New 04 couple of questions....

[n11]

Hey everyone, first off I gotta say GREAT WEBSITE!  I found have found tons of great info, can't thank everyone enough...

Anyway, bought a used 04 GS500F a couple weeks ago, and have been having a blast learning how to ride (took MSF 1st), I have a couple of bike related questions for ya:

1st, here are a couple of pictures



So here are my questions, what do you guys think about these tires (besides me getting a bunch of chain lube on them like a dumbass).  They are original, DOT date says 2004, so by age they should be replaced, but tread looks OK...yes, no?  Replace?



And, what should I do about this corrosion?  Unbolt, sand, paint it black??  Ignore until winter?  Replace part?  Thanks in advance

[Twisted]

When you lube your chain try and lube it on the section where the guy is holding the chain on the lower section in front of the rear tyre. Stick the bike on the centre stand and pop it in neutral, spin the rear tyre with your hand whilst spraying the chain. This should help you keep the lube off your tyre.


As for replacing the tyres they say you should do them every 5 years but those ones don't look to bad. I can see a few cracks in the walls of the tread though. If it was me I would replace just to be on the safe side but if you take it to a shop and get them checked out they might say they're ok.

[n11]

Thanks for the tip (I always learn the hard way) I guess that is another reason to replace the tires.

Anyone have any opinions/thoughts/ideas on the rust?

[mister]

Thanks for the tip (I always learn the hard way) I guess that is another reason to replace the tires.

Anyone have any opinions/thoughts/ideas on the rust?

Hit it with some lanolin spray and keep riding. 

Lanolin is Sticky and creates an air barrier. Might need to hit it some more after riding in the wet and so on, but otherwise it'll stop it getting worse - does on mine anyway.

Michael