A week ago I bought a 1981 GS450T. The front tire has some weather rotting, but it isn't too bad. The seller said "Because they are tubed tires, you won't have to worry about it right away". Is this correct? TIA.
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No. Change your tires ASAP since you still need the tread if you want to be assured of somewhat safe driving.
Course, if it was your car what would you do?Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace
1981 GS550T - My First
1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike
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Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride" -
Oh, they might hold air just fine, but what about the quality of the rubber that is supposed to be providing the traction to keep you UPRIGHT?
Check the date code. If the tires are more than three years old, you should seriously consider changing them.
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Ever have a blow-out on a motorcycle? I have, 70 mph on rear wheel with passenger on back, scariest moment in my life, for real.
Not only are your tires important, your tubes are as well, and that's what failed on my bike, a '72 Honda CB450 at the time, a full 18 inches of gaping hole running down the length of my tube. In this case my tire was fine.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents.Comment
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A three year old tire wouldn't concern me, but I'd change it if were more than say 7 years old. Guess it depends on how soft it felt too, depends on storage conditions.Ed
To measure is to know.
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Hi,
Since you have only two of them, a tire failure on a bike can be much more catastrophic. Riding on bad tires is asking for trouble. Tires get scary for me when they are over 5 years old.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliffComment
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There is no magic age for changing out tires.
if it is weather rotted, it should have been changed earlier.
One of the functions of rubber in a tire is to protect the tire cord. Ozone and sunlight can severely weaken tire cord. It enough cords break, you're going down, very quickly even though you have a tube. If rubber is hard, or cracked, replace the tire.Comment
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Change the tires, tubes, and rim strips if you have them. The first time you ride it, you'll be glad you did it. Modern tires completely change the bike. (to the good) Plus, you'll have the piece of mind of knowing you're safe.Comment
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