Mariner Fan Posted April 16, 2009 Share #1 Posted April 16, 2009 I have 9500 miles on the bike and the tires look really good. I've shown it to a couple of other guys and they think they have a lot of miles left on them. I keep wondering when I should change them out. Don't want to have one blow out on me while riding down the road. Yea, they are the Dunlop 404's. Think I might go ahead and replace the rear just because. A few guys have said that when they get close, they wear out alot faster than you think so keep an eye on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flb_78 Posted April 16, 2009 Share #2 Posted April 16, 2009 Once a tire gets thin, it will wear faster. Im one of the ones who wears it until there is cord showing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeperhawk Posted April 16, 2009 Share #3 Posted April 16, 2009 Around 14,000 to 15,000 change the rear, around 28,000 to 30,000 change the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cecdoo Posted April 16, 2009 Share #4 Posted April 16, 2009 I have about 12k on a set of avons, I just had the bike up on the lift changing fluids and checking over everything, incl tires, I still have about 1/4" tread in the center, so I think they are good for a couple thousand miles. I never run em to the cords. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ky. Rider Posted April 16, 2009 Share #5 Posted April 16, 2009 13500 out of my oem Dunlaps. Mielage depends on several variables though. About 1/2 of the 13500 was two up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOO Posted April 16, 2009 Share #6 Posted April 16, 2009 It seems hard to predict when it's time to change tires, mileage along won't do it. I have run the same brand and model tire's and they will get several thousand miles difference. Just watch the wear, the main thing is your comfort level. I run mine down pretty slick and sometime the slick turns into white cord. I can also run a tire with a plug in it, some can't. So I say whatever your comfort level can handle that would be the time to change tires. BOO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeS Posted April 16, 2009 Share #7 Posted April 16, 2009 Measure the tread depth at outer edge, then at dead center. Let us know what you find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariner Fan Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted April 16, 2009 Measure the tread depth at outer edge, then at dead center. Let us know what you find. Tire depth gauge...where to get....Sears? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariner Fan Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share #9 Posted April 16, 2009 The thing is that I don't want to push a tire too far. I'll never forget Brad and Lonna's close call and figure it's best to change a tire out early than go through something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monty Posted April 16, 2009 Share #10 Posted April 16, 2009 If the wear indicators are at the same level as the rest of the tread...it's time. You need to check the date codes, and see how old the tires are too, no matter how good they look. I just bought my bike, and the tires had lots of tread, but they were over 10 years old! Got new E3s now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a1bummer Posted April 16, 2009 Share #11 Posted April 16, 2009 Wow. I got about 7000 on the rear Avon that was on the bike when I got it. I rode it pretty aggressively. I replaced it with a Metzeler ME880 and took it much easier and got only just over 6000. I was told by the dealer that it would last much longer. I put a match on the front later. I don't like the way they feel either. Going back to Avons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterbug Posted April 16, 2009 Share #12 Posted April 16, 2009 If you are worried about it and have the money then replace them if nothing else for your peace of mind Bob. I did that with my other bike they told me I should be able to get more out of it but I didnt want a blow out because I waited and have to worry about it while I rode it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raceman62race Posted April 16, 2009 Share #13 Posted April 16, 2009 You'll find that tires are all different and you can get more miles out of certain brand/type vs others........along with driving style. I never worry about mileage but I don't run them until cords show either. I have 2 things that I look at to decide when to change a tire and mileage isn't one of them. If I have about 1/16" tread depth left in the center of the tire, I change it or if I see any signs of dry rot. The tread depth thing is not cut in stone....if I am planning a very long trip..say 2000 mile trip and the tread is getting low, I'll go ahead and change it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg_in_london Posted April 16, 2009 Share #14 Posted April 16, 2009 I always change when I'm approaching the 1mm legal limit (in the UK). With the sidecar I don't see a real difference in tread regardless of the depth of tread, but no tread at all in the wet realy does not help braking. On a heavy duty tyre I get 4,000 miles on the back, but that's with a big sidecar, often with a trailer tent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiteSquid Posted April 16, 2009 Share #15 Posted April 16, 2009 Tire depth gauge...where to get....Sears? They probably don't have any. I got mine at my local NAPA but they had to order it.... they don't sell many. Search the Internet. IIRC Harbor Freight carries a digital one for $5, if there is a store near you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highwayrydr Posted April 16, 2009 Share #16 Posted April 16, 2009 Just use vernier calipers. a metal rod comes out the bottom when you open it. read the scale at the mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1BigDog Posted April 16, 2009 Share #17 Posted April 16, 2009 Us old timers were taught to use a Lincoln penny. If you stick it in upside down and see his head then its time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariner Fan Posted April 18, 2009 Author Share #18 Posted April 18, 2009 If you are worried about it and have the money then replace them if nothing else for your peace of mind Bob. I did that with my other bike they told me I should be able to get more out of it but I didnt want a blow out because I waited and have to worry about it while I rode it. That's what I did Kevin. Went ahead and got a Dunlop E3 for the rear. I'm sure that the stock tire had many more miles left but it feels good not worrying about it anymore. Thanks for the input guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bongobobny Posted April 18, 2009 Share #19 Posted April 18, 2009 Pretty much start thinking about it when it's down to the wear bars! You can also tell by how the bike handles as when the rear is pretty worn out they are no longer domed but more flat like a car tire. The back end seems to fight you just a bit on the twisties... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jethroish Posted April 19, 2009 Share #20 Posted April 19, 2009 13500 out of my oem Dunlaps. Mielage depends on several variables though. About 1/2 of the 13500 was two up. Same here, 13,700 on my OEM 404 rear. Probably could have gotten to 15,000 without a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariner Fan Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share #21 Posted April 19, 2009 Same here, 13,700 on my OEM 404 rear. Probably could have gotten to 15,000 without a problem. That's what I'm talking about. Only had 10,000 miles on the tire and it looked good. I probably jumped the gun but what the heck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadwolf56 Posted April 19, 2009 Share #22 Posted April 19, 2009 I have to get a new rear tire as mine has a crack in the sidewall. Not sure if I want another Avon or want to try an E3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariner Fan Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share #23 Posted April 19, 2009 I have to get a new rear tire as mine has a crack in the sidewall. Not sure if I want another Avon or want to try an E3. The E3 is pretty nice. I think the bike handles better too. Actually, I don't think you could go wrong with either tire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappa Bear Posted April 20, 2009 Share #24 Posted April 20, 2009 I'm changing mine now!!!! I have a Metz880 on there from TPO it has alot of tread but he ran underinflated now has a bad worn pattern down the middle. Price for tire not bad, new Dunlop and peace of mind- Priceless!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jethroish Posted April 20, 2009 Share #25 Posted April 20, 2009 I have to get a new rear tire as mine has a crack in the sidewall. Not sure if I want another Avon or want to try an E3. If you don't get a new tire before next weekend, take a look at my E3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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