Topic: Tire question

[krksquared]

Well I was going to ride to work this morning on my CBX but I checked the tire pressures first. I know it's not an SOHC4 but it's parked next to one.   Rear was ok but the front was around 8-10lbs. I had it at 28 two days ago. So I'm thinking I have a leak. Thing is the tire looked ok & was stiff to the squeeze test. So I let all of the air out and it didn't go very flat and still felt very firm with a hand squeeze. No, I didn't try to ride it that way. I've attached a picture of the tire with no air. With the weight of a CBX, I expected it to go flatter. Is this what I should expect? Tire is a Bridgestone Spitfire 11F 100/90-19 with a date code of 2012. I'm wondering if the tire is too hard. Maybe it's time to replace it? Thoughts?

[Johnie]

I'd fill it with air and check it again in a day in case someone is messing with you. A good rule of thumb - if you are questioning your tires then replace them.

[krksquared]

Nah. No one is messing with me. The bike is safe and secure in my garage. I'm just wondering if the rubber being too hard is why the tire doesn't go very flat. Then again, maybe that's normal. I don't have another similar weight bike with fresh tire to do a comparison. Either way I'm convinced that I need to regularly check tire pressure before riding. A look and a squeeze isn't enough.

[krksquared]

Aha - using the soap bubble method, I found a slow leak out the valve stem. Still wondering if the rubber is getting too hard.

[low-side]

6 years old is getting up there, but a quality tire should be difficult to squeeze.

[PeWe]

How long the tire has been mounted on the bike is one important factor. A tire can be stored rather long time if done correctly.
If it has been on for around 5 years and has bad grip on wet roads or feel bad, replace it.  If bike has been parked in a hot and sunny place for longer periods, tire might get older quicker.

Museum class stock bikes must have tires made at same date as the bike, right?