If you need a new front tire check this out

[motorcycleman]

I'm putting this in here as well as the off site parts area:

http://www.ridedirect.com/showProduct.php?id=1081

I ordered one, $29.95 plus $10 shipping. If anyone knows anything about this tire please say yea or nea as to good hawkgt use!

[Doc]

Wow! That is cheap. I think I have a Avon rear you can have.

[dagus]

I run Avons - love 'em. Big big thanks for the link!

What's the shelf life of tires? I don't need them yet but I probably will in the middle of the summer...

[motorcycleman]

I was wondering that myself- at that price it would be great to store one or two. Anyone know the best way to store a tire for a year or two?

[Doc]

On it's side in a heated area.

[jaysun0ne]

this is no expert opinion but i have been told

its not a good idea to pay top dollor for a tire more than 3 months old (should start to get discounts after three months)

so i would think that would apply to track use
and if you buy a tire that was made that year and use it for street, you should be fine.

also if they are that cheap they might already be a season or two old.
so stockpilling them for next or two seasons from now could be a bad idea

but i have seen hawks with original rubber that still hold air. the 96 buell i got 2 years ago had its original rubber and i rode 3000 mi. on them with no problem. i got a "good deal" on a set of "tamahawks" last year (didnt know they were retreads) i was pressed for cash, so i only put the back on, after 1000 miles and plenty of tread left its coming off and a new 208 is going on.

i guess it all depends on your ridding level and prefrance.
but tires are the most important thing on your bike IMO

[motorcycleman]

Good point jaysunOne. I think these are a discontinued model, so they are a year old anyway. I'm not worried about throwing it on though- as you said, tires do last on the bikes for several seasons, and these Azaros are pretty good tires. Not for racing, however..

[SpeedyR]

tire shelf life

I know a few things about tires...

shelf life on a tire is usually at least 3 years if it's been stored properly (not near any electric motors (ozone), out of sunlight, etc.). Most tires are probably good for 5 years. The stickier the tire, the shorter the shelf life.

DOT and slick race tires usually a year to 2 years. Rain tires, max one year.

sport tires my preference is within 3 years.

if you dont' know how to read the tire, on the sidewall is the DOT date code. it's a four digit number that's stamped on the side. usually something like 2404. The first two digits are the week it was made (01 thru 52). The second two digits are the year (04 = 2004). so the example would be made the 24th week or 2004.

if it's only got three digits it was made prior to 1999 and it's not good for anything besides a swing in your yard.

hopefully that will help. Avon tires are decent. this one is old but just call and ask them for a date code on them and make your own decision.

Jeff

[motorcycleman]

I have the tire- very fast shipping but I am at work and it is at home.... I'll check that code and report back later. Thanks for the info!

[motorcycleman]

The date appears to be "0102"- so I'm guessing January of 02. If these were a bottle of milk in the fridge you wouldn't want to drink it... but they should be ok for this year.