Tyre life pre fitting

Captain Black

Captain Black

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Anyone know how long you can store a new tyre for without it degrading with age ?
I've found some good priced tyres for my PD:augie
Was thinking of popping a couple in the cellar or future use. :thumb2
 
Copied and pasted from 'mytyres.co.uk'

In principal, a tyre’s lifespan is around ten years, however a 'new' tyre is designed to last between one to five years if it’s properly stored when not in use. Both physical and chemical reasons cause tyres to age and this can also happen to tyres that are rarely or never even driven on. Compounds containing anti-oxidising chemicals are used to slow down the natural aging process of rubber. In this way, a tyre that has been correctly stored for long periods should still meet the specifications of, and perform like, a new tyre. However, what is also important is tyre mileage. With an average of around 27,000 miles per year, summer tyres should be replaced at three and a half years and winter tyres after a maximum of seven years (assuming that the tyres have only been used each winter).
 
The theory used to be that a stored tyre would harden off a bit and last longer on the bike.
 
ChasF said:
The theory used to be that a stored tyre would harden off a bit and last longer on the bike.
Click to expand...

Yes it used to be common practice to mature or season a tyre to ge tthe best from it.

But that was back in the early part of the 20th centuary when tyres were actually made of rubber and not what they are made of now (almost no rubber at all in their construction), although the practice continued up to the eighties I recollect based (mistakenly) on what went on for decades before.......
 
Sounds like I'd better just get a pair then, although if my confidence in airheads grows I may do some euro trips on the PD.

I went around France and Italy etch on my Kalahari 3 years ago and loved it. It has Anekee's that seem to go on forever.

I need to wear some rubber out ! :cool:
 
I think it's also helpful if you store them on their sides and in darkness. I have some for the TC in the loft at present.
Any clues for the source for the airhead in my garage Cap'n?
 
Yeah cmon, spill, we have all been helping you out with your 250 odd threads about this and that and this and that.........and this and that........
 
Seems no one wants to go to the tire Manufacturers site and find out what each one recommends.

In my experience it varies greatly from compound to compound and to suggest that there is one rule for every tire may be wishful thinking.

The old thumb nail test was at one time a reliable guide - if the rubber was soft enough that you could leave an impression with your thumb nail in the tread tire life was going to be measured in months, not years.

Five years is now suggested by some manufacturers as the maximum age for their tires, with the rider that if there is any sign of cracking on the sidewalls they should be replaced sooner.

There is a old theory that if you store tires in the darkness for a few years they will harden up and last longer.
If true grip would probably decrease by a similar amount, and today there is not a lot of need today anyway.
The compound on used by people like Michelin for their Anekee's seems to combine exceptional grip with long life, and taking the life into consideration they end up being much cheaper than the low ticket , short life tire.
 
Beemerboff said:
Seems no one wants to go to the tire Manufacturers site and find out what each one recommends.

In my experience it varies greatly from compound to compound and to suggest that there is one rule for every tire may be wishful thinking.

The old thumb nail test was at one time a reliable guide - if the rubber was soft enough that you could leave an impression with your thumb nail in the tread tire life was going to be measured in months, not years.

Five years is now suggested by some manufacturers as the maximum age for their tires, with the rider that if there is any sign of cracking on the sidewalls they should be replaced sooner.

There is a old theory that if you store tires in the darkness for a few years they will harden up and last longer.
If true grip would probably decrease by a similar amount, and today there is not a lot of need today anyway.
The compound on used by people like Michelin for their Anekee's seems to combine exceptional grip with long life, and taking the life into consideration they end up being much cheaper than the low ticket , short life tire.
Click to expand...

They'd only recommend there own tyres though wouldn't they ?
I feel like its going to be Metzler Enduro 3s they feel good to me and objectively a lot of it is down to personal feel of a tyre on the road. I'll buy two rears and a front I think after the TT.
All the said my Anekees feel great on the Kalahari and they're both 2007 tyres. Still supple and not cracks etc.
 
My favorite is the Enduro 3s too- just like the planted feel, on road and off.
Last set rear was done in 7000 km, still couple of thousand left in the front if I only used them on the road.
If only the Oz dealer had some stock!
I did around 45,000 km last year on my BMW's, so ageing isnt a problem with the tires on them, but the soft Dunlop TT 100 GP 's on my BSA B44 club bike were scrap within 3 years.
 
I've still got some brand new tourances from when reading BMW closed down, how many years ago was that ? :D At £20 a tyre how could i refuse.

I've used them on my own bikes over the years without any problems.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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