Hi! i have a 2009 Suzuki 600GSX. it has about 4k on it now. im wondering when is a good time to replace my tires?
Most tires have a mileage rating, i.e. 15000 miles, etc. But usually wont last that long if you are any kind of avid rider. Check the tires wear indicators, and tread depth. Consult your service manual for tread depth measurements also.
In certain types of riding, a squared tire is a fact of life. If you replaced the tire at the first sign of it, you would be throwing away money way more often than you have to. It really does change the handling characteristics of the bike though. Depending on your riding style, you may notice it, and you may not. It's not exactly dangerous in the way that you are risking your life every time you throw a leg over and ride. It's just dangerous in that anything that degrades the handling of your bike is less safe than if it was perfect. I would just change it when it comes close to the wear indicators. The best way to judge how it changed the handling is to pay close attention to your last ride before you change and the first ride after you get new ones (or at least after the new ones have been scrubbed in). I thought my Cyclone was a nice handling bike with the old slightly squared tires. It actually was a good handling bike I guess. When I had a brand new set of Road Attacks put on, it was like I got a new bike. The new rubber was more pliable and absorbed minor imperfections way better than the old set. The bike felt more stable on the highway, and MUCH more lively in the corners. It didn't follow rain grooves and cracks like the old tires did, and in the wet weather, the bike was much more confidence inspiring. Just ride it the way it is for now, but if it ever doesn't feel right don't mess around. Just get new tires and count it as money well spent. If you don't put a lot of miles on your bike, remember old rubber is often more dangerous than slightly worn rubber and the way old tires let you down can be catastrophic and deadly. (Lots of good advice here today.)
WELL IN THE UK ITS 1MM tread depth , but i change mine at 2mm ATS, MOTORCYCLE TYRES INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE It is mandatory that your tyres conform to the following rules: Tyres must be kept in good condition without bulges, splits or breaks. Pressure must be maintaining to recommended levels. There must be 1mm of tread depth throughout a continuous band measuring at least three quarters of the breadth of the tread around the entire circumference OR if the grooves of the original tread pattern did not extend beyond three quarters of the breadth of the tread any groove, which showed in the original tread pattern must have a depth of at least 1mm. AND The base of any groove, which showed on the original tread pattern, must be clearly visible.
