How old is too old for tires?

[n3303j]

     Thanks. I'm looking for something that doesn't washoff in the rain.

Manufacturer is saying it lasts 4 to 5 weeks in the weather.

[faffi]

As to age... Many moons ago, MOTORRAD magazine got donated a Jeb's helmet that had been in daily use for 11 or 13 years (memory fading) and ran it through the then newest EC test. And it passed.

[n3303j]

As far as 5 year lifespan goes I would assume the lawyers who guide the production of manufacturers' caveats recommended the authors assume the helmet experienced the worst possible handling conditions during storage and use.

[DoubleGuzzi]

^ Just like the max. 5Kg load warning on rear racks. 

[guzzisteve]

I been riding on Avon Venom's since 1993, 1st on the 67 700 then in 05 I stole them off that bike & put them on my LM3, then in 07 after the wreck I put them back on the 67 cause it was still bare rims. Haven't checked, cracked or wore out yet but real close to bald.
I'll ride on old tires as long as they are not cracked, checked or slippery. Use them up.

[Moparnut72]

"I guess you could call Bert Munroe cheap. He cut corners every which way. Did you know that rather than buy expensive racing slicks he made his own? He figured that the only difference between racing slicks and street tires was the amount of tread on them. For high speed, the tread could fly off. So what did he do? He shaved off the tread on a street tire. And he did 200 mph on those tires!"

I read a biography about Bert a number of years ago. The movie made him to be cheap which he kind of was but in the book there were reasons for what he did. He scrounged used tires because he didn't want tread on his tires as it robbed speed. The movie also criticized him for getting steel from plow shares. He did that because the steel in plow shares is high quality able to be drug through rough ground for a very long time. The movie took a lot of liberties which a lot of movies do. Burt was a very smart guy who knew what he was doing.
kk

[Ncdan]

IDK the actual percentage but I think a significant number of riders only wears a helmet because the law requires it and not for personal safety reasons, in the first place??

[DoubleGuzzi]

..only wears a helmet because the law requires it and not for personal safety reasons, in the first place??

Us oldies tend to forget that, especially in the UK where legislation came in late early '70s. I used to wear any old badly fitting, scraped 'bucket' back then - changed days. 

[Edit] to reflect actual date of introduction - 1973.

[faffi]

It came into law on April 1 (no joke) 1977 here in Norway. I remember that was a bit annoying when I began riding in 1980, adding cost that was tough on a strained wallet. Bought a very battered Romer full face helmet from a neighbor. Bought gloves only when my fingers got too cold. Same with my first suit, which was a Belstaff copy with a 100% plastic outer cover that made it 100% water proof, but also offering next to no protection. Melted more than one hole in the pants, though, as I touched the hot exhaust system. Held me dry and warm, though, as it was well insulated. While the first helmet was soon replaced by a new one, it was not until 1988 that I fully realized the benefits of leathers, boots and padded gloves. I also bought a Dainese "turtle" back protector in 1988 or `89, which likely kept me from becoming a paraplegic in 1991 - the protector broke, but I could still walk. Not well because the left side of my rib cage was crushed, and I suffered internal bleeding, but walking is walking

[Motormike]

If you really want to learn about motorcycle tires in today's market, watch this video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lTymA0d6XI


It may open a few eyes!

[Stretch]

Fascinating video, MotorMike!  Thanks!

                           -Stretch

[LowRyter]

My V11 Sport was in the shop for 20 months for transmission repair.  When I got it out, the tires were pretty stiff handled a bit wooden.  The front was replaced because the left side showed significant tread wear.  I replaced it and kept the rear.   Handles OK now.  Dunlop Roadsmart 3 on front...Roadsmart whatever on the back.

[red stripeguz]

If you really want to learn about motorcycle tires in today's market, watch this video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lTymA0d6XI


It may open a few eyes!

The Avon Spirit ST's I have on the V7 were made in Belgium