Topic: used tire prices

[jtrain]

Have not posted in a while. As a "newbie" and I guess a lurker now. I finally got something done worth mentioning. Got my bike inspected and licensed today. FINALLY legal to ride her. Thanks to all those that make this site such a valuable tool. (search works).I need tires and have limited funds. What should I expect to pay for decent used tires on a 79 cb650?

[fuzzybutt]

tires are NOT the place to buy used. for around 120 dollars or so you can get a decent set of safe tires for your motorcycle. used motorcycle tires are bad bad bad

[Steve F]

I wouldn't risk MY butt with used tires....not worth it.

[merc2dogs]

 Not sure how it is where you are, but there are a couple places here that sell last years tires at a pretty good discount during the spring. I normally spend about half price on decent tires because I don't feel the need to buy the newest pattern available.
 
  I agree, if you're going through a tire change anyway, go for a new one.

  Only time I ever ran used tires was when a friend would change tires every year, and he only put about 500 miles a year on them. Same dude put new tires every year on his truck, and I got those too! Didn't buy a single tire for 10 years, loved it!

Ken.

[Steve F]

  Only time I ever ran used tires was when a friend would change tires every year, and he only put about 500 miles a year on them. Same dude put new tires every year on his truck, and I got those too! Didn't buy a single tire for 10 years, loved it!

Ken.

Either filthy rich, or just plain weird.  Or both.      Good for you, though!

[CBGhia]

Some people are going to have a fit   

http://www.jcwhitney.com/Street-Tires/GP_2003944_N_111+10211+600014323_10111.jcw

These have got to be better than used tires. 
I have them on my bike, but I haven't finished the bike yet.  I will let you know how they ride in a few weeks.

[merc2dogs]

Either filthy rich, or just plain weird.  Or both.      Good for you, though!

 Could never figure it out, every spring he'd truck it to the shop for a tune up and new tires. Told him a few times he could get four or five years easily with what little he rode.
  With the truck, every winter the first snowfall would find him getting new tires.

 I'm actually kind of bad with tires, one bike has the same front tire that was on it when I bought it over 9 years ago, but it's my around town bike and seldom sees even 45mph.

 Those cheng shins are realy not that bad of a tire, and the cost is low enough that you can replace them every couple of years without breaking the bank.

Ken.

[GammaFlat]

How old is too old for a tire?  What is the rule of thumb?  I imagine part of the formula is whether it was outside a lot or not. 

[jtrain]

The ones in question are on the bike now. I know that they have set for at least 5 years but cant help but wonder. On a bike with 9000 miles; might they be original. I am not an overly expierienced  rider but still leery about laying my girl over for a tight turn. I "prudently" ride like a grandpa through the twists. I do however enjoy full throttle shifts in a straight line. Anyway this bike is on the cheap as I have four kids and a blue collar job.I thank all those for their input.

[Steve F]

The ones in question are on the bike now. I know that they have set for at least 5 years but cant help but wonder. On a bike with 9000 miles; might they be original. I am not an overly expierienced  rider but still leery about laying my girl over for a tight turn. I "prudently" ride like a grandpa through the twists. I do however enjoy full throttle shifts in a straight line. Anyway this bike is on the cheap as I have four kids and a blue collar job.I thank all those for their input.

Geez, you sound like me!  I have one tire on the front of the "stocker" bike that has to be 7 years old, and it's finally showing need for a replacement (I already bought the new tire, just haven't put it on yet).  I'm right now in the process of installing new tires on the bike in the avitar, and I'm replacing the "CS" tires on it.  It doesn't say "Cheng Shin" on the tire, but that's what the "CS" stands for I found out.  Those tires lasted over 9000 miles, and still have tread on them but they're getting hard and dry....time for new tires.  Replacing them with Dunlop's.

[RatBikeRandy]

OK, I know that there are other opinions, but I put a whole new set of tires, tubes and rim strips for around $80 with shipping.  I went with the vintage design that looks like the Dunlop.  I don't plan on riding a 35 year old CB500 at high speed for extended periods, but I have been on mountain roads with them with NO issues.  I just can't make myself pay almost the same price for 2 tires as the bike cost.  Also, I once had an Interceptor that came with Cheng Shin Hi-Max on it and they did just fine.
Just keep the rubber side down and you'll be OK either way you go.

[Gordon]

I just can't make myself pay almost the same price for 2 tires as the bike cost. 

Allow me to preface this by saying that it makes no difference to me what kind of tire anybody else wants to put on their own bike, so this is not meant as an attempt to start another tire war (and I hope it doesn't), but that has to be the worts reason I've ever heard for justifying putting cheap tires on a bike.  IMHO, the amount of money paid for a motorcycle should have no bearing on how much money is spent on safety equipment. 

This is not intended as a personal dig at you, Randy, and I hope you don't take it that way.    

[754]

Except for the day you first rode on them..
everyone is riding on used tires...

 Run what you can afford.. used tire may be too pricey anyway if you cannot RE & RE them yourself..

[goon 1492]

I got maxxis classic white walls front and rear for 140.00

[754]

Should mention.,
lower tread tires are more prone to flats.. a lot of shops dont sell used tires, but some takeoffs may be suitable or real cheap.

[jtrain]

My tires have a lot of tread but just seem dry and hard "if that makes sense". They dont really apear to be dry rotted but feel "chalky?'. My bike has the comstars, are these tubed tires? I plan on addressing the issue soon. I did my first bike burnout a litttle while ago it was sweet.

[Steve F]

Comstars can run tubeless...lucky you.

[754]

You may be able to tell, tube vs tubeless by the valve stems..

 Tires usually oxidize over time , that is, the outer layer deteriorates.  To me this does not mean they are not useable, but have to be ridden carefully (ie, not full out), till they get run in again..

[City Boy]

Dunlop,last time I looked,said 5-7 years is life span time wise.However this rule not written in stone.You must inspect for cracking on sidewalls and carcass at base of treads.If there is ONE thing i have learned in 40 years of riding,Dont mess with the few square in. between you and the road.If you don't put enough miles on to wear em out before old age,treat yourself sooner than the "Best before date"!  Rock On

[RatBikeRandy]

Gordon - No offense taken.  As I said, everyone has their own opinion and preference.  I'll know today how good the tires are - Maiden Voyage (of any distance) to Barbers Motorsports Park in Birmingham for the bike races.  Just received my tank and sidecovers back from paint this week.  Looks good, just have to get all of the badges installed.  Hopefully everything stays in one piece.