shelf life of motorcycle tires

[sbrguy]

this is sort of like another thread asking about where to buy tires.

the tires are great prices but should we be asking the places how old the tires are?  meaning if they are 2009 or 2008 tires is there a problem with taking older manufacture date tires?

how long are motorcycle tires good for as far as shelf life if i buy them now but don't plan to put htem on for nother 8 months?

[Spidey]

If they are stored properly, they are good for years. 

Wrap them in a garbage bag and keep them in a dry place and out of sunlight. 

[Slide Panda]

At some point, most manufacturers said that tires should be replaced at 5 years of age. But I *think* this assumed they have been put into service, seeing sun greater temp changes etc.

I'm not sure if that's changed, but I operate under that general rule. But it's quite possible that nicely stored tires would be longer lived. But, most tire warehouses are not nice... cold in the winter, hot in the summer.

But on yet another hand - ok so you got a year old tire, you planning to make last 4 more years before its worn out?

[sbrguy]

i'm thinking more of teh scenario of i buy these tires now they are 2008 tires and i don't need to put them on till say trhe end of the year or ealry 2011 and then i get a year out of them with any luck with miles or so.  that is my concern by then i'm using 3-4 year old tires or so.  but from what it sounds it might be ok.

[Spidey]

I asked the West Coast Dunlop guy about pretty much exactly that scenario you're talkin' about.  Granted, they were race tires, but I bought tires that were a few years old, used some immediately and the last of 'em got pulled out of storage after about 9 months.  He said it was absolutely fine and that they should just be kept dry and out of the sunlight. You'll be fine.   

[ducpainter]

^^^^What they all said.

We did a very non scientific experiment with NOS race tires on 2V bikes. No crazy power

They were fine up to ten years old.

They didn't last as long when you got out that far, but the new performance was good.