Tire question (no not which one to buy)

[Ceebass68]

Recently picked up a '99 Interstate with 58k on odo. Took me a few weeks (mostly waiting on parts) but, finally got her started. Bike had been sitting for a few years (6).

Bike has tires with FULL tread but, they are 10 years old. Bike was kept in garage and tires look and feel great. Kinda "sticky" to the touch almost like new. Rode today with no issues in the turns/sweeps.

Would you replace or ride em out? Tried to upload pic but file size was too large.

Thanks

[Gabriel]

Here is one thing I know about old/older tires, they loose their grip and get harder over time, I'm surprised to hear you say these are sticky.
Also ozone kills rubber so just be careful.

There are other events taking place within the tire, like the compounds used in the rubber deteriorates over time and the rubber is what holds the tire together, not the belts.

[old2soon]

10 year old tires? My ass in the saddle-NO how NO way. I've had flats on M/Cs before-NOT something I'd care to repeat. Check out the Loaded Weight of a 99 I/S-The ask yerself-are 10 year old tires REALLY worth the effort? RIDE SAFE.

[Ceebass68]

Yeah, kind of my same gut feeling. I was just so surprised at the ride today, made me start to question my thinking. thought I'd ask for opinions... seems a shame to tear off full tread but...I get it. Thanks

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yeah, kind of my same gut feeling. I was just so surprised at the ride today, made me start to question my thinking. thought I'd ask for opinions... seems a shame to tear off full tread but...I get it.

Wise decision 

[gordonv]

Lets put it this way. Who else will be on the bike with you? Is it WORTH their life if you are wrong, and should have replaced the tire?

My life only? As described. No signs of cracking? I think I would ride the %4xt out of it this year (miles), and replace it over the winter down time. This replacing because they are over X years, is a reasonably new thing, but then, you are only on 2 tires.

What is your risk factor?

You would be surprised how little you can pay for a mounted tire on a rim, if you search for one. Would pick up a nice spare rim for the future. I think I bought each of mine for around $100 with 60-70% rubber.

[Mtn Valk]

Agree with gordonv. If you are the only one in the saddle ride the p out of it this year. You will probably see the tire wear very quickly because of the old age of the compounds in tire breaking down.

[davit]

I can guarantee you that fresh/good rubber will stick the corners better when you hit that teeny bit of invisible sand and begin to low-side.  Even if you remain upright crapping your pants will ruin your day.  Change the tires.

[Ceebass68]

My normal riding, I think I could get away with running them rest of year. I'm 99.9% one-up. I'm taking a trip in May to Tail of Dragon with some buddies. More I think about it, and hear your suggestions, more I think just DO it...

Thanks guys, very helpful!

[davit]

My normal riding, I think I could get away with running them rest of year. I'm 99.9% one-up. I'm taking a trip in May to Tail of Dragon with some buddies. More I think about it, and hear your suggestions, more I think just DO it...

Thanks guys, very helpful!

The thing is, it's got nothing to do with "normal" riding. It's the "one off" circumstance that comes up that will screw you over. But it's your life.

[Cracker Jack]

And if it's a car tire, you won't make it to the mail box!!

[h13man]

10 yr. old tires and then riding to/on the Dragon? Replace them. Tires do rot from the inside out as mentioned without outside climate exposures. Would you possibly like to have a piece of your ride on the "Tree of shame"?

[Gavin_Sons]

I would replace them. I would not be willing to take a fall and trash my bike over a few hundred dollars worth of tires. If they have the junk rubber valve stems on them still, replace them with nice 90 degree metal ones. Perfect time to polish those wheels while they are off also 

[da prez]

  Just remember , a flat tire is only fifty percent of the road contact , unlike a car where it is twenty five percent. Is your butt worth twenty five percent.   Y E S  new tires can and do fail. If you are a serious gambler , then go for it (not).    If you need new (you D O ) valve stems , I will send you a set.

                                      da prez

[old2soon]

10 yr. old tires and then riding to/on the Dragon? Replace them. Tires do rot from the inside out as mentioned without outside climate exposures. Would you possibly like to have a piece of your ride on the "Tree of shame"?

               What he said in SPADES! If you've Never seen "the tree of shame" it WILL git yer tenshun!    Also if you've never been before pay ATTENTION to the speed limit and the center line. Back in 14 my Brother and I hit it early on a Sunday. We were leaving Deals Gap as they were unloading crotch rockets outa trailers and such like. BUT git those tires R & Rd- A S A P-PLEASE.  RIDE SAFE.

[Ceebass68]

Thanks for the suggestions and support guys. I like the idea of metal valve stems. I HAVE sen the tree of shame in pics. Dont want to be remembered there!!!

Have the Pirelli Night Dragons on my VTX and lov'em. Guess I'll go that way

*UPDATE* ok it appears Pirelli doesnt make a Night Dragon for the front of a Valk. Avon Cobras it is...

[Ceebass68]

. If they have the junk rubber valve stems on them still, replace them with nice 90 degree metal ones. 

Any idea where I get these?

[The emperor has no clothes]

. If they have the junk rubber valve stems on them still, replace them with nice 90 degree metal ones. 

Any idea where I get these?

I like these, I think they look better. But a lot of the guys go for the ones from Jake Wilson with the nuts on the outside of the rim.
http://patchboy.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=17-562&Category_Code=6-3
Either way, it's probably the best thing you can add to your bike. 

[Hef]

I consider my tires to be one of the most important safety factors of my bike. I buy good tires and am almost overboard on keeping properly inflated. Never take chances when it comes to tires.....Ever have a blowout at 70 mph? If so, you certainly understand the need for good tires!

[Ceebass68]

Any idea where I get these?
[/quote]I like these, I think they look better. But a lot of the guys go for the ones from Jake Wilson with the nuts on the outside of the rim.
Either way, it's probably the best thing you can add to your bike. 
[/quote]

Thanks Meathead! Tires and 90• stems on way from Jake Wilson. Good prices and fast/easy order process. Was gonna buy thru Motorcycle Superstore but, have been screwed on tires there before. Rather not deal with them if I dont have to...!

[Gavin_Sons]

I use these.

https://www.kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=169&products_id=72&osCsid=1ane50vv3rfrs2coisldbtk9m1

[Gavin_Sons]

meatheads look the same as mine and cheaper  guess you pay for that sticker they send you that says "motorcycle stuff, not porn"