Rubber: The good the bad and the old

[solstice22]

So, I have been looking around different places and they recommend that I change my tires out every 5 or so years. I currently have tires on my bike that are 7-8 years old. However they have less than 3k on them. I have checked them for cracks and imperfections and found very little. So I took them to my mechanic and at first he asked me why I wanted new tires. Is there another way to check tires? Should I get new tires this season or call it a wash and wait for next year. I did some checking and it looks like the tires for my bike are Bridgestones . What do you guys think? Good tire? And is $90 a good price for putting on tires?

[BuzZz]

Even if they don't crack, the lighter compounds in the petroleum they are made out of will evaporate out of the tires over time. This leaves them harder and less flexible. Motorcycle tires need to flex a great deal to function correctly and keep your butt upright and out from under that car coming the other way. Careful in the cold or the wet, as they will have even less grip.

But it's your call. Since they are harder, they will probably wear less so therefore 'last' even longer.....

[Wrider]

Old tires helped put me into a guardrail at about 40 mph a few months ago. They looked good, they had plenty of treat left, but were hard and started to fishtail on me.
Yes get new tires on there! haha

Those look about right for your bike, but honestly I'd buy from the dealer you have them installed at. Not only does it help the dealer stay in business but it usually gets you a discount on installation. Although I have to say 90 is pretty expensive. Most places are around 50 - 60 bucks for a rear tire and about 30-50 for a front.
Others just charge a flat half hour for it.
Oh, and welcome to the forums!

[solstice22]

Thanks for the info. I have already had my back tire give out on me once when I was trying to stop. Skidding all over the road like a floppy fish. It was quite scary. I have been feeling that I was not getting the traction that i should have. BTW I was gonna buy the tires from my mechanic and he was asking $90 to put them both on.
Thanks for welcoming me to the forums, I am glad to be here.

[Ninja Geoff]

$90 isn't too bad. I've had worse. Some places will do it for less if you bring them just the wheels.