hello guys, I just got set of Michelin Pilot Activ tires from my dad for birthday.

Front tire is nice and soft to touch, produced in 2009, but the rear tire was produced in 2008 and is significantly harder.

Do you think that I should/could call motorcycle-superstore and ask for replacement for newer tire? (2009 or 2010)

Also, if you have any experience with those tires, please let me know how you like them, especially, how is the grip/performance.
I really am looking for as much grip as possible, in order to build some confidence, and improve my riding technique!

How do they compare to Pirelli Sport Demons? (I searched online and Pilot Activs actually have better reviews than Sport Demons)

thanks in advance for any tips,
KML

It's not uncommon for like model rear tire compounds to be harder than the front. I've measured quite a few and it's nearly always the case.

Here are a few I've tested:

Durometer model: Shore 52248-A
Instrument conformity: ASTM D2240
Ambient temp: 77 deg. F.

Michelin Pilot Powers ~1200 miles
F 57/59* -light wear
R 58/60* - " "

Bridgestone BT020 7500 miles
F 61 sides/65 center -moderate wear/significant cupping
R 68/70* -heavy wear @ center/moderate wear @ sides

Unknown Chinese 26" bicycle <5 miles-like new
F&R 60/62*

Pirelli Diablo Strada-New
F 65/66*
R 69/70* ("E" series)

Metzler ME Z4 -7700 miles
F 70/72* -center/moderate wear-sides/heavy wear 120/60/17
Metzler Roadtec Z6 -mileage unknown
R 64/66* -light wear-slight flatting 180/55/17

Dunlop D407 (Harley Davidson)~8500 miles
F 70 side/74 center/fairly heavy but even wear MH90/21
R 67/69* -heavy wear/moderate flatting 200/55/17

I wouldn't worry about a street tire being close to 2 years old.  One of the major magazines did an article and I'm pretty sure the general "recommendation" was 4 years before you'd notice a drop in performance and should consider tossing them.   

My tires that will be on my bike for the next track day are new but will be 2 years old in April.  I'm not giving them a second thought, and I guarantee the rubber on those is more likely to degrade with time compared to the Actives.  

That's all my opinion, not fact so take it for what it's worth.  I can't seem to get a set to last a year anyway.  

thanks guys,
why I am worried is because I don't ride that much, and would like the tires to stay nice and sticky for few years.
And since that rear tire is already 2 years old it only gives me (theoretically) 2 more years to use it.

what do you think? Am I worrying too much? 

also, do you have any opinions or first-hand reviews about those tires?

Happy with my front,good traction wet/dry , here's a comparison test:

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/421778173_r5kSp-X3.jpg

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/421778306_bGmAr-X3.jpg

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/421778267_oz9pS-X3.jpg

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/421778222_97mdg-X3.jpg

Don't worry about rear tire ,it has harder compound

Sounds like you are not a hard rider anyway so if you only get two years theoretically out of them them you can get 4 or more by not being a constant/aggressive rider.

Wow that was a long sentence, lol.

That bias ply comparo above was put together in one link on the EX500 wiki:

http://www.ex-500.com/wiki/index.php/Tire_Comparison

thanks a lot for the feedback, and for the links.
It looks like they're good tires.

I think I'll go ahead and put them on without calling the store.

thank very much