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Tire question, cracks not in sidewall.

6K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  jim_b 
#1 ·
I was polishing my wheels yesterday and noticed small cracks in the treads on my front tire. Just over 8,000 miles. I am heading out this weekend for 1500 miles or so. Are the small cracks anything to be concerned about? I will not hold you liable for you opinion:D

I leave Friday and only have a few days to get this replaced if it needs it.

Again, cracks on in the grooves of the tire and small...barely noticeable, but I would say each tread has a crack at the bottom of it(the deepest area).

Thanks!

Jim.
 
#3 ·
The tire has a defect, wether its from the manufacturer or old age doesn't matter at this point. It's time to get it off the bike, replace it before you leave. If you don't it will be the only thing on your mind for the next 1500 miles.
 
#4 ·
Jim, how ya been doin? Was thinking about giving you a shout to see if you wanted to hook up this weekend. Looks like you already got plans though. Where ya headed off to?

As far as the tires, I'd replace 'em. Too much riding on 'em. Check out the Commander IIs by Michelin. Have heard nothing but great things about 'em.

Have fun on your trip.

BC
 
#5 ·
Doing good Bottle Cap! Heading up to my bros in Iowa for a few days to ride. I should be around the rest of July if you want to ride....just let me know.

Thanks everyone else for the replies. I guess I was hoping for everyone to say it was all good:). Now to find which dealer here can get it done before Thursday night.
 
#6 ·
I had the same problem on my rode king. I replaced them cause you got to figure it could only get worse. I been running avon tires having pretty good luck with them. Long lasting and sticky
 
#9 · (Edited)
Okay, I'll be the devil on the other shoulder. I say ride and monitor.

How deep are they? Take a really thin wire, like off if a wire brush and do a depth check. Also, measure how long they are, and where in the tire each crack is. Mark the sidewall, or write down where the cracks are (Between ley and Dav of the Harley Davidson stamped on the tire, for example). Check at every gas stop, and if they are not growing, press on.

The tread doesn't hold the air in, and I've yet to see a motorcycle tire delaminate. If there are no bulges, bumps or other damage, I would be okay with hairline cracks in the tread.

I'm sure others (most everyone) will disagree, and say it's not worth my life, change it, etc, but I'll bet a bunch of riders are riding on tires in the same condition, don't know there are small cracks in the rubber surface, and will never have a problem...

Flame Away...
 
#10 ·
I tend to agree with you. Heck....if I would not have been messing with my rim I would never have noticed them. They may have been there for the last 3000 miles or so.

I do have some cupping on my front tire and with the temps being over 100 degrees and money not being too much of an issue....I have opted to replace it. If I was riding local I would have road that tire til I was forced to replace it.

Thanks for the input!
 
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