Tires...Is this bad ???

[RichInFla]

I've read here that the tires have tubes...Given that, is this bad ???

[patrick_777]

Yes. Replace it. Actually, replace both.

This can cause sudden tire failure which (depending on speed and the rider's emergency "skill") can cause a life-threatening crash. The tube is simply to hold the air in and will not provide support for a failed sidewall. You may not have leakage with this like you would a radial, but if this rips completely free then the tire will shred violently at almost any speed.

What is the DOT code on the side of your tire? This should tell you how old it is, which will tell you just how dry your tires probably are.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

Yes. Replace it. Actually, replace both.

Yes. Bad. VERY bad.
IIRC, you have a 2000 model. If that is true and they are original tires, they are about 4 years PAST their recommended useful life.

Dangerous. The tubes might be starting to look like that too.

[Water Warrior 2]

[quote=Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by "patrick_777":kmml8ty0

Yes. Replace it. Actually, replace both.

Yes. Bad. VERY bad.
IIRC, you have a 2000 model. If that is true and they are original tires, they are about 4 years PAST their recommended useful life.

Dangerous. The tubes might be starting to look like that too.[/quote:kmml8ty0]

8 years old tires and tubes have become a liability. Replace them and ride safe.

[RichInFla]

Yup, I didn't see it when I bought it. I checked the tires, but it must have been under the front fender because it's only in that one spot. My neighbor said it's probably cracked from sitting in someone's garage for a while.

I read an another topic that tires are getting hard to find. I'll check with my local cycle shop.

Okay, so two new tires. Thanks as always !!

[CMS]

On my first used bike the tires did not look bad, good tread and no cracks and etc. They were five years old, original eqt, and low milage, but I replaced them the very first thing. Doing so gave me a higher level of confidence, knowing that the tires were new. On used bikes ,I like to know for certain what I have. I also change all filters,oil and inspect brakes, and check the entire bike, regardless of former maintaince records. It makes for a more confident ride, at least for me. CMS :rawk:

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

Yes. Replace it. Actually, replace both.

This can cause sudden tire failure which (depending on speed and the rider's emergency "skill") can cause a life-threatening crash. The tube is simply to hold the air in and will not provide support for a failed sidewall. You may not have leakage with this like you would a radial, but if this rips completely free then the tire will shred violently at almost any speed.

What is the DOT code on the side of your tire? This should tell you how old it is, which will tell you just how dry your tires probably are.

Not sure if this is correct, but on the sidewall it says "DOT EU10 BD7409". Does that tell you anything ???

[patrick_777]

EU - Made by Sumitomo Rubber in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
10 - Tire size (coded)
BD74 - Brand and line run of the tire
409 - Manufactured in the 40th week (Oct 3 - 9) of 1999.

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

EU - Made by Sumitomo Rubber in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
10 - Tire size (coded)
BD74 - Brand and line run of the tire
409 - Manufactured in the 40th week (Oct 3 - 9) of 1999.

Whoa, must be the originals, as they are Dunlops !! Thanks for the info. Now, if I can only find tires I'll be okay. My neighbor says a guy down the street has his own mounting and balancing equipment (he's building a race car as well), so he said maybe he'd do it, we'll see. Thanks.