Cracks in tire

[nismofun]

I have cracks down the treads in my rear tire (pilot sport on suzuki sv1000). Just wondering if I should replace it before riding, or if it was ok to ride. The bike sat for 7 months in eastern NC, and there are no cracks on the sidewall.

thanks for the help.

[Skoalbasher]

I would replace it. And welcome back. I had someone drive my car once a week while in Iraq. I don't think i'd trust them with my bike.

[nismofun]

Thanks. I've been back for a while, just never updated as I lurk more than post. That's what I was figuring. Time to call the stealership.

[jim schmidt]

That's a pretty odd problem. Are they like the dry rot cracks that show up on sidewalls? Can you post a pic?

[nismofun]

I'll post some tonight...it's looks like a "ripping" crack where they might have been over inflated (only up to 40psi at the max) so I don't know what would have caused it other than it sitting.

[mharrison]

Here's a good rule of thumb:

If you have to ask if a tire is OK, it isn't.

[RayOSV]

As was asked, post pics. Was the storage location subject to wide temperature swings? Plus maybe humidity variations?

[Stan Miller]

Be safe and get yourself some new tires.

[BikerRob]

I've had this happen on front tires after they're about 5 years old (for what it's worth, I'm in central NC). I've never seen it on a rear tire; but then I don't think I've had a rear tire on a bike for that long. I'd take it as a sign of tire age and look at getting a new one. I've ridden around town on tires with cracking in the tread (especially if it's a tire with a tube); I wouldn't make any long trips or do any aggressive riding before getting them replaced.

[RayOSV]

Originally Posted by BikerRob

I've had this happen on front tires after they're about 5 years old (for what it's worth, I'm in central NC). I've never seen it on a rear tire; but then I don't think I've had a rear tire on a bike for that long. I'd take it as a sign of tire age and look at getting a new one. I've ridden around town on tires with cracking in the tread (especially if it's a tire with a tube); I wouldn't make any long trips or do any aggressive riding before getting them replaced.

This is a very good point. Are the tires original and about 5 years old? If so, replace them especially if they're the original Pilot Sport wooden tires.

[nismofun]

They are the original tires...felt like crap when I got home so no pics. I'm just going to get some road attacks and call it a day. No sense risking my life over $300.

[RayOSV]

Good plan. Motorcycle tires come with date codes and should be replaced after about 4 years even if they're not worn out. The rubber starts to get hard and if it doesn't crack, the grip starts to go anyway.

[kevin_stevens]

Originally Posted by nismofun

They are the original tires...felt like crap when I got home so no pics. I'm just going to get some road attacks and call it a day. No sense risking my life over $300.

I like the Road Attacks, but be aware the front wears *much* slower than the rear (even more than normal). If I run them again I plan to put a Sport Attack in front - just a thought.

KeS

[simpleton]

You guys should have seen the rear that came off my Aermacchi when I replaced ealier this year. I'm pretty sure it was the original tire.

It had DEEP cracks in the sidewall that must have been 3/8" deep, at least

[SloppyJoseph]

Road attacks are the shit.