Tyre cracking advice
Discussion
I noticed the front tyre on my bike has these fine cracks in it on the sidewall - closer to the rim than the tread. Doesn't have any cracking on the tread.
Do they look alright to use? Is there a way to check how deep they are (wondering whether it could be just cosmetic?)
My local bike shop is very shut at the moment so no joy there, I have emailed the manufacturer but they just said to contact the supplier of the tyre, and that they don't deal with customers directly.
It was bought from somewhere a long way away from here, and they're also shut.
They're stamped 22/15 and the bike has always been kept undercover. Avon AM26 roadrider



Do they look alright to use? Is there a way to check how deep they are (wondering whether it could be just cosmetic?)
My local bike shop is very shut at the moment so no joy there, I have emailed the manufacturer but they just said to contact the supplier of the tyre, and that they don't deal with customers directly.
It was bought from somewhere a long way away from here, and they're also shut.
They're stamped 22/15 and the bike has always been kept undercover. Avon AM26 roadrider
Tbh if it were my car or bike I'd change them. Tyres last long enough and not that expensive.
But if I tried defecting a lorry with tyres like that I'd be laughed out of a transport office. Allegedly they are good for 10 years on all axles.
So I'd say they will probably be okay. But the performance wont be as good as the rubber is going hard. So id change them anyway.
But if I tried defecting a lorry with tyres like that I'd be laughed out of a transport office. Allegedly they are good for 10 years on all axles.
So I'd say they will probably be okay. But the performance wont be as good as the rubber is going hard. So id change them anyway.
Plymo said:
zzrman said:
Christ, how old are those tyres? 
Almost exactly 5 years... And only fitted for 4!
My old BSA came with tyres from 2002 that looked ok (I changed them anyway!) And I've had cars with tyres 8 years old, and kept outside that haven't ended up looking like that
I've got the old wheels off my 916 in the workshop, been sitting around for well over 10 years and the tyres fitted to them are still visually in good nick with no cracking....
catso said:
Plymo said:
zzrman said:
Christ, how old are those tyres? 
Almost exactly 5 years... And only fitted for 4!
My old BSA came with tyres from 2002 that looked ok (I changed them anyway!) And I've had cars with tyres 8 years old, and kept outside that haven't ended up looking like that
I've got the old wheels off my 916 in the workshop, been sitting around for well over 10 years and the tyres fitted to them are still visually in good nick with no cracking....
They have been kept out of the sun and at proper pressures - so they must be just duff tyres.
Looking on a few forums, people have been having issues like this with these tyres though.
It also looks like Avon have been reluctant to help anyone either, except in the US where they are apparently very good.
Four years use from a set of tyres is pretty good going. I don’t think I’d be getting upset that they were starting to degrade five years after they were made.
How many miles have you done on them? If lots, then you’ve had your money’s worth out of them. If not see below
Does the bike stand on concrete unmoved for long periods of time? The tyre will be under a lot of pressure in one specific point if it is.
How many miles have you done on them? If lots, then you’ve had your money’s worth out of them. If not see below
Does the bike stand on concrete unmoved for long periods of time? The tyre will be under a lot of pressure in one specific point if it is.
catso said:
Yes they look knacked to me but at 5 years old I wouldn't have expected cracking like that unless they've been stored 'badly'?
I've got the old wheels off my 916 in the workshop, been sitting around for well over 10 years and the tyres fitted to them are still visually in good nick with no cracking....
Usually it's UV damage that can do that to them - I've seen a tyre get in that state in less than two years, but it was sitting in a south-facing pile of exposed wheels 24/7. In this case I think it's just bad luck.I've got the old wheels off my 916 in the workshop, been sitting around for well over 10 years and the tyres fitted to them are still visually in good nick with no cracking....
The tyres on my Monster were the originals from 2011 when I bought it last year, they still looked perfect. Changed them anyway of course, but you couldn't tell how old they were from the look.
norlio said:
Four years use from a set of tyres is pretty good going. I don’t think I’d be getting upset that they were starting to degrade five years after they were made.
How many miles have you done on them? If lots, then you’ve had your money’s worth out of them. If not see below
Does the bike stand on concrete unmoved for long periods of time? The tyre will be under a lot of pressure in one specific point if it is.
I always forget to check the date code when getting new tyres from a dealer - I wouldn't feel like I had good value if they had been sat in stores for 3 years, and then started cracking 2 years after fitting.How many miles have you done on them? If lots, then you’ve had your money’s worth out of them. If not see below
Does the bike stand on concrete unmoved for long periods of time? The tyre will be under a lot of pressure in one specific point if it is.
I suppose it's a reminder to check what was fitted before riding off.
Max5476 said:
I always forget to check the date code when getting new tyres from a dealer - I wouldn't feel like I had good value if they had been sat in stores for 3 years, and then started cracking 2 years after fitting.
I suppose it's a reminder to check what was fitted before riding off.
make sure tyres are stored in cool preferably dark place we go to great lengths to make sure ours are but I see lots of bad storage at dealersI suppose it's a reminder to check what was fitted before riding off.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



