| Author | Message | ||
     Fresnobuell |
Opinions on shelf life of tires? MOnths, years? I have an opportunity to pickup a couple sets of the new Dunlop Q2s for cheap. Tires will be stored indoors, climate controlled. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
2 years is what the told us in the total control class. It's probably in Lee parks' book too. I'll look it up and quote it if I get a chance later. | ||
| Jaimec |
Oh, THAT kind of rubber!! Never mind...  | ||
| Pizzaboy |
you mean they dont have expiration dates stamped into the tires or printed on the labels???????? | ||
| Badlionsfan |
There is a mfg date stamped in the tire. They are good for 2 years from date of mfg. This is why you have to be careful when ordering tires online. You may get a great deal on a tire, but it could be close to 2 years old or older. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
This is why you have to be careful when ordering tires online Good point. | ||
| Ccryder |
Just go ride and you won't have an issue. WTF, the "cycling" guys will store their tires under a certain person's front porch for a year or so and they last MUCH longer and don't blow out, or at least that's they way I remember the story. It would be a non-issue for me since I run through 2-3 sets of tires a year, even with the PR2's. Put some miles on that bad boy and you won't have so much time to sit around here and.................... j/k Later | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Well Neil, I have over 17,000 miles on the original bike. I would say that probably puts me in the 90th percentile here--and it's not a commuter.  Trust me. I have no problem burning thru tires. So I have a second R in my possession, which makes for a track-only bike. With 2 bikes, one street and one track, and the opportunity to stock up on the latest and greatest Q2s....well, the 2 year rule of thumb helps me plan. Thanks to those guys who gave me a track to run on here. (Message edited by fresnobuell on November 06, 2009) | ||
| Ron_luning |
I read recently, maybe in Motorcycle Consumer News, someone stated that if the tires are kept sealed up as tight as possible in black trash bags that they don't show any signs of aging after several years. It might be worth a shot. | ||
| Ccryder |
At that rate you should be able to use them well w/in 2 years. BTW, since most tires are made overseas, it can take 2-6 months for them to reach us so that cuts into that 2 year window. The MFG date is required on any DOT tire. Even non-DOT usually have the MFG date. FWIW, you are a little over 1/2 way to my 1125 mileage, we both love to ride, that's for sure! (oh yeah you do have an advantage weather wise out in CA) | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I read recently, maybe in Motorcycle Consumer News, someone stated that if the tires are kept sealed up as tight as possible in black trash bags that they don't show any signs of aging after several years. It might be worth a shot. absolutely, sounds like something easy to do that can only help. thanks, Ron. The good thing is that the Q2s have just hit the market, so they all have to be relatively fresh. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
FWIW, you are a little over 1/2 way to my 1125 mileage, we both love to ride, that's for sure! (oh yeah you do have an advantage weather wise out in CA) YOu are for sure the statistical outlier when it comes to mileage. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that if the roads aren't twisty or it's not a racetrack, what's the point? Rolling up the miles on the superslab isn't fun and all it does is wreck the profile of my tires. This isn't a knock on anyone, just my viewpoint on the subject. | ||
| Ccryder |
My commute is 70 miles (each way) of 2 lane TN/ KY back roads with little or no traffic. I've got about 4 different routes in case I get bored with one or I need to out run some storms. I agree about the superslabs. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Best thing I ever bought for the life of my bikes and tires is an enclosed Haulmark trailer (used off of craigslist). I installed three of these Harbor Freight motorcycle wheel chocks:  If I have just one bike in there, I use the center one, otherwise I use the one on either side. With the bike(s) tucked away, I close the door/ramp and no sunlight/UV, rain, etc. comes in to damage the tires, finish, vinyl seat covering, drive belt, and so on. Also way better than U-locks, chains, lights, alarms, or any other security device I've ever found. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
FM--I am seriously looking for a 6x9 enclosed trailer with a similar setup to what you have described....did you add some anchor points in the floor as well? | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Fresnobuell, The one that I have is 6' x 10' The previous owner already had installed the anchor points and he was just as careful and meticulous (okay, anal-retentive) as I am. He also painted the floor with a gray paint with sand mixed in for traction. In addition to the wheel chocks, I added a marine 120V power inlet (boating stuff) at the back into which an extension cord is plugged to supply power to the 4' long outlet strip that I attached at ceiling level. The single wheel chock in the center is great for bike maintenance in the winter. Close the door, use the outlet strip to supply power to lights and an electric heater. Life's good. Picture of a power inlet, since that's kind of an odd term:  You will not regret getting the trailer. I honestly believe that mine will pay for itself (I think I paid about $1800) by keeping the bikes from getting stolen, rusty, corroded, etc. And it gives a great way to transport them, whether for service, on a family vacation, or whatever. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Nice. I have moved from a small toy hauler idea to an enclosed trailer. I think in the end the enclosed trailer is more practical for me and a helluva lot cheaper--plus I can store it in my driveway as opposed to having to get storage. $1,800 is a good deal from the prices I have seen... | ||
| Fmaxwell |
@Fresnobuell I looked for at least several weeks before finding that price. I did get a great deal as the trailer was practically like new when I got it -- save for the upgrades. I've found that you can 'cut to the front of the line' by responding professionally: Tell the seller that you will (of course) pay cash, don't intend to waste their time by coming over and making a low-ball offer, are not going to ask them to deliver it or meet you at some halfway point, and will meet at any time convenient to them. Include phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Check e-mail and voice mail frequently and respond quickly. That makes for a nice change for most craigslist sellers and they are eager to deal with you rather than the idiot who responds with a one-line email "do you still have the trailer?" and then checks two days later to see if the answer was "yes." That's how I scored a really sweet deal on several vehicles, including the trailer, my 2003 GMC Yukon, and my 10th Anniversary Edition Miata (the Yukon and Miata each had just over 50K of pampered miles). |
