KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: stuo on November 21, 2019, 01:17:56 AM
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I recently bought a "new" Dunlop 13" tire for my DT 300i on ebay from Chapparal for a very low price ($40).
The mechanic who mounted it told me why it was so cheap: it was manufactured 3.5 years ago! I didn't think to check the date stamp on the tire before going through the hassle and expense of mounting it. Sure, I can return it but now that it's on the bike that isn't practical. According to the "experts" tires should be replaced after five years due to rubber deterioration regardless of the tread wear, especially here in smoggy CA.
Chapparal should have disclosed the age of the tire in the ad; I never would have bought it had I known. Upon a google review search of Chapparal I found most of the employee reviews gave it a one star rating for the low pay, no benefits, no promotional opportunities and lousy attitude from management. I add unethical advertising to the list. Oh, yeah, one more gripe: their email contact link doesn't work, it keeps giving "error" messages. Caveat emptor!
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Getting an old tire is one of the hazards of buying a tire online. I buy my tires from a local dealer who's prices are typically as good as internet prices.
As far as tires deteriorating. A tire stored in a warehouse will probably deteriorate less than one that's been on a bike and exposed to sunlight and the elements. That tire should be OK for at least another 2-3 years. If you can't wear it out in that time you aren't riding enough.
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What’s the old expression?: “If it (price) seems too good to be true, then it probably is!â€
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I usually find tires cheaper online than from them but I have no problem ordering factory Kymco parts from them. Their service department however I have issues with on the last tire I had mounted there, won't do that again.
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So what horrors do you imagine will befall you due to this "new" tire being on your scooter?
This truly is a silly thread and it's poorly moderated nonsense like this that keeps people away from forums.
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Interesting response, KR.
When an online company misrepresents a tire as "new", has an email link that doesn't work, and then gives me the run around on the phone I think I have a duty to let the forum members know about it.
I want to know about companies that don't deal with us honestly and ethically, and I value a member's report on that issue. Isn't that an important function of a forum?
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https://www.michelin.in/auto/michelin-tyres-are-not-bananas (https://www.michelin.in/auto/michelin-tyres-are-not-bananas)
http://www.powerwheelsmagazine.com/2017/01/19/tire-age-does-not-matter-tyre-maintenance-does/ (http://www.powerwheelsmagazine.com/2017/01/19/tire-age-does-not-matter-tyre-maintenance-does/)
https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/about/faq/#faq-2 (https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/about/faq/#faq-2)
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https://www.michelin.in/auto/michelin-tyres-are-not-bananas (https://www.michelin.in/auto/michelin-tyres-are-not-bananas)
http://www.powerwheelsmagazine.com/2017/01/19/tire-age-does-not-matter-tyre-maintenance-does/ (http://www.powerwheelsmagazine.com/2017/01/19/tire-age-does-not-matter-tyre-maintenance-does/)
https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/about/faq/#faq-2 (https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/about/faq/#faq-2)
That last quote said "NO!" to using a car tire on the rear! Am I going to explode, catch fire, crash and burn? Should I be very afraid?
There are no verifications for these tests. However, such verifications could be easily created just like the USTMA in its strongly recommending a tire be replaced after puncture.
Thanks for the links, MJ. There may be a good point about old tire dates except when it comes to Maxxis. New old stock wear VERY quickly!
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Isn't that an important function of a forum?
IMO, yes!
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IDK. I have gotten several sets of tires from them. Fresh dates, too. So I have been good with Chapparal.
Sorry you have had a bad experience. Is that style of Dunlop still being made? I have looked for tires on line to match what I have had - and they are no longer current. Some places may still have some stock on the shelves.
I think Klaviator is right - they should be fine. Go wear them out!
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https://www.michelin.in/auto/michelin-tyres-are-not-bananas (https://www.michelin.in/auto/michelin-tyres-are-not-bananas)
http://www.powerwheelsmagazine.com/2017/01/19/tire-age-does-not-matter-tyre-maintenance-does/ (http://www.powerwheelsmagazine.com/2017/01/19/tire-age-does-not-matter-tyre-maintenance-does/)
https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/about/faq/#faq-2 (https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/about/faq/#faq-2)
Great information here...!
Thanks for posting MJR - hope everyone reads each of these.
My guess would be that there are more people riding and driving on underinflated tires - than dangerously aged tires.
Stig
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I've never cared about the age of a tire and simply do as all owners should, check over your tires time to time, be aware. I won't get into darksiding. I have done things that aren't recommended like plugging sidewalls on my 33" Jeep tires with 4 or 5 plugs and continued to use it until the tread was gone. I'm not recommending people ignore advise but temper it based on their experience and own comfort level.
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When you consider cost per 1000 miles plus your safety, it doesn't make sense to mess around
with questionable tires. $200 for a good set of tires mounted that get 10k miles cost $20/1000 miles.
