FizzySix
Drunken Philosopher
I have an '05 purchased used in '06 with (presumably) stock Dunlops.
I knew the tires were reaching the end of their useful life, and intended to replace them with a matched pair this past summer (I was eyeing some Contis).
Apparently, the rear tire didn't have as much tread left as I thought, as it failed a NYS safety inspection at the end of '09 (surprise!), the season before I intended to replace the tires. I had the mechanic throw a Metzler Sportec M3 he had in-stock on the back so I could have my bike back, and went on my way. No research or anything, just OK'd the tire he recommended (yeah, I know) .
The front looks fine; no cracks/dry rot that I can see. I know you're supposed to run the better tire in the front, not rear, but I don't really push the limits (at least not when anyone is looking) :thumbup:
However, the front could be 4-6 years old now?
When would you all replace a serviceable front tire due entirely to age? I did a search, and see that age compromises a tire's stickiness, but found no guidelines on max age.
My riding style, if it guides your responses: weekend recreational rider, no commuting any more since my office moved (so no interstates), 1-2 overnight trips a season, and riding temps down into the 50's (F) with the rare 40's when I really need a riding fix. The bike is subjected to sub-freezing temps in the off season while hibernating.
Thanks!
I knew the tires were reaching the end of their useful life, and intended to replace them with a matched pair this past summer (I was eyeing some Contis).
Apparently, the rear tire didn't have as much tread left as I thought, as it failed a NYS safety inspection at the end of '09 (surprise!), the season before I intended to replace the tires. I had the mechanic throw a Metzler Sportec M3 he had in-stock on the back so I could have my bike back, and went on my way. No research or anything, just OK'd the tire he recommended (yeah, I know) .
The front looks fine; no cracks/dry rot that I can see. I know you're supposed to run the better tire in the front, not rear, but I don't really push the limits (at least not when anyone is looking) :thumbup:
However, the front could be 4-6 years old now?
When would you all replace a serviceable front tire due entirely to age? I did a search, and see that age compromises a tire's stickiness, but found no guidelines on max age.
My riding style, if it guides your responses: weekend recreational rider, no commuting any more since my office moved (so no interstates), 1-2 overnight trips a season, and riding temps down into the 50's (F) with the rare 40's when I really need a riding fix. The bike is subjected to sub-freezing temps in the off season while hibernating.
Thanks!