WWYD? A Tires Dilemma. Advice requested.

Hoping to make this to the point enough, so that people don't glaze over with a TLDR response.

For several reasons, I decided to try ContiSport Attack2 tires on my VFR.

Ordered them from 2 different vendors, as one only had the rear, and that was better priced than the other vendor who had both. Shipping not an issue.

So the rear comes, and it is a "ContiSport Attack" Not an "Attack2". Build date 1717.

And the front comes, a "ContiSport Attack2" for sure. But the build date is 4814.

WTF. One tire is not exactly what I ordered, and the other is already 3+ years out of the mold. It would be 3.5 before it ever had a chance to roll on Michigan roads. I have never done business with either company prior to this.

Well, the advice I seek is: What Would You Do?
1. Send one (front or rear) back?
2. Send both of them back?
3. Put them on the VFR and run them?

Note that at my age and riding style, there is not likely to be any serious canyon carving in my future, although semi-spirited riding is.

 

My 2p - Send the rear back.

When it comes to motorbikes I am wary of mixing makes or indeed models of tyre(tire). If you really want to try out ContiSport Attack2 on your VFR then clearly the rear has to go back. If the Attack2 is what you ordered ,then get them to refund your money or just send the correct version. As for the front - I think pretty much all road use motorbike tyres (sold in Europe at least) must be designed to have a minimum of 10 years safe shelf life (assuming proper storage). So surely that 2014 build date is not going to be an issue as you will presumably ride your VFR often enough to wear it out within a couple of years.

SkiMad

 

My 1987 VFR700F2 has really old Metzeler's on it. I believe they're from the late 80's or early 90's! After using them slowly, at first, I have steadliy increased my speed on them. This summer, I rode with them on a 2500 km trip. Never went slowly, either! Went an indicated 210 km/h at my fastest. After I burnt a layer of old rubber off, they were/are fine.
I recently read something from Metzeler that said 10 years, if not more, when stored correctly. If they're stored by an ozone producing machine, ie.- fridge, etc., or in the sun, then all bets are off. People say 5 years max. for shelf life. I would say a qualified 10, as well. A 3.5 year tire will be fine. I'd be extra care ful when you first mount it, as it may take longer to "break in".

 

An unused (never mounted) tire will last much longer than one that's been ridden on and then sitting. Regardless, IMO, I'd want the tire I ordered and would expect them to make it right (including return shipping costs). I don't think you will see any issues with mixing same brand tires, especially when it's the same model, be it one a later version. I'm VERY brand loyal when it comes to motorcycle tires and the VFR is the first bike in a long time that I ordered something different. Given the riding style I have and considering the capabilities of this bike, I think it's ok to lighten up on the "best practices" some throw out there. It's proven to ride great too.

You don't mention the vendors, but I'll throw out a plug for https://www.ridersdomain.com/ (formally www.jakewilson.com). After being told about their site from some friends, I'll never even look locally for tires. They always have what I want in stock, the prices are lowest I find (and when I do find the same prices online, the others are out of stock), and when I order on say Monday, they are on my doorstep Wednesday. I have yet to receive any old tires as well.

 

As one who mixes his tires, sport tire up front and sport-touring on rear, I don’t think your predicament is anything to worry about if you kept them. However, double check your order and if it says Attack2, then you have the right to return it and get the correct one.

As far as shelf life, I wouldn’t feel great about a tire if it was say older than 5 years but anything within that time frame I’m sure would be fine if it was handled/stored correctly. So that tire is really up to you as whether you keep it or not.

I’ll also give another shout out to Riders Domain. They have been consistently the best all around tire price whenever I’ve been searching online. So far their customer service has been great as well. They share the same ownership as Rocky Mountain ATV.

 

You were sent something you didn't order. Send it back. Send back the "old" tire. They're taking you for a fool. It's likely a good tire but you don't know. They only go on a motorcycle......

 

You have nothing to worry about! I bought a vintage race bike. The tires looked fine. I raced it a couple of times before looking at the age on the tires. They were 8 years old. Handled just fine. Of course the bike was stored in a dark garage with the tires off the ground.

 

I was looking at a tire that was a little dated so i searched the date codes and michelin says they will warranty defects up to 6 years and bridgestone and metzeler 4 years. you don't want to handicap yourself with an old tire if your riding slows down and you keep the tires on for a few more years

 

As we are talking Continetal tyres here - this article may be of interest..

http://www.conti-bike.co.uk/tyre-tech-talk/tyre-shelf-life/

As for warranty periods, over in Europe it is at least 2 years from date of fitting - with up to 5 years proper storage the permitted shelf life before fitting.

I suspect individual US states may also specify their own minimum warranty standards.

 

There are no defects, only punctures. So I am told.

 

LOL!!