The common belief is that motorcycle tires expire after a certain number of kilometres or time which is generally recommended at 5 years since it was thought that the rubber would have aged and hardened over time. However, do top-quality tires like Metzelers, Vredestein and Apollo tyres really age or is it just a big misunderstanding? We spoke to a couple of tire experts from across the world and came up with more definitive answers or rather more informed answers to share with you.
Do motorcycle tires expire?
The primary reason why people are worried about ‘old tires’ is because the rubber in the tyre can degrade over time, which makes them harder, brittle and more fragile. Theoretically, this means the tires will offer you less traction in the twisties and less bite when braking from that car or pothole you’re trying to avoid. But this might not be the case since tyres are not like milk that can go from good to curdled overnight.
Since tyres differ from each other in thickness, width and composition there is no predefined age of expiry to fit all. So can we assume the 5-year rule is a myth? Well, maybe it’s not that simple. The 5-year rule may be just a recommendation but that recommendation is related to safety so it might be wise to pay heed to it.
When trying to vindicate the 5 year rule of thumb, we found no official notice from any manufacturer other than rider forums and word of mouth from Reddit and Twitter that substantiates the 5-year rule. Manufacturers like Dunlop, Continente and Michelin tyres provide a recommendation of an astonishing 10-year period of service life from a properly maintained set of tyres. In our experience, this sounds rather too long to trust a set of tires.
Further investigation into the myth
We spoke to a couple of experts around and their answers pointed us in a similar direction; ‘Age’ is not the same as ‘ageing’. They suggested the environment that the tyres are kept in is far more vital than the actual date of the tyre.
To help elaborate, think of a bag of cement powder, if kept in a dry, cool and shaded area, the bag will remain pristine for many months give or take. Conversely, if the same bag is kept in a moist ridden environment for the same duration of time, you’re gonna end up with a solid block of cement. It’s the same with tires, storing tires indoors away from direct sunlight and heat can considerably lengthen shelf life. If you buy your tires from a reputable store or online retailer like Custom Elements, the store will have proper storage facilities and stock rotation to ensure inventory is fresh.
On the flip side
However, what if you have 2 or 3 bikes that you don’t use often? In that case, tyre age might become a massive issue. Or what if you want to store away your new set of Metzeler, or Vredestein tyres which you bought? In both scenarios, there are few vital elements that could hamper their lifespan. Here are few factors to account for when shocking away;
1. Heat
Tyres should be stored in a cool, well ventilated environment. A sealed garage or shed could cause some drywall and make them brittle. On the other hand, tires which are in service should be kept in the shade. The simplest way is by parking your bike in the garage. Ambient temperatures are considerably cooler. However, heat is a major factor and so if you’re located in a warmer region like Surat or Titlagarh, your ties will most likely age considerably quicker than someone located in Dehradun. Most modern Apollo tyres come with some added heat protection for longevity.
2. Oxygen
Oxygen is somewhat of a silent killer for tyres. The oxygen atoms cause the elastomer molecules to lose electrons; this causes oxidation which results in the rubber getting harder and thereby weaker. Oxygen is a simpler and easier problem to fix for tyres in service. Since these tyres are inflated with air which is 21% oxygen, simply purging the air and switching to nitrogen is an affordable and simple way to ensure proper ageing. Tyres like the Apollo Alpha H1, and the Vredestein Centauro ST come with antioxidants added to the rubber to prevent oxidation. As for tires you’re storing away, your best way out is wrapping your tires with plastic like a garbage bag.
3. Light
Surprisingly enough, light is another element that causes tires to age badly. Light causes the tyre molecules to break down into smaller less stable molecules. Manufacturers do add special UV stablers on the outer coating of tyres to protect them from this homolytic fission. However, it wears out after use. Hence it is very important to store tyres away from sunlight. As for tires in use, there isn’t much you can do here other than just park in the shade.
4. Tyre Flex
This is an issue primarily for tires in service. This is unavoidable when you ride your motorcycle. It’s the folding of the tyre walls. It’s directly influenced by pressure and load. Tyre flex does not just cause accelerated treadwear but also accelerates all the listed elements above that age your tyre quicker. Tyres in storage don’t endure this force since they are unladen, however, piling them one over another vertically in storage might squeeze the tyres at the bottom, so your best bet is to line them up horizontally.
In the end, one of the most elementary and overlooked elements of tyres is pressure. Low pressure will accelerate tyre wear, tyre age and even reduce handling considerably. Not to mention that you’re more likely to pick up a puncture.
How to buy Motorcycle Tyres on Custom Elements?
In case motorcycle tyres are the next item on your list, it might be a good idea to buy your set from a reputed online marketplace like Custom Elements. You can find an array of top tyre manufacturers ranging from Verdestine to Apollo to Metziler. There are also a couple of search filters that you can use to narrow your search. Once you find the right tyre, proceed to check out.
View our range of tyres here: Motorcycle Tyres
