Is a 4 year old tyre to old to mount?

I have a Michelin Pilot Power 2CT with a manufacturing date of (I think) end of 2008. I picked up a nail, so my current rear tyre is toast. Should I bother mounting the unused but 4 year old Michelin? The rubber doesn't seem to feel dried out or hardened. I'd need to replace the front while I'm at it, so probably pick up the matching (but new) front. Or, do I throw it out and buy a pair of something else?

Thanks,
Jeff

The most important bling on your bike is tyres and brakes.

I got to looking into it a bit...
The most apparent issues have come from
lawsuits etc.from dealers installing old car tyres for spares and resulting blowout killing someone...
and the Fireestone tyre deal a few years back
on Ford Exploders...
BUT...with that...

Check out this article regarding motorcycle tyres;

http://blog.unsafemotorcycles.com/2010/ ... tters.html

4 years is closed to the limit, it will be 5-6 years when they are worn out. The tyre rubber/nylon tread become harder from ozone exposure, etc. Just as helmets should be tossed after 6 years or so due to the inside foam becoming unable to deform/perform as new, when hit. Move on to some new rubber to be safer and have more fun, more silica is in these newer tyres so they warm up quicker. Check the tyre's construction date on the sidewall, before purchase, to ensure that your new rubber is within the optimum 3-8 months window. I have always had new rubber sent out, via internet sales, old tyres are rarely shifted this way.

As a former tyre monkey I can saftley say

It's fine as long as it's been stored properly, ie not too hot or cold, not to dry or damp and not with heavy things deforming the shape

... or not stored near working electric motors.

Thanks for all the replies. I got the tyre last year from the guy that sold me the superduke (at the same time). Judging from how anal he was about the cleanliness of his garage, bikes, and house; and experience and knowledge about bikes, I'm going to assume that HE had the tyre stored correctly. This is an unused, never mounted tyre that has been safe in my basement since last November (not next to the furnace). Our riding season is coming to a close, but I think I'll put it on for the couple months or so of riding I have left.

The date code on the sidewall says 3508. No track days for me, just some weekend riding around town and occasional commuting to work.

Thanks again for the opinions and advice.

Cheers,
Jeff

As stated above, if it's never been used it should be ok. It won't be as good as fresh rubber but shouldn't be unsafe. Just don't go out setting lap records on your favorite road til you feel it out first. I've got a 08 Contirace rear on mine that was used in 2010 for a few trackdays that I've been using aggressively on the street. Feels great even with only the slightest hint of sipes left. My gf just received a set of race tyres from Continental that had 07 or 08 date codes. They said they were fine and they are. But if you're still unsure you can always give it to me...

I had original Pirelli Corsa III when I bought the bike. Producing date by the index is 2007. They have done around 4600km or 2900miles with me this year and only thing I can recommend is: don't use old tyres if you are hard driver or want to have serious fun with the bike. However I am still alive with mines, back tyre is worn out steel shining through it. Never felt very sure with these tyres and used holded back driving style in accordance (lier I am ). So its possible to use them, yes. Just be very-very careful in this case. Or how much your life and your health is worth, think about it Set of new tyres should not be such a big deal Get your priorities right.

I have a set of new Metzeler Roadtec Z8 waiting for tyre change. They should last twice(!) as long as Pirelli Corsa III-s. At the same time comparing tyre compound of old Pirellis and new Metzelers new ones feel VERY soft and VERY grippy compared to Pirelli Corsa III-s, which again should be more orientated for harder driving and be more grippy. But its opposite! So if even slightly possible stop for searching compromises and go for the best. You never wear a seatbelt on your bike and do not have any airbags. No ABS, no traction no anything. And then you want to have fun and do not have tyres as well. Nonsense.

I just pulled the rear tyre off and my rear sprocket carrier bearing feels pretty rough. I probably need to find one of these too, so it looks like I have time to do a little tyre shopping and comparing prices. I don't want to turn this into a "what brand of tyre" thread, but given that I want a new front, I'll check out pricing on pairs.

I had the pilot 2CT's on my SD for less than 1,000 miles and I couldn't wait to replace them. Really shit tyres. Wrong profile for our SD's
I know your tyre was free, but consider buying pirelli's instead if you the money.

That's ok... It was only a suggestion. Let us know if you like the tyres.

Cheers

I think you'll find a lot of folks on here swear by 2CTs. They are a great street tyre that are good on track as well. Also great grip in the wet. Great all round tyre.

There seems to almost be religion regarding tyres. I think they are a bit like computers - various people
seem to have a religious zeal regarding particular brands.

Me I'm just a computer and tyre whore - just use whatever will get the job done with the least amount of effort.

Indeed, when I grow up as a rider I'm planing to use tyres to the limit of their capability. In the meantime I'm
happy if I can just beat the pretenders on the inline fours

Sam sung a different tune about Apple, wish they could retire the verdict and run the o eight version!

I'm a bit put off by the use of the term "mount" in the thread title TBH.

The new tyres have been fitted and I like them. It's been raining, so a little nervous about scrubbing them in, but my initial impressions are that they are an improvement over the originals. I am a low performance rider, commuting to work and having some weekend fun, but the closest fun roads are over 3½ hours away, so I only get it leaned over on the occassional freeway on/off ramp.
So far, so good!