How old are my Pirelli MT21s?

[ThreadKiller]

Hello all,
So, just acquired a new-to-me bike and it came with a set of unused MT21s. Before having them fitted, I wanted to check the date codes. All I can find are the numbers as in the photos, which don’t look much like credible date codes to me. Anyone know any better?
Also they are stamped “US only”… I assume this means they are not legal in the uk so dates might be of academic interest only?
Any insight into this much appreciated!
Thanks.
Mike

[ThreadKiller]

[ThreadKiller]

[ThreadKiller]

[ThreadKiller]

[_Rodders_]

18th week of 2008.

[_Rodders_]

And 11th week of 2009.

[ThreadKiller]

I saw a reply saying week 16 1955… seems to have gone (thanks irrespective). That was my first take and obviously the replier thought that wasn’t credible. I did a check on google and MT21s first appeared later ‘80s…

[ThreadKiller]

2008 / 2009… that makes sense. Scrap then :-(
Thanks for the information :-)
Mike

[Steve Bass]

Depends on what you're putting them on.
For a bike that's going to do 90% off road, I'd stick them on and enjoy. If the bike is 90% road use however, I'd be a little less enthusiastic.
As for the "US Only" designation, it's a DOT approval designation as without it, the tyre is off road use only. It's age may predate the E marking requirement for Euro compliance which started in 1988 so your tyres possibly predate this regulation

[_Rodders_]

I initially said 1955 based on the first photo but it's definitely 08 and 09.

[sixor8]

There weren't any date codes on tyres until the 1980s. 3 digits (the last being the year), then 3 with a triangle alongside for the 1990s and 4 digits from 2000 on.

[ThreadKiller]

Hmm. I’d be kidding myself to think other than a small fraction of my mileage will be off road. New tyres needed I think.
Thanks all.