Tire Question

[Doug Hare]

I have Metzeler ME880 Marathon tires on the front and the rear of my 1984 VR. These tires are not very old and have alot of tread left on them. I have owned the bike for a year and know that the tires may be 3 years old based on info from the previous owner.

 

Now to my question. I noticed on the rear tire about half way up the sidewall a wavy thin crack extending about 4 to 6 inches aong the tire. This pattern continues around the tire in the form of a black line for maybe 20 inches.

 

I am do not know the construction of these tires. Do I need to be worried about this tire blowing out on me while riding?

 

I would appreciate some advice as I do not want this tire to cause any problems while riding.

[Cutty]

Check very close to see if it's an actual crack or is it a cosmetic blem of extra rubber from production. If it's a crack please replace, we need you here.

[Doug Hare]

Looks to me like a crack forming. According to the metzeler website and the DOT number the tire was produced in the 13th week of 2003.

 

Thanks for the advice I will have a much closer look!!!!

[Yammer Dan]

I just replaced one with good tread and some nasty looking cracks in it. Couldn't think of anything else when riding.

[Doug Hare]

I know what you mean Yammer Dan. While waiting for my daughter outside of her part time job I noticed the crack and it spooked me all the way home. I now you live in the states but about how much was a replaced tire and did you buy a Metzeler?

 

Another question is since I have a Metzeler an the ront do I need to have a Metzeler on the back (which is the one with the crack in it)?

 

Thanks for the info and your concern!!

[Yammer Dan]

Some say you must run same thing on front and rear and I like to if it works out that way. You shouldn't mix Radial and Bias ply, keep same type of tire on both ends but different Brands shouldn't make difference.

South West Mototires.com treats us good. I had extra in shed this time but several can be had for around 100 a tire.

[Doug Hare]

Thanks for the information Yammer Dan!!