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I did a search of the forum using the word “tire” in the title and after reading through 14 pages of posts I decided this particular question has not been addressed in any tire thread (at least not that I could find). Lots of threads deal with which new tire to buy, but none really says how to know when to replace your tires. So I did my own internet search engine inquiry and found several resources that I want to share with The GSR.
1. The first is a youtube video (When to Change Your Motorcycle tire) that shows you and tells you the things to look for that indicate replacement is necessary. The most obvious indication is when the surface tread is even with the wear bars in the groove of the tread. The host of the video shows you how to locate the wear bars. This is an obvious indication but I, for one, had no idea there was such a thing. Surprisingly, I saw only a passing mention of wear bars in the myriad of forum posts I read but no explanation of them. The video gives a clear explanation and shows you how they look in the tread groove and when to get new tires. He also covers various types of uneven tread wear and cracking and other hazardous tire conditions. Here’s the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Yq7DMRwbw
2. The second resource is a pdf file on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation web site. This article explains many facets of motorcycle tires using text and pics. The first thing mentioned is the tread ”wear bars”. When they become even with the surface tread the tire needs replaced. Aside from tread depth, there is information regarding cuts, uneven wear, tire inflation, the heat cycle, shedding of water, speed index, load index, and how to read the codes on the sidewall. They mention that you may check your tread by turning a penny upside down in the groove of the tread and if the top of Lincoln’s head is exposed you need new tires. There is a very clear explanation with pics of how to find and read the date of manufacture of your tire. As I said, a lot of good information. I saved it to my laptop. Here’s the link http://msf-usa.org/downloads/MIC_Tire_Guide_2012V1.pdf
3. Believe it or not, the last good resource is an article at Bike Bandit. This is a very good summary of many of the things already mentioned. Tread thickness and tread bars are mentioned. There is also a very good pic of how a penny is used to determine whether your tread is too thin. Something mentioned on Bike Bandit that I did not see on any other resource, including the GSR is the life span of the tire. To be sure, the dangers of old tires are trumpeted on our web site, but no specific description of how old is too old is given. Bike Bandit specifies that all tires have a life span and for many tires that life span is 5 years. If tires are 5 yrs. old they should be replaced. Of course BB mentions that many factors may reduce life span, such as exposure to direct sun light, so that replacement may be necessary even sooner. Although life span was mentioned on the GSR I had to infer from many posts that some people are comfortable with three riding seasons and some four. The BB article contains information on a variety of relevant topics for tire maintenance. It is worth the read. Here’s the link http://www.bikebandit.com/community/...s#.Up599r4o7IU
In summary, when should you replace your tires? Check the thread depth by noting the surface tread in relation to the wear bars or use the top of Lincoln’s head on a penny as a general guide. Also look for uneven wear, cuts, and cracks. And finally, if your tires are more than three yrs old you may want to consider a replacement set. If your tires are over five years old, definitely get new ones.
I hope this summary of when to replace your motorcycle tires is helpful to other newbies, such as myself, who may have had no idea where to begin, other than “When it’s bald”.
1. The first is a youtube video (When to Change Your Motorcycle tire) that shows you and tells you the things to look for that indicate replacement is necessary. The most obvious indication is when the surface tread is even with the wear bars in the groove of the tread. The host of the video shows you how to locate the wear bars. This is an obvious indication but I, for one, had no idea there was such a thing. Surprisingly, I saw only a passing mention of wear bars in the myriad of forum posts I read but no explanation of them. The video gives a clear explanation and shows you how they look in the tread groove and when to get new tires. He also covers various types of uneven tread wear and cracking and other hazardous tire conditions. Here’s the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Yq7DMRwbw
2. The second resource is a pdf file on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation web site. This article explains many facets of motorcycle tires using text and pics. The first thing mentioned is the tread ”wear bars”. When they become even with the surface tread the tire needs replaced. Aside from tread depth, there is information regarding cuts, uneven wear, tire inflation, the heat cycle, shedding of water, speed index, load index, and how to read the codes on the sidewall. They mention that you may check your tread by turning a penny upside down in the groove of the tread and if the top of Lincoln’s head is exposed you need new tires. There is a very clear explanation with pics of how to find and read the date of manufacture of your tire. As I said, a lot of good information. I saved it to my laptop. Here’s the link http://msf-usa.org/downloads/MIC_Tire_Guide_2012V1.pdf
3. Believe it or not, the last good resource is an article at Bike Bandit. This is a very good summary of many of the things already mentioned. Tread thickness and tread bars are mentioned. There is also a very good pic of how a penny is used to determine whether your tread is too thin. Something mentioned on Bike Bandit that I did not see on any other resource, including the GSR is the life span of the tire. To be sure, the dangers of old tires are trumpeted on our web site, but no specific description of how old is too old is given. Bike Bandit specifies that all tires have a life span and for many tires that life span is 5 years. If tires are 5 yrs. old they should be replaced. Of course BB mentions that many factors may reduce life span, such as exposure to direct sun light, so that replacement may be necessary even sooner. Although life span was mentioned on the GSR I had to infer from many posts that some people are comfortable with three riding seasons and some four. The BB article contains information on a variety of relevant topics for tire maintenance. It is worth the read. Here’s the link http://www.bikebandit.com/community/...s#.Up599r4o7IU
In summary, when should you replace your tires? Check the thread depth by noting the surface tread in relation to the wear bars or use the top of Lincoln’s head on a penny as a general guide. Also look for uneven wear, cuts, and cracks. And finally, if your tires are more than three yrs old you may want to consider a replacement set. If your tires are over five years old, definitely get new ones.
I hope this summary of when to replace your motorcycle tires is helpful to other newbies, such as myself, who may have had no idea where to begin, other than “When it’s bald”.
. In fact, I would conjecture that you don't decide your next purchase of tires that way. When would a newer tire "ride better"? Everyone must weigh the factors of price for a new tire against a desired outcome, like, "Gee, I'll bet a new tire would give me more confidence in the twisties." Cost must be a consideration, at least for 99% of us. Miles, tread depth, how long they've been on the bike, and uniformity of wear must be factors you consider. 
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