TEAM Arizona Riding Tip: Another Year Older? Tough Times for a Tire
Last Updated: November 29th, 2020
Did we know that tires have a “born on” date? Do we care? We probably should because it could mean the difference between a safe, fun ride and spending time on the side of the road or worse.
At the very least, we hope this article prompts you to check the age of your tires. At most, we hope it inspires you enough to swap out old tires for new if necessary. So how can you tell the age of your tires?
Tire Age Check
First, we should identify how to read a manufacture date code. Squat down next to your tire and look for a raised block with four digits; it’s usually next to the U.S. DOT tire identification number. The first two indicate the week of its manufacture, and the last two are for the year. For example, 1510 would indicate the tire was manufactured in April, 2010.
Prior to 2000, there were only three digits, with the last one indicating the year.
General Industry Standards
Most motorcycle tire manufacturers have a warranty for unused tires up to forty eight (48) months. Typically, they won’t sell to their dealer network tires beyond that age. Manufacturers ask retailers to refrain from selling tires older than six (6) years, but tires can and do make it into the marketplace beyond that recommendation.
The math can get intricate, but we state definitively:
- When buying new tires, make sure date code is less than four (4) years old.
- If date code is greater than 10 years old: DO NOT USE!
- If tires have been on the bike longer than 5 years (even if tread is available): REMOVE!
- The type of bike and type of tire used can help us determine the length of life a tire has on a motorcycle. In general we can say: sport bikes-2 years; sport touring-3 years; cruisers/tourers-5 years.
If any doubt, consider removal. We don’t want lack of confidence a variable when riding. Remember, you control your position on the ladder of risk when it comes to motorcycle maintenance.
Newer Tires vs. Older Tires
Rubber is an organic compound and it decomposes. Tires are stored by the manufacturer; they’re in a temperature controlled environment. Once they are shipped out to the dealer, all bets are off and the degradation process increases. Also, as tires are ridden upon, they become worn and take on a shape that may result in less contact patch. Less contact patch means less traction which means greater risk.
Conclusion
Tires are critical to our success; hopefully, they’re the only two things in contact with the road while we’re riding. We must respect them, take care of them, and replace them once their serviceable limits are reached. So, while aging may be a good thing for consumables like cheese or wine, tires are best consumed early…and often!
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