TireGeoCalcHow Old Is Too Old for Motorcycle Tires?
Michelin recommends replacing motorcycle tires when 10 years have passed since the date in the DOT code, regardless of the tread left.
Michelin also recommends a professional inspection every year once the tires have been in use for 5 years.
Michelin says rubber degrades from ozone, heat and ultraviolet rays, even on a motorcycle that is used rarely.
RevZilla notes that many manufacturers traditionally recommended replacement after 5 years, and argues that age alone does not automatically make a tire unsafe. That is RevZilla's opinion, not a rule.
Why motorcycle tires age regardless of mileage
According to Michelin, the rubber of a motorcycle tire degrades from ozone, heat and ultraviolet rays, even if the motorcycle is used rarely.
This is why Michelin counts the age of the tire from the DOT code and not only the kilometers or the tread.
Michelin also recommends replacing a tire when the tread reaches the wear indicator, which is 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm).
Motorcycle tire age guidelines and benchmarks
The table below puts the manufacturer recommendation next to the RevZilla opinion and the NHTSA car guidance.
| Source | Topic | Time or depth | What the source says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Replacement age | 10 years from the DOT date | Recommends replacing the tire regardless of remaining tread |
| Michelin | Inspection | After 5 years of use | Recommends a professional inspection every year |
| Michelin | Tread wear indicator | 2/32 in (1.6 mm) | Recommends replacing the tire when the tread reaches the indicator |
| RevZilla (opinion) | Traditional advice | 5 years | Notes that many manufacturers traditionally recommended this |
| RevZilla (opinion) | Tests on old tires | No fixed number | Argues that age alone does not automatically make a tire unsafe, and that storage, use and maintenance matter |
| NHTSA (cars, not motorcycles) | Car tire age | 6 to 10 years from manufacture | Says some manufacturers recommend this interval for passenger vehicles |
Calculated dimensions
- Source
- Michelin
- Topic
- Replacement age
- Time or depth
- 10 years from the DOT date
- What the source says
- Recommends replacing the tire regardless of remaining tread
- Source
- Michelin
- Topic
- Inspection
- Time or depth
- After 5 years of use
- What the source says
- Recommends a professional inspection every year
- Source
- Michelin
- Topic
- Tread wear indicator
- Time or depth
- 2/32 in (1.6 mm)
- What the source says
- Recommends replacing the tire when the tread reaches the indicator
- Source
- RevZilla (opinion)
- Topic
- Traditional advice
- Time or depth
- 5 years
- What the source says
- Notes that many manufacturers traditionally recommended this
- Source
- RevZilla (opinion)
- Topic
- Tests on old tires
- Time or depth
- No fixed number
- What the source says
- Argues that age alone does not automatically make a tire unsafe, and that storage, use and maintenance matter
- Source
- NHTSA (cars, not motorcycles)
- Topic
- Car tire age
- Time or depth
- 6 to 10 years from manufacture
- What the source says
- Says some manufacturers recommend this interval for passenger vehicles
RevZilla's article includes tests on old tires and takes a different view from the traditional 5-year advice. It is one publication's opinion.
Michelin's recommendation is still to replace at 10 years from the DOT date, regardless of the tread left.
How to check motorcycle tire age
According to Michelin, the last 4 digits of the DOT code show the week and the year of manufacture.
Step-by-step example: Reading DOT code 1922
- Find the DOT code: Look for the DOT code on the tire.
- Take the last 4 digits: These show the week and the year.
- Read the week: In Michelin's example code 1922, the first two digits (19) are the week, so week 19.
- Read the year: In the same example, the last two digits (22) are the year, so 2022.
- Count the age: Count the years from week 19 of 2022 to today and compare the result with the 10-year recommendation above.
For the car tire version of this question, see our guide on how old is too old for tires.
What else to check besides calendar age
- Tread wear indicator: Michelin recommends replacing the tire when the tread reaches 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm).
- Years of use: Michelin recommends a professional inspection every year once the tires have been in use for 5 years.
- Storage, use and maintenance: RevZilla argues that these matter more than age alone.
- Tire size: If you are replacing tires, check the front and rear sizes with our motorcycle tire size guide.
To compare the diameter of a replacement size, use our tire size calculator.
Thinking of buying used tires? See our used tire check guide.
This page cannot tell you whether your tires are safe. A motorcycle service shop can inspect them.
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace motorcycle tires at 10 years if the tread is still good?
Michelin recommends replacing motorcycle tires 10 years after the date in the DOT code, regardless of the tread left.
Michelin says ozone, heat and ultraviolet rays degrade the rubber even when the motorcycle is used rarely.
Why do many riders talk about replacing motorcycle tires at 5 years?
RevZilla notes that many manufacturers traditionally recommended replacement after 5 years.
Michelin recommends a professional inspection every year once the tires have been in use for 5 years.
Do car tire age guidelines apply to motorcycles?
NHTSA's tire page says some manufacturers recommend replacing tires 6 to 10 years after manufacture.
That page is about passenger vehicles, not motorcycles, so it is not a motorcycle rule.