Buying reinforced dual tread compound motor scooter tyres in the U.S.A

[Motorfoon]

Gday All,

Can somebody point out a website that ships Michelin power pure SC  dual tread compound tyres to the state of Michigan in the U.S.A?

Im not looking for a place that has old stale rubber, Im hunting fresh dual tread compound tyres in sizes for a

Kymco Like 200i motor scooter or Honda Grom motorcycle



Front 120/70-12, Load index 58 (236kg), Speed rating P (150km/h)                   


Rear 130/70-12 reinforced ,    Load index 62 (265kg),   Speed rating P (150km/h


If you know a better motor scooter tyre than Michelin power pure SC  dual tread compound that matches or exceeds those technical specifications please feel free to post a link to the website

[Stig / Major Tom]

Not sure how you can be certain to get a freshly manufactured tire....other than to look at it at the parts counter before purchasing it at your local dealer.
You might improve your chances by buying from one of the popular motorcycle websites - like RevZilla - which does a quick turnover of stock.
I guess if you decide the tire that you received is too old for your liking you could return it - though I'd get that understanding ironed out on the phone before ordering.

While I am NOT advocating the buying of rotten tires - to my mind I think the issue of tire age is a case of overthinking something - as scooter owners are want to do. I understand that tires have a huge safety margin factored in when being offered to the public.
(perhaps similar to the very conservative "weight limit" stickered on motorcycles ?)

A few years ago I was talking with a tire exec in a hospital about this "issue". He remarked that tire manufacturers are well aware of most all safety concerns regarding tires. He stated that you will notice that tires "do not have a "stale date", like a loaf of bread". If it were a safety concern - the tires would come with a prominently tagged  "sell by" date on each tire." Retailers would thus be interested in moving those tires before they "expire". No manufacturer or retailer is eager to be involved in safety lawsuits.

A quality retailer will not likely store tires under the horrendous conditions it would take to damage tires.

But, to each his own - surely. My 2 wheeled experience is limited to 50,000 miles on 4 scooters and 4 motorcycles.

So, I buy quality tires from a quality dealer - and frequently check to insure the tire is sound & that I am running the PSI as stated in the owner's manual.

I traveled 12,000 miles on the City Grips mounted on my LIKE200i. The rear was well worn - but not close to being bald when I changed it. It was replaced with a Power Pure.....from RevZilla I believe.

Stig

[Motorfoon]

You and I think alike in many ways, When it comes to matters like these I assume any guide provided by a company is geared in a way to make more money for the company, It seems not when it comes to tyres.


That being said, when I only have 2 tyres, I want them to be as fresh rubber as I can get hold of, I really believe old stale tyres cost lives

[Tromper]

Stig's pretty much nailed it.
Unless you go the local route and have 'em in your hand you'll get whatever was on top of the pile at the warehouse they drop ship from.  Simply a matter of cost.  Having someone dig through the pile to get a couple months newer would take a lot of time/money.

I've bought a few sets of tires from Revzilla in the last year or so.  All of 'em were less than a year old.  I suspect they drop-ship from the same place Bike Bandit does as well.
They have a great return policy and will happily answer any questions ya have.

My two bits, learn to read the codes on the side if ya don't know how.  The interwebs has that info.

Order a set, & if it's within a year, smile and install.  Over two years, & ya don't ride much.  Maybe return 'em, but if you do, & they're in good shape ride 'em since you'll probably wear 'em out before any age issues creep in. 

"Fresh" tires are great, but there's no substitution for keeping an eye on 'em.  I've seen a fresh set of less than a year old dunlops that showed cracking, & ridden out a 7 year old set that was fine.  Also replaced the 7 year old set on my burger, that still had notable tread left, right after I bought it since they were visibly decaying.