Tire change?

[fleurya]

It's me again with a question concerning livespan of a motorcycle part... this time I want to aks you guys what is the average lifespam of the tires? I have a suzuki GZ250 and a Shadow 750 both with aprox 10000 miles... do i need to worry about changing them soon? :??:

[jonathan180iq]

If you still have tread and the motorcycle is relatively new, then you're probably OK. If the bikes are older and/or the tread is wearing down, it's probably time for a replacement.

Also, unless you are incredibly strong, this isn't something that you can do alone.
Take 'em in.

Take care,
Jonathan

[RonWhitm]

Good timing on this question.
I noticed this weekend both my tires are beginning to show those tiny cracks in the sidewall. They are two years old and still have plenty of tread. Should I be concerned? I think I read somewhere you should change them every two years needed or not? Some advice please.
Ron

[Easy Rider]

Good timing on this question.
I noticed this weekend both my tires are beginning to show those tiny cracks in the sidewall. They are two years old and still have plenty of tread. Should I be concerned? I think I read somewhere you should change them every two years needed or not? Some advice please.
Ron

Opinions are like...........well, you know. :roll:

The key word is "tiny". As long as they stay tiny and are more or less evenly distributed around the tire it is NOT a problem. This is especially true when there is a tube inside.

Sunlight is a tire's worst enemy (except for sharp objects). If the bike is outside ALL the time, it will likely need tires more often.

Anybody who changes tires every 2 years "needed or not", has more money than brains.
:tup:

[RonWhitm]

Thanks Easy, that's encouraging. I really am not ready to tackle tire changes at this time. The closest bike shop is about 35 miles up the road, real inconvenient for quick repairs, especially when it is your only transportation. And yes, it is out in the sun every day. I'll keep an eye on the cracks now I know they are there. I would hate to have one come apart at 40+ mph. I know what a low speed crash feels like, I don't want to know about a high speed one.

[jonathan180iq]

There is too much rubber for the tire to just come apart, unless the bike is somehow 30 years old and the tires are turning into rubber-dust while you are pulling them out of the wheel wells of you '76 midget.

Even then, the tire will carry you down the road, but you can expect it to perform at a respectable level.
(ie; turning shaprly or leaning, as on a motorcycle)

[RonWhitm]

More encouragement, thanks again.