Tire shelf life question

[RDJ]

Could not find this answered elsewhere so here goes: with supply chain disruptions, I'm setting aside a few likely spares for the remaining bikes in the shed, even though my bike miles are down because, reasons.

One of the less likely spares be tires. When they've needed replacing in the past I've just benched that bike and ridden one o' t'others until the tire(s) arrived from Oz - or the US for the more rare ones.

So question: how long will a tire have a safe shelf life, when stored wrapped and in the dark of the basement? (I've previously had 2-year-previously-manufactured front and rear tires stored for 3 years and then fitted, and there were no issues at all in the 6th & 7th years of their lives, on a heavy bike, over ~8,500km.).

Thanks.

[pritch]

I've read about this but it was a long time ago. From memory the manufacturers suggest you return the tyres to the factory for a safety check at four years. Obviously we can't do that.

To avoid buying old stock I've tended to buy the latest model from my favoured brands which should ensure recent manufacture. I wouldn't normally ride a bike with six or seven year old tyres, they'd normally have all the grip of a plank of wood.

[RDJ]

Thank you. (The aforementioned tires did very well - but then they had a lot of weight on them, helping the grip. I watched the tire surfaces carefully over their life).

[pritch]

Thank you. (The aforementioned tires did very well - but then they had a lot of weight on them, helping the grip. I watched the tire surfaces carefully over their life).

My main concern would be the grip level, which may be majorly depleted but is invisible. It's not about the amount of tread, it's about how hard the rubber is.

A guy of my acquaintance would buy tyres and store them. He did that because that's what people did when he was racing bicycles. The cyclists do it so that over time the tyres will harden and become less susceptible to puncturing. The last thing a motorcyclist should want for their tyres, is for them to harden.

[FJRider]

So question: how long will a tire have a safe shelf life, when stored wrapped and in the dark of the basement? (I've previously had 2-year-previously-manufactured front and rear tires stored for 3 years and then fitted, and there were no issues at all in the 6th & 7th years of their lives, on a heavy bike, over ~8,500km.).

Thanks.

Stored in the dark and not subject to heat light (UV light) or pressure (ie: inflated on a tire outside in all weathers) ... I doubt storage time should affect it much.

[jellywrestler]

Stored in the dark and not subject to heat light (UV light) or pressure (ie: inflated on a tire outside in all weathers) ... I doubt storage time should affect it much.

are you talking about rubber or synthetic tyres?

[RDJ]

Me, I'm talking about rubber. Mostly Avon and some Dunlop. They literally never saw the light of day until I unwrapped them to be fitted. I'm not ignoring pritch's helpful cautions about hardening, but I saw no difference in the tires' behaviors despite being on a 1300-lb 420-dyno-hp motorcycle.

[FJRider]

are you talking about rubber or synthetic tyres?

There was no mention of any specific tire compounds in the original post. I am going on the Advice I was given When I put my Bike in storage for a few years.

There are tire specialists in most towns and cities throughout NZ ... or most other countries. A visit or phone call should provide all the answers required. Should he want to bother.

Or even an E.mail to the supplier and/or manufacturer. I'm pretty sure an authoritative answer would be forthcoming.

[RDJ]

There was no mention of any specific tire compounds in the original post. I am going on the Advice I was given When I put my Bike in storage for a few years.

There are tire specialists in most towns and cities throughout NZ ... or most other countries. A visit or phone call should provide all the answers required. Should he want to bother.

Or even an E.mail to the supplier and/or manufacturer. I'm pretty sure an authoritative answer would be forthcoming.

Avon US was not willing to comment on storage, only on fitted tires. There, they said:
- Keep both tyres up off the ground in winter
- Use mild soap & water to clean tyres, not tyre cleaners or preservatives
- Avoid exposure to fertilizer, ozone, extremes in temperature, chain lube spray
- Do not park under electrical wires nor near electric motors e.g. furnaces
- Don’t store near gasoline or solvent tanks (hydrocarbon fumes)
- Use bike cover to protect tyres from extreme sun conditions

Dunlop NZ did not reply. Dunlop US said essentially "buy when you need them, as we cannot comment on tire life as we do not control conditions under which you store them."

Obviously I was mistaken in this post, expecting helpful advice from all those riders who bothered to reply. Well that's one way the Kiwibiker cookie has crumbled.

[FJRider]

Avon US was not willing to comment on storage, only on fitted tires. There, they said:
- Keep both tyres up off the ground in winter
- Use mild soap & water to clean tyres, not tyre cleaners or preservatives
- Avoid exposure to fertilizer, ozone, extremes in temperature, chain lube spray
- Do not park under electrical wires nor near electric motors e.g. furnaces
- Don’t store near gasoline or solvent tanks (hydrocarbon fumes)
- Use bike cover to protect tyres from extreme sun conditions

Dunlop NZ did not reply. Dunlop US said essentially "buy when you need them, as we cannot comment on tire life as we do not control conditions under which you store them."

Obviously I was mistaken in this post, expecting helpful advice from all those riders who bothered to reply. Well that's one way the Kiwibiker cookie has crumbled.

The advice I gave was from a Motorcycle shop with family history in the business. I had no issues. Talk to those at your local bike shop.

The above manufacturers will not like any any legal action should their advice was in any way taken. Or interpreted differently to how they gave it. The modern business world.

[Grumph]

Avon US was not willing to comment on storage, only on fitted tires. There, they said:
- Keep both tyres up off the ground in winter
- Use mild soap & water to clean tyres, not tyre cleaners or preservatives
- Avoid exposure to fertilizer, ozone, extremes in temperature, chain lube spray
- Do not park under electrical wires nor near electric motors e.g. furnaces
- Don’t store near gasoline or solvent tanks (hydrocarbon fumes)
- Use bike cover to protect tyres from extreme sun conditions

Dunlop NZ did not reply. Dunlop US said essentially "buy when you need them, as we cannot comment on tire life as we do not control conditions under which you store them."

