| If you want to start a stimulated discussion on how to properly maintain a Gold Wing, just bring up the subject of tires. We either have new tires, we are thinking about replacing tires, or we need new tires. When talking about tire safety, the newer the better. Tires are organic and will decompose over time. Old tires get brittle, increasing the chances of failure. Tires don't come with an expiration date, but tires do come with important information on them. Here's how to read a tire.
What is most important is the manufacturing date. For safety, tires should not be more than six to seven years old. The illustration shows what to look for and what the codes mean. The photos are my tires. They are Dunlop Elite 3's. The front tire was manufactured the seventh week of 2007, and the rear tire was manufactured the fourth week of 2007. Well within safety standards.
Before your next ride, as you TCLOC your Gold Wing, check the manufacturing date on your tires. Your tires may look good; but if they are six or seven years, old it's time to replace them. Before buying new tires, check the manufacture date. Maybe the good deal or special sale price you got on tires wasn't so special after all.
Ride safe.
Ed Haggerty
Chapter Rider Educator, IL-O
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