Time to change front tire?

[Delray]

Time to put the new tire on? I'm not quite clear on when to make the change.

It's easy to do. I take the wheel off and drive it to a motorycle shop near my house. I have the new tire and can change anytime, but don't want to change it prematurely. It's date stamped 2016.

Opinions and expertise welcome. Thanks.

 

[EvilTwin]

It still has some tread left, but is a 2016? Thats 5 years and if its always been a FL bike, its had a lot of heat to deal with. Since you have the new tire, just go ahead and change it already.

 

[LongRanger]

I have an opposing view. I think it looks okay. There’s plenty of tread left, but more importantly, the tire doesn’t appear to be cupped or lost it’s profile. I wouldn’t worry about the date code.

 

[EvilTwin]

But there is some cracking in the tread grooves, that tire is drying out. I think that is why he posted that picture in the first place.

 

[LongRanger]

You’re right — I didn’t notice that. I retract my earlier post. Replace ‘em!

 

[Norman]

Yes agree ,change it. I'm just on a trip from the Gold Coast (Australia) to Cairns ( 1840 km) one way. Rain hit very heavy on the way and I was happy ( not about the rain) but my new front tyre..I use Michelin Pilot 3.

 

[Delray]

I've heard the term "wear bars" for years but was never sure what they were. A little googling helped. In the second photo, in the center of the tire, I'm pretty sure they are the little bridges in the channels. When the tread wears down so it's a smooth "walk" across the channel, it's time to change the tire. That said, I appreciate the opinions offered that with cracking/dryness showing and a hot climate (6 months a year), it would be prudent to change the tire fairly soon, and I shall. Thanks.

 

[slant911]

Yes there is tread left but there is some serious cracking happening there. To me a $200 tire change is not worth risking my life for.

 

[RiaanL]

I've heard the term "wear bars" for years but was never sure what they were. A little googling helped. In the second photo, in the center of the tire, I'm pretty sure they are the little bridges in the channels. When the tread wears down so it's a smooth "walk" across the channel, it's time to change the tire. That said, I appreciate the opinions offered that with cracking/dryness showing and a hot climate (6 months a year), it would be prudent to change the tire fairly soon, and I shall. Thanks.

"Wear bars" are the "legally allowed" minimum. (In my country, being 1mm. No idea what that is in imperialistic terms). That is where the police can fine you for unroadworthy tyres, or where , if in an accident, the insurance can deny your claim (at least they do in my country....)

I also have the same issue as the OP. My C600 Sport Rear "Pirelli Diablo" is a 4615 tyre, and the front "Pirelli Diablo" is a 1616 tyre. Rear getting on for 7 yrs next year, but LOTS of thread left, and NO dry cracking. (It sleeps in a garage overnight, and winter and summer temps are very mild throughout the year). I thus decided to ride it another year at least.

My previous C600 Sport, I had on a new set of Metzeler FeelFree's, when the bike(scooter) was written off early this year, unfortunately.