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Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => FZS600 Fazer => Topic started by: hopefiendboy on 01 February 2018, 12:41:55 pm

Title: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: hopefiendboy on 01 February 2018, 12:41:55 pm
Hi All


Back on the fazer bandwagon again- after 9 years since owning my last 1999 FZS600!



Just about to acquire a Y2K FZS600SA with only 20.5K miles on the clock. Now the tyres on the bike are a few years old (6+ easy) and I was wondering at what sort of age you would consider replacing tyres that have not had a lot of use?


I have a 120/60/17 PR3 front unused tyre in the garage that I could fit on, but i know this is a slightly wider profile than standard spec and will in theory fit. So, this is a possible option.


Your opinions would be gratefully received!


Paul



Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: darrsi on 01 February 2018, 12:57:21 pm
Look for cracks in the tyre, just looking at it should make your mind up easily enough.


You'll probably get divided opinion on the 120 front, it will fit but the front will handle slightly different, and the 110 was designed for the bike, so i personally wouldn't fit it for my bike.
Then again, if it's there doing nothing then there's no harm in trying it out if you want to.
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: darrsi on 01 February 2018, 12:58:49 pm
Plus the PR3 is a good tyre, so it's not like you're chucking any old shit on it.
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: Ruby Racing on 01 February 2018, 01:32:38 pm
Sorry if you know this already, but if you look at the sidewall of the tyre you should find a four digit number stamped on it's own and this will tell when the tyre was made. For example 1016 would mean it was made in the tenth week of 2016, 4312 = 43rd week of 2012, etc.



Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: Disorderlypunk on 01 February 2018, 01:37:47 pm
Sorry if you know this already, but if you look at the sidewall of the tyre you should find a four digit number stamped on it's own and this will tell when the tyre was made. For example 1016 would mean it was made in the tenth week of 2016, 4312 = 43rd week of 2012, etc.


didnt know that - turned my last from tyre into a table and turns out that was made in 2013 so no wonder it was cracked
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: Ruby Racing on 01 February 2018, 01:45:18 pm
Sorry if you know this already, but if you look at the sidewall of the tyre you should find a four digit number stamped on it's own and this will tell when the tyre was made. For example 1016 would mean it was made in the tenth week of 2016, 4312 = 43rd week of 2012, etc.


didnt know that - turned my last from tyre into a table and turns out that was made in 2013 so no wonder it was cracked


 :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: unfazed on 01 February 2018, 04:10:38 pm
Cracking is only one problem with old tyres, the other is that they harden, thus less grip especial in the damp or wet or cold roads
I would change them  5 years and over.

Check the date stamp  as already mentioned
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: YamFazFan on 02 February 2018, 06:26:18 pm
Sorry if you know this already, but if you look at the sidewall of the tyre you should find a four digit number stamped on it's own and this will tell when the tyre was made. For example 1016 would mean it was made in the tenth week of 2016, 4312 = 43rd week of 2012, etc.

Well I've learned at least one new thing today!.

I had no idea they were date stamped.
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: acid drop on 02 February 2018, 07:35:12 pm

Cracking is only one problem with old tyres, the other is that they harden, thus less grip especial in the damp or wet or cold roads
I would change them  5 years and over.

Check the date stamp  as already mentioned


  Change them at five years???  mine don't last more than 18 months
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: Disorderlypunk on 02 February 2018, 08:36:22 pm

  Change them at five years???  mine don't last more than 18 months
i very nearly typed that earlier lol
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: stet on 03 February 2018, 12:22:11 am
The front tyre is arguably the most safety critical item on a bike. Just an opinion: don't take any chances with type, age, or size.
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: Disorderlypunk on 03 February 2018, 01:18:07 am
i was going to use a very similar saying in a upcoming video
would you trust not making a life with a 5 year old 'Rubber'
do you want to trust your own life with 5 year old Rubber ?


just replace them and get the best out of your ride while you can - use the old ones up and down the road while getting things setup but get it booked in for a tyre swap - i buy my own online and take them down the garage myself as it saves me a few quid as obviously garages charge to remove the wheels.
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: stet on 03 February 2018, 02:19:09 am
By coincidence, I have just been watching your YouTube video where you were caught in snow- nasty!

A mate bought a second-hand Gixer and lost the front. The accident investigation showed that the front tyre was past its best and was not suited to the bike. Luckily, he was more or less OK but the bike was a mess.
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: Ruby Racing on 03 February 2018, 08:24:56 am
After brakes, tyres are one of the most important parts of a bike. They're the only things keeping you off the deck. Don't scrimp on them.


Track riders have a saying: "It's cheaper to replace the tyres, than to repair the bike."
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: unfazed on 03 February 2018, 10:38:23 am
 :agree
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: Nemesis on 03 February 2018, 05:40:52 pm
Great thread and going to change my rear asap as it will be 10 years old by august :eek . No cracking but poor grip in damp conditions bike still less than 6k. Tyres are Dunlop.
Title: Re: Tyres- What age would you change tyre(s) at? AND....120 section on the front?
Post by: fazersharp on 03 February 2018, 06:58:51 pm
I have the problem that my tyres are old before they are worn (unless I get a nail  :'( ) going to get the softest I can find next time and I don't need wet grip