Should I replace my tyres?

[Tigerrrr.......]

Hello, all.

I have a 2003 SV650S, bought from new and currently with 9,600 miles on the clock. I don't use the bike much, perhaps a weekend trip once a year and the odd run down the coast.

I replaced the original tyres in 2009 with Bridgestone BT-021. They're still on the bike and have plenty of tread.

The bike is garaged, tyres pumped up a few extra pounds, on an ABBA stand with a cover and an Optimate.

I'm going away for a few days on the bike in a couple of months. The question is.... should I replace the tyres?

Although they look to be in good condition, they're 15 years old.

Will be replacing with Bridgestone Battlax BT-023 or similar.

What do you think? Any advice or opinions appreciated.

Thank you.

[admin]

I'd say replace. Rubber degrades over time, it dries out and cracks appear. Better safe than sorry.

[garynortheast]

Definitely time to replace them.

[Sir Trev]

As above. Do you want to trust your life to something that old that will not work anything like as well as fresh tyres? Same with the brake pads - replace them with fresh. It's not worth the risk.

[keny676]

I’d swap them out. Even if the tread looks fine, 15-year-old rubber isn’t something I’d want between me and the road, especially on a longer trip. Rubber hardens with age, and that affects grip big time, especially in the wet.

If you’re already leaning toward the BT-023s, just go for it