Is it worth riding 1000 miles on iffy tires to save $20?
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After riding for over 60 years, I've concluded that 20 year old tires are made a lot better than 60 year old tires. I have no problem riding on 20 year old tires. I'm thinking the tire date thing is just another marketing gimmick.
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After riding for over 60 years, I've concluded that 20 year old tires are made a lot better than 60 year old tires. I have no problem riding on 20 year old tires. I'm thinking the tire date thing is just another marketing gimmick.
To an extent JJ, but old rubber can tend to harden and crack, my rule of thumb with bike & scooter tyres is “if in doubt, sling ‘em outâ€!
I’ll tolerate more on a car’s rubber, but then maybe that’s just risk compensation factor at play?
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I'm with Neil on this one. My Honda Cub has a 30 year old front tyre on and it's certainly... an experience.
It's being swapped shortly :D
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I do think that using old tires can be a safety hazard. Tires do harden with age and can develop cracks. Does that mean that as soon as a tire gets to be 5 years old it is unsafe? No at some age it does become an issue. I think the OP was reasonable in bringing this up. I think his tire will be fine to ride on but if it was a 10 year old tire I'd be much more concerned. If I bought a bike with 10 year old tires I would most likely replace them. If you ride where it never rains and ride very conservatively then maybe an old tire would be fine. I do ride in the rain and push my tires fairly hard so I'm not OK with riding on a really old tire. I generally wear out my tires within a year or two so my tires don't get old.
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I generally wear out my tires within a year or two so my tires don't get old.
And there's the target for us all K! Just need to take care when buying fresh rubber that the stock is <3 yrs old? Hate having to read sidewall hieroglyphics, but it's necessary.
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I think what should be gleaned from this post, replies, and research is that the DOT manufactured date (on uninstalled properly stored new tires) is not as important as the time installed on a vehicle exposed to load/environment. Some tires may be manufactured intermittently rather than all the time. Despite that we refer to tires as rubber modern tires contain about 28% natural rubber , 28% synthetic rubber, 28% black carbon filler, and the remaining 16% functional agents of various kinds. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/greener-tires/ (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/greener-tires/)
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Vivo, and other veteran riders here, advised my to change out the Kendas on my new 2013 LIKE200I, ASAP, since I planned to work commute in all weathers on the scooter.
"NYLON" is printed on the Kenda sidewall, with the date (49th week, year 2011)
As a new rider, riding in the rain, I appreciated their advice. I installed a pair of Michelin City Grips at odometer reading 400...and love their wet grip and mileage (12,000 on rear; 15,750 & still going, on the front)
I know nylon Kendas aren't deadly...and they do last a long time, but they have next to no rain sipes.
Thinking of replacing that front CG this winter, even though it has plenty of tread remaining.
Stig
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I think what should be gleaned from this post, replies, and research is that the DOT manufactured date (on uninstalled properly stored new tires) is not as important as the time installed on a vehicle exposed to load/environment. Some tires may be manufactured intermittently rather than all the time. Despite that we refer to tires as rubber modern tires contain about 28% natural rubber , 28% synthetic rubber, 28% black carbon filler, and the remaining 16% functional agents of various kinds. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/greener-tires/ (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/greener-tires/)
Tires will get hard and have less traction over time even if stored indoors. How long will it take for them to be unsafe? That will vary depending on the tire and exact conditions it is stored in. It will also vary depending on how and where you ride. I think that 5 years is probably a conservative number for worst case scenarios. I wouldn't change a tire just because it was 5 years old.
Another thing to consider is that some tires don't have much grip when new. They will only get worse over time. One the other hand, if you took a really good tire, say a City Grip, and let it sit in a warehouse for 5 years it would probably still grip better than some cheap but new tires.
Bottom line is that this isn't an exact science. If you are really concerned with the grip or condition of a tire then maybe would be best to replace it just for the peace of mind as well as safety reasons.
I put a City Grip on the front of my Super 8 that had 17,000 miles on it when I sold it. It may have been over 5 years old at that time. I was more concerned about the lack of tread left than the age of the tire. I did take it very easy on wet roads but didn't want to replace it since I planned on selling the scooter.
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I still have the OEM Kenda tyres fitted to my XT300 and whilst they were excellent performers in the late Summer / Autumn on warm-ish, dry tarmac, the onset of late Autumn & Winter has revealed a shortcoming in their grip. On cold tarmac (low 40's) yesterday they gave notice that summer-type cornering should not be attempted this time of year! Bit of a sphincter tightening moment as I felt the rear begin to let go. Nothing too dramatic, but not an experience I EVER had with the Michelin-shod PCX (City Grips) at this time of year. Can't see me holding onto the Kenda's until worn out, a matching pair of Michelin or Pirelli's on the cards for next Autumn I think.