02-16-2018, 07:59 AM
I find myself in an ambiguous position. I don't resile from my statement that Marc should get tyres he's comfortable with or it may affect his riding. That said, Ulvetanna makes some very good points about the need for science rather than prejudice to guide us on matters such as tyre life. He gives some good examples of where coming to terms with prejudice and overcoming it is wise.
Now to a question about tyre life. (And I'm sorry, but I'm Australian and will continue to spell tyre with a 'y'.) There's an interesting article [url=https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/do-motorcycle-tires-have-shelf-life]here, but it didn't answer my question.
What is meant by the so-called 5-year rule? Does it mean that tyres should not be used after they are 5-years old or more? Or does it mean they should not be stored for more that 5 years? There's a difference. If they shouldn't be used after 5 years, then the age at purchase becomes important and will vary depending on how long the tyre is expected to be on the bike. A bloke like Ferret could happily buy an older tyre than a bloke like Guth.
But if they shouldn't be stored for more than 5 years without being fitted, it suggests there's another factor which is: what is the reasonable life expectancy of a tyre once it's been fitted? Obviously a range of factors like climate and use and so forth will affect that, but there is likely to be a moment at which the tyre becomes a liability only because of the age of it's structure. The question that arises in my mind is whether the Ferret or other high mileage rider could safely purchase a 5-year old, properly stored tyre and still expect it to perform well give it won't last more than a year?
Otherwise tyre manufacturers and suppliers need to be asking riders a whole set of important questions when they sell them a tyre.
Now to a question about tyre life. (And I'm sorry, but I'm Australian and will continue to spell tyre with a 'y'.) There's an interesting article [url=https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/do-motorcycle-tires-have-shelf-life]here, but it didn't answer my question.
What is meant by the so-called 5-year rule? Does it mean that tyres should not be used after they are 5-years old or more? Or does it mean they should not be stored for more that 5 years? There's a difference. If they shouldn't be used after 5 years, then the age at purchase becomes important and will vary depending on how long the tyre is expected to be on the bike. A bloke like Ferret could happily buy an older tyre than a bloke like Guth.
But if they shouldn't be stored for more than 5 years without being fitted, it suggests there's another factor which is: what is the reasonable life expectancy of a tyre once it's been fitted? Obviously a range of factors like climate and use and so forth will affect that, but there is likely to be a moment at which the tyre becomes a liability only because of the age of it's structure. The question that arises in my mind is whether the Ferret or other high mileage rider could safely purchase a 5-year old, properly stored tyre and still expect it to perform well give it won't last more than a year?
Otherwise tyre manufacturers and suppliers need to be asking riders a whole set of important questions when they sell them a tyre.