I have BT45 tires on my 04 gs500 (bought in 06), my bike sits outside all year long (covered with fabric), the tires have plenty of tread but they feel to be very hard (when checked with a fingernail  ) I know it sounds so noob but I'm one...
so my question is: should I replace the tires (4 years old) only because they seem NOT to be very sticky? or they are fine?
what do you think? If I replace them I'll go with Sport Demons
thanks very much
Kamil

When they start showing signs of dry rot.

Just to note - occasionally when you go out to feel your tyres and they are dry - this doesn't mean they won't be still good. The surface will dry out and become hardened when they arnt used for some time, when your out on the road you wear that surface off heat them up and they become plyable and sticky again. Also all sorts of crap will settle on them while stood which will give the impression of dried up.

You want to be worrying like said when you have dry rot, significant cracking etc etc... Tiny cracks are ok as you will most likely remove those taking it out on the road.

I bought my 97 GS new from the dealer in Mar 99 and the OEM Excedra tires were showing dry rot from sitting in the showroom over 2 years, had small cracks in the sidewalls and the bottom of the tread grooves.  I put over 8k miles on those OEM tires and replaced them with BT45 tires less than 3 mo later.

Put 9.5k miles on that BT45 rear and replaced it in Nov 99 just 8 months after I bought the bike.  The front BT45 lasted until spring of 2000.  I just dream of a pair of tires that will last a whole year.   

Quote from: gsJack on March 11, 2008, 11:17:48 AM
I bought my 97 GS new from the dealer in Mar 99 and the OEM Excedra tires were showing dry rot from sitting in the showroom over 2 years, had small cracks in the sidewalls and the bottom of the tread grooves.  I put over 8k miles on those OEM tires and replaced them with BT45 tires less than 3 mo later.

Put 9.5k miles on that BT45 rear and replaced it in Nov 99 just 8 months after I bought the bike.  The front BT45 lasted until spring of 2000.  I just dream of a pair of tires that will last a whole year.   

there's this heavy bit, down below, looks kinda like a 'woopin pipe' with a spring on it. you gotsta use that thing now and again, and yer tires will last >1 year

oh, that same 'woopin pipe' thing with the spring will cause much embarresment if you forget to raise it and press the 'start' button only to wonder why the beast of thunder and wind won't cough awake

Thanks for replies guys.
So I guess I finally have to start riding more seriously  so the tires can wear out a little  
so far I've been learning how to ride and getting used to motorcycling/motorcycle. I put ONLY 800 miles in 2 seasons. I know - it's a shame but I like to take things slowly, besides I was gearing up (buying gear piece by piece)
Hopefully this season I'll put at least 1K miles.
thanks again guys
cheers
Kamil

800 miles in 2 seasons! I put 150 miles on my bike this weekend....you do need to ride more often. If you need a riding partner, I'm right in central NJ.

Quote from: pjm204 on March 24, 2008, 12:27:22 PM
800 miles in 2 seasons! I put 150 miles on my bike this weekend....you do need to ride more often. If you need a riding partner, I'm right in central NJ.

Yeah! I know... I said earlier it's a shame 
Riding partner would be nice. actually I have nobody to ride with...   it would be great to meet and ride together!! let me know when you're going to be riding, I'll try to make it! (unfortunately on Saturdays I'm off around 2-3 PM, I have classes in the morning)
Sunday I'm off the entire day!

let me know please. also, if you could come here to NYC or Queens it would be even better from here I could follow you 
I have GPS on my bike so we won't get lost 

Anyone else interested is more than welcome

cheers
KaMeL