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Using Old Tires

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HondaLVR
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Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:32 pm
Location: Northern VA

Using Old Tires

Post by HondaLVR » Sun Apr 26, 2009 4:27 pm

My 65 CL 77 has tires that have been on since around 1975. They look pretty good with no dry rot. I also have some NOS tires that are about the same age.

Are these tires safe for occasional riding or should I buy new tires?

Thanks
E

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davomoto
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Location: Marin County CA

Post by davomoto » Sun Apr 26, 2009 7:17 pm

This is a tough one! I run old tires often, and have not had any issues. The rubber will harden over time, NOS or used, doesn't make much of a difference. They definately will not be as sticky as a new set of modern tires, but in my humble opinion would be fine for a casual , occasional ride. This said, it is really up to you to decide.

davomoto

Greggie-e
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Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2008 5:21 am
Location: Perth Western Australia

Post by Greggie-e » Thu May 28, 2009 1:13 am

I like to feel the rubber, if it feels soft then I use the tyres.
If the tyre feels like it has gone hard I throw them out.

I do not scrape the pegs when riding on old rubber (well never really) and aviod the rain.

Having said all that I just checked my bikes and 20% have rubber that does not meet my own requirements...

New rubber can seem expensive, until you feel the bike slide out from under you.

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