Do tyres have a shelf life ?
 

Hi,

Serious question but also a word of warning if you are going to bid.

I believe that tyres have a shelf life (I may be wrong) and can age if they are stored on or off a bike. I know that when fitted tyres can age, walls crack, flat spots etc.

I'm watching a New Mich' Pilot Race 180 back tyre that is currently at £16 plus P+P.

As a last minute thought I asked the seller how old the tyre was ...... answer - made in April 2000 :puzzled: I know the tyre is new and un-used but in my mind it's "out of date".

Would you agree or am I being over cautious.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Hi,

I have been watching that tyre too, definitely out of date DO NOT BID......lol

My info. is its all to do with storage and temperatures, my 'source' advices as long as it is stored indoors and is not subjected to frost it should last 5 - 7 years but if subjected to frost 2-3 years. Not sure a how much truth/guesstimate in that but it sounds reasonable.

He always stores his motorcycle tyres high in the garage to keep them warm so he at least believes it.

Tyres can be easily dated there is a code on the side giving month/year of manufacture.

I was interested in that tyre as I have a new front to match, so if you win and need a matching drop me a line.

Cheers.

Im no expert at tyres but have some experience with industrial rubbers. An important factor is daylight, at work we store all rubber parts out of direct sunlight in an unheated storeroom.

It's also important to store them away from ozone sources, such as electric motors.

Is that why the 'Gimp' was kept in a box?

O K OK I'll get my coat.............

The tyres on my excelsior consort ( 98cc ) are as good as the day I fitted them 20 years ago.









rubbish:D

What ages rubber prematurely is heat cycling or oxidisation from either ultraviolet or ozone.
Therefore even if you keep a tyre in the dark it will harden prematurely if its not kept cool.
It will prob still look ok, but wont grip.
It is also sensible to keep tyres with steel carcasses away from moisture, and hence you should keep them above the dewpoint to prevent condensation forming on the inside.

Dave .... so you tell me not to bid and then offer me a front to go with it :sing:

Being honest I'd already decided not to go for it.

A few tyre guys I know reckon that after about 2 or 3 years a tyre starts to go "hard" and will loose it's grip when in use.

Apologies obviously not worded correctly, I meant do not bid as a joke as I was going to have a bid myself to make up a pair, but there is a 190 on there too so I fancy that.

Now the debate over 180 or 190 will start ..... lol

Personal opinion is I have run both and to be honest have not noticed much difference, the 180 seems to 'tear' more in a strip one quater way in from the edge on the same day same track, but does not feel any different. Draw any conclusions you may from that.

But a mate said it look s**t with a 180 from the rear ( the only view I like to give him of my Ducati....heheheh) so a 190 for 'fashion' it is.