Tire Age Question

[carolinarider09]

I have three bikes.  A 2003 Valkyrie, a 2007 ST1300 and a 2015 Goldwing.  The Goldwing gets more travel miles than the other two bikes combined because it's the one the wife likes for our road trips.

Anyway, I don't change the tires on the Valkyrie or the ST until the tread depth gets below 2/32" or so.

I have been changing the tires on the Goldwing when the front tire tread depth gets below 2/32".  Today, it is at 1/32".  So a change is needed before this years trips. 

It is very hard to measure the tread depth on the rear tire so, I just change it more or less every 8,000 - 9,000 miles.

Now the question.  I have a front tire I purchased new over two years ago.  It's a Bridgestone Extendra.  It has been sitting in the garage and I was wondering if just sitting around like that could affect the tires life. 

In other words, is it safe to use?

The tire in question:




And how I intend to get the tire and the bike to the dealer.  Oh, using the local Honda Dealer because the person I use to use is no longer in business. Hard to find a local dealer or shop that will do tire changes on my Hondas. 



I purchase it about seven or eight years go so we could carry more stuff (wife and I) on multi-day road trips. 

[F6Dave]

I've never had a problem with Bridgestone tires (but have with Avon and Dunlop) and the front runs much cooler than the rear. Doesn't sound like a big risk to me.

[Jess from VA]

Bill, only two years, I don't think you should have a problem.  (Probably better to have been indoors than out in heat and cold.  Hopefully no sun.)

The general rule is MC tires should be changed every 6 years after date of manufacture (look for week and year code on sidewall), so how long from manufacture date, not date of purchase, Is your question.

On the sidewall next to the U.S. DOT tire identification number you will find a 4-digit number. The first 2 digits indicate the week of its manufacture and the last two are for the year.  For example, 0916 translates to the 9th week in the year 2016.

I also read that tires begin to degrade (from Heat, UV light & Ozone) after 3 years.

Understanding that dealers and bike shops like to sell new tires, when you go it to get it mounted, ask their opinion.   

[carolinarider09]

Gentlemen, thanks for the feedback.

Jess, I shall look for the data.  I knew it was there somewhere.   

Tire was keep in the garage.

[Hook#3287]

Jim, like Pluggy states, out of the sun in storage, I'd use it.

I wonder who started all this "replace tires in (whatever) year of age" stuff?

Thinking they work in the tire industry.

Inspect, no visual defect, install.

[LadyDraco]

I also would use it in a heart beat.. Kept indoors 
So you know where to look

[h13man]

The date code age on the tire is the determining factor but if stored properly, go for it. Exedra 701/702 are my choice.

[Rams]

That date code does matter (a lot) but, much depends on your riding style.   I don't believe you're an aggressive rider so, if that date code isn't more than 6 or so years, I'd run it.  Of course, I'm no longer an aggressive rider.

Rams

[ridingron]

If you decide to not use it, let me know. I'll come by and pick it up.

[cookiedough]

preferred indoors out of heat cold and sun storage, but even say 4-5 years non use in proper storage is fine to mount but would check for any dry rot but highly unlikely even 5-6 years if new and not used.  i have a front tire ready to go on one of my valks sitting in my basement past 4 years not used up probably should get it on since that old front tire although having tread left, am sure is over 10 years old and is HARD compound.

[carolinarider09]

I will be using it.  I thought I found the date code but... now not so sure.  Here is the picture.

[vanagon40]

Manufactured in the 11th week of 2022.

[HayHauler]

Correct, that is the DOT date code oval.  March of 2022.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[LadyDraco]

The (VBB) code I think is  the weight and speed rating code...
As every one said  made on the 11th week of 2022..

[carolinarider09]

Thanks to all for the responses.  It is nice to have experts that can be relied on. 

[f6john]

I've got a new Cobra front tire hanging in my garage that has never seen more than a few hours of daylight. Don't remember  how long I've had it but it's probably 5 or 6 years. When it comes to my Valkyrie just call me Chief Procastinator!

[GiG]

Stone Age...
Bronze Age ...
Tire Age... 
Went with Shinko front tire last time & would use  it again !  CT on rear, no issues   

[Oss]

lol

I have a taxi tire at least that old.... and if inclined I would put it on the back of my valk
just havnt worn out that 200 series bridgestone

been sittin in the basement  off the floor about 60 degrees yr round

Just have not put enough miles on my bike in a good while as I was using the bmw for commuting