Obviously I was mistaken in this post, expecting helpful advice from all those riders who bothered to reply. Well that's one way the Kiwibiker cookie has crumbled.

An understandable reaction.
The trouble is, we can only offer generalities. Since the 90's tyres have lasted on the shelf longer than they used to. Jelly touched on it - they're not rubber now.
With heat and light the "light" end of the petrochemicals used are lost over time. How much? - it depends. that's as good an answer as you're going to get.
I'd have no problem using name brands up to 5 years old. If they'd been stored properly.

I'm surprised you got an answer from Avon. Couple of years back they had problems with premature tread splits. Traced I believe to their packing methods for shipping.

[FJRider]

To avoid buying old stock I've tended to buy the latest model from my favoured brands which should ensure recent manufacture. I wouldn't normally ride a bike with six or seven year old tyres, they'd normally have all the grip of a plank of wood.

There are codes molded into the tire walls that indicate the year of manufacture. How many manufacturers do this I can't confirm. I'm sure more than a few reading this might look at their own bike tires and see (or not) for themselves.

https://www.chapmoto.com/blog/2013/01/16/tech-tips-read-motorcycle-tire-date-codes/

[Kickaha]

There are codes molded into the tire walls that indicate the year of manufacture. How many manufacturers do this I can't confirm.
All of them, it is an international standard of marking

[pritch]

There are codes molded into the tire walls that indicate the year of manufacture. How many manufacturers do this I can't confirm. I'm sure more than a few reading this might look at their own bike tires and see (or not) for themselves.


Yeah, that's understood, I think they all do that. It's easier just to buy the latest version, it can't have been hanging around in a shop for years.

Also several people mentioned UV light. Tec items refer to "oxidation" damaging tyres. If that means anything like I think it does, hiding the tyres from light might not be doing as much as we'd hope.

[FJRider]

Also several people mentioned UV light. Tec items refer to "oxidation" damaging tyres. If that means anything like I think it does, hiding the tyres from light might not be doing as much as we'd hope.

I saw the mention of water absorption. Storing in a dry area is one thing ... but it stands to reason humidity (as well as light) plays big part in storage too.

[roogazza]

I was a bit worried when I changed bikes last xmas.
The gsx1400 had Michelin road 3's on it. They had worn funny from the previous owner and I figured they were quite a few years old.
The bloody things won't wear out !
They hang on ok ,but I want to put on some newer sporty stuff for Summer.

I think you just have to use your head and be weary if you're in doubt. (No gizmos on the 14 !!!).

[rastuscat]

I think you just have to use your head and be weary if you're in doubt.

Rivalling stuff.co.nz in terms of use of the English language, Roo use his head to become weary.

Blessed be the fruit.

[SaferRides]

I was a bit worried when I changed bikes last xmas.
The gsx1400 had Michelin road 3's on it. They had worn funny from the previous owner and I figured they were quite a few years old.
Michelin continue manufacturing their older tyres for years, so you really need to check the date code on the sidewall. You can still buy the original, single compound Pilot Sport.

This site will even calculate the age for you! http://www.checktire.com



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[roogazza]

Rivalling stuff.co.nz in terms of use of the English language, Roo use his head to become weary.
Blessed be the fruit.

lol weary as in aware not as in tired.

(my 258's were always very inventive !!!! haha you'll get that one. xx). :shifty:<_<

[rastuscat]

lol weary as in aware not as in tired.

(my 258's were always very inventive !!!! haha you'll get that one. xx). :shifty:<_<

Chuckle. Cheers for taking it well 👍

[rastuscat]

(my 258's were always very inventive !!!! haha you'll get that one. xx). :shifty:<_<

My Pol 29s were equally creative. You'll know what I mean.

[roogazza]

My Pol 29s were equally creative. You'll know what I mean.

haha I'm much older !!!

That site Saferrides put up ,comes back as 8 yrs 5mths plus weeks ! They recommend replacement...
The front was made in Spain and the rear Thailand ?????

[bert_is_evil]

- Do not park under electrical wires

Wait, what?

[Bonez]

Wait, what?Also wears a tin foil faffaday cage helmet.

[toycollector10]

If it was me I would phone my local VTNZ or WOF station. When tyres get to a certain age, regardless of the condition, they fail a WOF. Or else, I would look up the NZTA website for information on it.

[pritch]

If it was me I would phone my local VTNZ or WOF station. When tyres get to a certain age, regardless of the condition, they fail a WOF. Or else, I would look up the NZTA website for information on it.

You do you by all means. I prefer to consult the experts - the people who made them.

[FJRider]

If it was me I would phone my local VTNZ or WOF station. When tyres get to a certain age, regardless of the condition, they fail a WOF. Or else, I would look up the NZTA website for information on it.

I just looked at their website. NO mention that tires age could cause a failed WOF ... <_<

https://www.tyrehub.co.nz/blog/tyres-and-wof-requirements-what-you-need-to-know/

[FJRider]

lol weary as in aware not as in tired.



The word you needed was wary ... :innocent:

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=wary+definition

[FJRider]

Michelin continue manufacturing their older tyres for years, so you really need to check the date code on the sidewall. You can still buy the original, single compound Pilot Sport.

This site will even calculate the age for you! http://www.checktire.com

Actually ... the age of the tire is not the issue to cause a problem ... it's how it has been stored during it's life.

The condition of the tire is the issue that will cause a WOF fail.