7 year old tires, question

The new project I picked up (81 kz650 CSR) has what look to be insanely low mile tires on it. There's no visible signs of wear, it looks like the tires were put on right before it got shoveled away into storage, in 2000. There's no weather checking, cracking, or any other visible signs of degredation. So, my question is, should I trust these tires or replace them? My instinct is to put new rubber on, just to be safe, but am I being overly cautious? The tires really do look new so I'd hate to nix them just because I'm being paranoid. Opinions?

I would check it with a tire expert first,BUT don't tell them the tires' age till you have their verdict

We have a lot of debate over this particularly from petosaur, but he's gone, so I'll stick with my original stance that if the tires were not out in the sun, out in the weather ect, they will last a long time. I never had a bit of problem ever using old tires. The reason I say this, is I have the strange problem of overstocking everything I buy pretty much, so I find a tire I like I might buy 6 tires at once and just leave the 4 spares in the garage till I need them. I just put "new tires" on the KZ650 I bought back in 1998. Work great. You at least can try them. If they feel slippery or begin to crack, toss them.

kzwolfsr wrote:

I would check it with a tire expert first,BUT don't tell them the tires' age till you have their verdict

Expert will read date off the tire:-)

If it's a good tire to begin with, once you get the outer layer scuffed off, it should be fine. It will be pretty slick until then.

-Duck

It's probably best to treat them like new tires. Be careful on them for the first 100 miles or so.

you could use them to do short test rides, but that is about as far as I would want to take it

tires are cheap,emergency rooms are expensive;) when in doubt replace;)

I agree with Wireman. Age will harden the rubber naturally. I usually replace my tires every few years as a matter of safety. I have noticed a difference in the grip after a few years so I change them out.

anarki650 wrote:

The new project I picked up (81 kz650 CSR) has what look to be insanely low mile tires on it. There's no visible signs of wear, it looks like the tires were put on right before it got shoveled away into storage, in 2000. There's no weather checking, cracking, or any other visible signs of degredation. So, my question is, should I trust these tires or replace them? My instinct is to put new rubber on, just to be safe, but am I being overly cautious? The tires really do look new so I'd hate to nix them just because I'm being paranoid. Opinions?

Usually your first impression is the correct one.

If I were in your shoes, I'd replace them. Then I'd get some Dr Shoals foot powder :woohoo: