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2slowwheels
02-23-2005, 09:55 AM
bought a 1996 R11RSL with 2600 miles on it with the original Bridgestone tires still on. Are they good to go? We ride kinda fast and it gets pretty hot here in the midwest. Or should I update and be safe?
StevieWonder
02-23-2005, 10:09 AM
NO ... get NEW tires.

Oxygen (actually ozone) deteriorates the rubber's internal bonding qualities, which is what makes them "grippy". Heat and sunlight accelerate the process, but the ozone deteriorates the rubber.

Other than possibly a ride around the block, I wouldn't ride ANYWHERE on 9 yr old tires.
riderR1150GSAdv
02-23-2005, 02:40 PM
I totally agree, please get new rubber on that bike, there are only two of them between you and the road(rash).
These 9 year old tires may look good but aren't. It isn't worth the risk at all.
Luckies
02-23-2005, 07:02 PM
Remember, it's your LIFE that rides tires.

Dave
kbasa
02-23-2005, 07:16 PM
I just bought an R100CS with some 5 year old tires on it. They've gotta go. Yours should go too.
bugley
02-23-2005, 08:23 PM
bought a 1996 R11RSL with 2600 miles on it with the original Bridgestone tires still on. Are they good to go? We ride kinda fast and it gets pretty hot here in the midwest. Or should I update and be safe?

I bought a 1995 RS with 4.6k on the clock with the original tires and the very first thing I did was replace the tires. Gave me a chance to check nuts and bolts, change the fluids, grease where necessary, etc. Give the bike a thorough once over PRIOR to riding but most certainly get rid of those old shoes. Riding on old tires, regardless of the mileage and wear is way too dangerous and should be left to the foolhardy, which I'm sure you're not. :)
BobFV1
02-23-2005, 10:56 PM
Unless the bike has been parked in Madame Taussaud's wax museum, or some other climate controlled area all these years - with no weight resting on them, make sure and get new tires immediately. The tires you have could deteriorate on the first hard load you put on them - not a pretty thought. I like Michelin's or Metzeler's, but to each their own......
StevieWonder
02-24-2005, 02:10 AM
A good point ... ANYTHING rubber on the bike should likely be replaced, particularly a "hot button item" like tires or fuel lines. Seals, gaskets, shocks are all subject to deterioration unless the bike has been exercised frequently. I'd change ALL the fluids/lubricants as moisture from condensation will cause them to deteriorate regardless of the mileage.