Tire Options for our CB1100

[jimgl3_imp]

ULV, sorry, but you are wrong. LOL! I too love my Z8's But I have 4000 miles on them now and they still look nearly new. Granted, I am easy on them, but I'm thinking 8000 is doable. You are absolutely right! they are great tires! and I admire Metzeler for bringing them to the USA in our sizes!

[Cormanus]

Been meaning to tell you guys that I went to talk to the tyre man on Monday as my rear PR3 was showing signs of dying after 21,000 plus kms. We chattered away, lamenting the difficulty of getting tyres of the right size for the CB. He chased up an Avon option for me, which was a 150/70 and would have been closer to the OEM size. We explored a couple of bias ply options and then he asked me how many kms I'd got out of the PR3. I told him and he said, 'Why don't you stick with them?'

'Cause the don't make them any more,' I replied.

He walked over to the rack and said, 'Yes, they do. I got some in the other day.'

The CB now sports its third PR3 on the rear. 21,410 kms or just over 13,000 miles. I'm happy.

[jimgl3_imp]

13k miles... that's nice. does it rain where you live? *grin*

[Cormanus]

Jim, you've clearly been paying attention. Recently, no. Usually at this time of the year, yes. They've been ridden in hot and cold and dry and wet and loved it all.

[Searcher_imp]

I keep ordering front tires online in Michelin PR3 120/70-18 and they send tires with a 2014 date code (which I return). I got a rear 160/60-18 with 2017 datecode but no luck with the fronts. Anybody know where they have some fresh ones?

[emptysea]

Hmmm... That's an interesting question Searcher, but it raises another question: Should I be worried about a 2014 date coded tire when I know that I will be replacing them due to wear by the end of 2018?

[Searcher_imp]

Hmmm... That's an interesting question Searcher, but it raises another question: Should I be worried about a 2014 date coded tire when I know that I will be replacing them due to wear by the end of 2018?

I don't know but I will not be replacing the ones I have installed now for another season or two. I am just trying to lay in some replacements while I can still can find them. But 2014 tires may be 6 years old before I install them.

I researched the topic "dry rot" and the causes seem to be oxidation, UV light, ozone and a type of fungus. Using the tires causes wax infused in the rubber to "bloom" to the surface. Extrapolating from this I guess not using them may help cause them to dry out. Some recommend a product called 303 Protectant to preserve tires. I don't know if it works or not. Here are some links:

http://car-storage.com/article/tire-dry-rot/

https://www.polymersolutions.com/blog/wh...r-dry-rot/

[emptysea]

Thanks for the research! I appreciate it.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Thanks for the research! I appreciate it.

Word has it, according to Motorcyclist and other industry sources, that five years is the acceptable shelf life for tires.

Skip to 1:30 for the date information.

[emptysea]

Kinda knew about the 5 year life span. What I was asking about was if there was a problem with using a new 4 year old tire that would likely be worn out before it's 5th birthday anyhow.