Question about bike tire/Cracked/Old

[Armenian]

Hey guys so before i look into replacing the tire i wanted your input on this,
i have 08 Ninja 250R with what seems to be original tires on it (Dunlop Gt501F Tubeless) just the other day i noticed that front tire had cracks on (pics included), I guess it is due to age but bike only has 4K miles on it so its not worn that much at all. I was wondering if this is normal or you would replace this right away and if so, should i get the same tire since my back one is Dunlop also or can i get the Shinko Tire?

Thanks

[verboten1]

Replace it.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Armenian

........... I was wondering if this is normal or you would replace this right away.........

Welcome, Steve !!!

The tire is not going to explode or anything like that.
Those cracks, however, are a sign of aging rubber that is becoming harder and harder.

Please, read these links:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_lon...o_replace_them

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/J_Tires

[Armenian]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the reply, yeah i was thinking it was due to the age, I have attached pictures for better description, so should i get same exact tire or Shinko ?

[corksil]

The original tires are IRC's.. I definitely recognize that to be a dunlop 501 from the grove pattern.

The IRC are the best for long life, but aren't very sticky and don't provide as much traction as an aftermarket replacement.

I've been through a few sets of savas from ebay with no complaints. That would be my pick for a replacement. Not very difficult to change it yourself. Difficult part would be not buggering the paint on the rim with the tire irons. Not difficult to balance the front tire yourself either, there are videos and write-ups on the interwebs showing how.

If you have the money to pay a local shop to mount/balance the new tire -- go for it. I would recommend that you still check their work and make sure they did everything properly before you take the bike for a hard ride with the new tire.

[Armenian]

Yes they are the Gt501F, I guess i would prefer sticky tires over the originals, i dont really care for the periodic change. My concern was putting 2 different tires on since my back one will remain Dunlop. when you say savas are you referring to the Shinko tires?
I have never done tire install or balance so i wouldent know how to check for their work. i have done plenty of other work (mostly on cars) Local shop said they would install for $50 which i am not sure if is good price.. tire cost is 87$ for Dunlop and 55$ for the Shinko, i think Dunlop one is also rated for all weather type but again i only ride during dry weather. sorry for all the questions, its my first time with this stuff, i'll get better

[RacinNinja]

Originally Posted by Armenian

Yes they are the Gt501F, I guess i would prefer sticky tires over the originals, i dont really care for the periodic change. My concern was putting 2 different tires on since my back one will remain Dunlop. when you say savas are you referring to the Shinko tires?
I have never done tire install or balance so i wouldent know how to check for their work. i have done plenty of other work (mostly on cars) Local shop said they would install for $50 which i am not sure if is good price.. tire cost is 87$ for Dunlop and 55$ for the Shinko, i think Dunlop one is also rated for all weather type but again i only ride during dry weather. sorry for all the questions, its my first time with this stuff, i'll get better

If the rear is the same original tire, replace them both! That means they are approaching eight years old....

[Alex]

Originally Posted by corksil

The original tires are IRC's.. I definitely recognize that to be a dunlop 501 from the grove pattern.

The 2008's came with the Dunlop 501 or the BT-45. Kawi went to IRC in later years.

[csmith12]

Look at those cracks, it's time mang.... New tires for you. Fresh rubber is an awesome thing.

[Armenian]

Haha you are right
Got the pirelli Diablo rosso II shop said $100 to put them on back and front