Hairline cracks in middle of front tire

[LSU Tiger]

I have a 2000 VS 800 intruder with a front tire installed in May of 2014 with 6000 miles. Today I notices some very small hairline cracks in the middle of the tire. Bike is kept in a garage. There is plenty of tread left worn evenly. Has anyone ever ran tires with small hairline cracks for any length of time? I realize the safe answer is replace them but if I could get another 2000 miles out of the tire it would be nice. Not sure how long the cracks have been there. Thanks.

[hillsy]

Check how old they are - there should be a 4 digit number after the DOT markings - first 2 digits is the week it was made, second 2 digits is the year (EG: 4206 is the 42nd week of 2006).

If its over 5 years old you probably should replace it anyway.

[franktiregod]

Replace it. The tire is very old.

The tire is older than 6 years. The cracking you see is the rubber disintegrating.

You can pick up a Shinko very cheap and they are good tires too.

[rocksandhammers]

Just like everyone else has already said, it's time for some new tires. It doesn't really matter how much tread is left at this point, if they were installed in 2014 they are at least 6 years old, and likely more. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 5 years because the rubber compounds breakdown over time.

[LSU Tiger]

I ordered a new tire today. Thanks.

[franktiregod]

I ordered a new tire today. Thanks.

Good deal.