for a reliable source for new and quality motorcycle tires, I highly recommend checking out Tires-Online.net. They offer a wide selection and expert advice to ensure you ride on safe and dependable rubber.
How to read date codes on motorcycle tires
On the subject of how old is too old for motorcycle tires, I can tell you a little story about a friend of mine. Robert, the saver, got a fantastic deal on a used motorcycle from a friend who needed money fast. But what Robert didn’t know, and what the friend who needed money fast apparently didn’t tell him, was, that the tires were old. Really old – a decade old!
But because the tread seemed to be in good condition, Robert didn’t suspect anything and didn’t look into it. After all, he didn’t think his friend would cheat on him. But his misconception was proven wrong when, during a ride, the rear tire developed a crack in the sidewall that would have been his undoing at high speeds.
Therefore, it is extremely important for your safety on the road that you can read the code on your motorcycle tire. The DOT code serves as a time capsule for the age of your tire, and trust me, this knowledge is essential if you’re riding on rubber that could be considered old.
Remember the last four digits of the DOT code, which is usually shown as XXXX XXXX OOOO. These are important and indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a code ending in 1214 means the tire was manufactured in the 12nd week of 2014.
An old tire is, of course, an unsafe tire. By checking the dates regularly, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to say goodbye to your current rubber and put on a new set. Remember, your life depends on grip, so don’t play around with tires that are past their prime! Otherwise you’ll soon be past your best!
How old is too old for motorcycle tires and how do tires actually deteriorate?
Understanding the tire aging process
Even if your tires still have plenty of tread and look good, the rubber will break down over time. Remember Robert? Oils in the compound evaporate, chemicals react, and the material hardens. Just like food left in the refrigerator for too long goes bad, the ingredients in your tires destabilize over the years.
Factors that affect tire aging
Several things accelerate the aging process of motorcycle tires:
- Exposure to sun and ozone causes the rubber to crack. Keeping tires covered when not riding slows deterioration.
- Changes in temperature cause the rubber to expand and contract, weakening it over time.
- Improper storage in very hot or cold conditions accelerates compound degradation.
My buddy keeps his bike outside all year. His tires aged twice as fast as mine in a garage. Temperature changes and UV rays quickly took their toll. Here are 3 important tips to extend the life of your tires. How long are motorcycle tires good for? 3 importend tips to extend tire life
Signs of Tire Wear and Damage
Look for:
- Cracks in the tread or sidewall rubber
- Deformation such as flat spots or bulging
- Hardening and loss of shock absorption
- Decreased grip and traction problems
If you see cracks, deformation or other red flags, replace the tire as soon as possible.
If you’re in search of a trustworthy destination for top-notch motorcycle tires, I strongly suggest exploring Tires-Online.net. Their extensive range and knowledgeable guidance ensure you ride on secure and reliable rubber.
Unmasking the Tire Age Myth
Drivers occasionally claim that the age of their tires doesn’t matter as long as the tread is in good condition. This notion is dangerously misleading and foolish. The outer tread may look sturdy, but don’t be fooled – the rubber compounds inside are probably past their prime.
Don’t let the outside fool you, it’s the inside that counts. By the Way, this does not only apply to tires
Of course, the phrase “how old is too old for motorcycle tires” brings back memories of discussions with fellow riders about this misconception. I once met a motorcyclist who swore by the longevity of his old tires and claimed that the only measure of safety was tread depth. What a b*ll sh#t.
Insights from tire experts
Contrary to such claims, safety authorities such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation advocate replacing tires after more than 5 years, regardless of tread depth.
The manager of my local tire store, a seasoned professional, takes an even more conservative stance. He refuses to install tires older than 3 years because he has seen numerous premature failures and blowouts due to aged rubber. To him, the date code is an undeniable truth.
Emphasize regular tire maintenance
Proper tire inflation, alignment, storage and load management can extend tire life, but they cannot stop the inevitable wear and tear of materials over time.
Following the 5-year tire rotation guideline is a smart move. Driving on a 10-year-old set of tires may seem like a temptation to tempt fate, but is it really worth the risk?
Riding a motorcycle is an amazing experience when you have good tires. Don’t let expired rubber put you at risk. Following age recommendations, watching for signs of deterioration, and not buying into myths will keep your bike’s shoes fresh.
