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Stock tires - is it time to replace?

DefiantEwok

Finally made it
Hello all,

I have the stock tires that came with my 2020 RE Himalayan. I've posted some pics - do they need to be replaced? There is some cracking on the sidewall, but I can't tell if it is significant or not. The bike has 3300 miles on it.
 

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Bluestrom13

Well travelled
Location
--'Coventry'....
For myself, I would replace.
Got to ask though. What pressure you been running at. Looks as though not enough. :unsure:

That or your CA sun. Any cracking in the tread area?
 

Laserman

Well travelled
Staff member
Location
Yuba City, CA
I was taught, and I have observed, that tires naturally "lube" themselves during use. Some tire shiners/cleaners can interfere with this process and some can augment it. For example, classic Armor-All on tires can dry them out prematurely if it is not reapplied often. Once you start shining, gotta keep it up!

Not using a tire is the quickest way for it to develop cracks - dry or very salty air and constant direct sun exacerbate the issue. Your tires are still safe to use but definitely keep a vigilant eye for any odd bubble that may develop on the sidewall. This is unlikely though, because your tires are both tubed and only "surface cracked" - not rotted out yet.

Like Johnny asked, get the datecode (the last 4 numbers after the DOT stamp). Curious because there's another thread somewhere of a member getting tires much older than his bike when he bought it. Anyway I'd get them tires rolling ASAP :p
 

Eatmore Mudd

Moderator
Staff member
Surface checking happens. It's expected in some environments. look into the cracks with at least a 10X magnifier. if you can see chords the tire is toast.
Tires age harden. Some folks replace them when the tread won't give to their thumb nail.
Some folks replace them around the 5 year mark regardless of the mileage.
 

grymsr

Well travelled
Location
Maine
"For example, classic Armor-All on tires can dry them out prematurely if it is not reapplied often. Once you start shining, gotta keep it up!"

Never, never, never put armor-all or similar on your tires!
The contact patch area between the tire and the road surface is not much larger than the length of your hand. When you corner, you will be riding on the side of the tread area which is even smaller.
Armor-all makes rubber very slippery (even the low gloss kind) and you will slide off of the contact patch and *crash*
Theoretically you could put it on just the upper side walls, but as armor-all is not waterproof, if it gets wet, centrifical force will make it run down the tire sides to the tread area. Not worth the risk.
When I was young and foolish(er), I found out the hard way and had my Ducati 750 Sport slide right out from under me on dry pavement. Ouch!
 

fog rider

Well travelled
Location
Alberta
That's some significant weather-checking. Ozone, UV light and tire-cleaning products are the usual culprits.
Many years ago I rode a customer's bike into the shop, and went for a huge slide. I was later informed that the customer had coated the tires (including the tread) with a tire shining product that morning. Scary stuff.
Personally, I'd install a new set, front and rear. Your bike will feel like new.
Check the 4 number date on your new tires before you purchase them. eg: 1321 means the tires were manufactured in the 13th week of 2021. I once saw "new" tires that were 6 years old on a dealership floor. Ugh!
 

Laserman

Well travelled
Staff member
Location
Yuba City, CA
Never, never, never put armor-all or similar on your tires!
You should reiterate this is your opinion. Tire shiners work just fine, and most people just do the sidewall anyway.

The contact patch area between the tire and the road surface is not much larger than the length of your hand. When you corner, you will be riding on the side of the tread area which is even smaller.
Old news. Shining the tread is risky and pretty much unnecessary.

Armor-all makes rubber very slippery (even the low gloss kind) and you may slide off of the contact patch and *crash*
I fixed this for you, in bold. It's okay to be scared. Crashing is not an absolute tho.

Theoretically you could put it on just the upper side walls, but as armor-all is not waterproof, if it gets wet, centrifical force will make it run down the tire sides to the tread area. Not worth the risk.
Theoretically you can shine your tires safely, too. I've done this since last millenium.

When I was young and foolish(er), I found out the hard way and had my Ducati 750 Sport slide right out from under me on dry pavement. Ouch!
I dunno if I would blame your crash solely on Armor-All. After all, you were young, on a Ducati, and dumber than you are now. I could say more, but I won't :D
 
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