Fact & Urban Myth.?

[Nick_Giles]

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Evening all.

There are lots of urban myths regarding most subjects be it photography, brick laying, firearms, Mayan calendars or UFO's ........... So I presume motorbikes and it's associated areas are no different.

So are there any 'urban myths' no mater how silly (many have originated with 'some' foundation) related to biking that members wish cleared up.?

My question is that a few people have told me that tyres need to be replaced every 2 years, others have said every 4 years no matter how much tread they have left on them.! ........ Is this fact, fiction / urban myth or a left over from the days when tyres were made from different compounds that they are now.?


Cheers, Nick

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Peter Cook: "I have learned from my mistakes, and I am sure I can repeat them exactly".

[Polarbear]

I was in kwikfit getting some tyres on my car and heard them say to a woman that her tyres were over 5 years old and should be changed irrespective of the tread depth.

I wouldn't know if that was genuine or not.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Vincent]

It depends when they were made, not when they're put on the vehicle. Some tyres sit in storage for years. I've always thought it was around 10 years but they have a date on anyway don't they? Maybe not lin-Shin but the big makes do. It's certainly not 2 years..........I know that much.
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Space Is Deep

[Sable]

Related question!

Not sure if its a myth, more a cyclist thing I don't know if it carries over. When you cycle daily its generally seen as good practice too replace your helmet every 6 months too a year. Little helmets wear and tear / marketing too make you buy more helmets. Was never sure which.

Does that translate at all too motorbike helmets? When using them daily is there a rough replacement time or do you just wear them till you crash in them?

[Nick_Giles]

[Frost]

They certainly don't last forever. Just as black plastics turn grey then white from UV light tires also dry out and can start to crack. Racing tires for instance are less and less effective with every heat cycle they get put through.
Would i want to be riding a sports bike with 10 year old tires on? Nope. Would i drive a car with 10 year old tires on? I might be have done so many times!

[MattJ]

3-5 years depending on the quality of helmet is what I've been told.

[rhys1005]

[Walloper]

There is a Date of Manufacture moulded into the side-wall. It's normally a Date Code so not just as simply to read off the tyre.
4-5 years is the advice from manufacturers and dealers.
You may get away with longer but the rubber being a natural product does have a max life. I would think it safe to err on the cautious side as you have a very small contact patch keeping you safe.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[stinkwheel]

*sidles into thread*

"You can only use motorcycle specific engine oil in a motorcycle."

"You should carefully run in a new engine for the first 1,000 miles"

*runs away*
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Benno]

"You will die if you own a motorbike"

Most common one I hear
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I'm autistic. That means I'm smarter than you.

[Walloper]

A 2000 Fireblade can beat a 98 R1.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[Derivative]

[Alpha-9]

[cimbian]

[Clutchy]

People who ride cruisers are gay?
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Malaguti F12 Phantom-Dead, Suzuki AY50- Dead, NRG power DD LQ, CBR125.
*33 BHP restriction up on 10/12/14* Current bikes/car: SV 650 S/ MKIV GOLF
Guide to pass your test with no lessons!

[scarborough_lad]

[Nick_Giles]

A Honda CG will easily hit 100mph with a 'big-bore' kit fitted. My mate has done it.

An Aprilia 125 will piss all over ANY 600



Nick
____________________
Peter Cook: "I have learned from my mistakes, and I am sure I can repeat them exactly".

[mysterious_rider]

bought some tyres on ebay for a gs500 once. They turned out to be unused, but 10 years old. They were okay, but the rear got a tiny bit cracked, wore it down then replaced.

If you fancy any serious grip don't bother with old tyres. Not worth it. However i picked up that set for like £80 so couldn't complain.

Nowadays I have a sportsbike that I like to push a bit so it's just worth spending that extra on proper new ones.

cheers.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[Nick_Giles]

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Paddy lends people his bikes to 'try' even if they are ungrateful urchins.

Fact or fiction.??


Nick
____________________
Peter Cook: "I have learned from my mistakes, and I am sure I can repeat them exactly".

[robbieguy2003]

The '98 R1 is so fast, that when you pin it in 1st gear, it doesn't actually move, it simply turns the earth instead.
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Current Bikes: Honda CBR 600RR - '07, Suzuki GSX1250 FA ST '11
Old Bikes: Suzuki Intruder 125 LC - '2001, Honda CBR 600F - '92, Honda CBR 600RR - '03

[ScaredyCat]

[Nick_Giles]

[ZRX61]

[Walloper]