Tires are 12 years old :(

[hammerg26]

I bought my 99 Expy used, and the tires looked brand new (all slicked up, etc.) and had almost 85% tread remaining on a set of Micheline MTX L/S tires (darn things are $230+ EACH)... I was ecstatic.
NOW: I started noticing the rubber looked old, which I attributed the pollen, etc. around here. Nope, I checked the stamp on the tires, they are from 2001
I DO NOT want to drop $600+ on tires, but I don't want to being driving 65 mph and have a tire shred itself either...
Anyone have any sagely advice for me?

Hammer

 

[Canadian Expy]

Save for new tires, but for now as long as there's no cracking and PSI correct you should be alright. I've driven on tires that should have flower planters but they held up.
Just keep an eye on them

 

[mtondreo]

definitely keep an eye on them and would not use excessive speed (highway driving). Just watch for dry-rot on the tires. I would definitely have it as a priority to change them (I would probably park it if that were an option). Obviously you are aware that there is a lot riding on tires. I am sure others will chime in - but if it were me, I would be at the tire shop tomorrow. I had the same thing happen on an old Harley I had - tires held pressure and when I was in the shop for something else - the mechanic pointed out the dry rot on my tires and said I could not have the bike back until I signed a release that they informed me. That ended up being an expensive trip to the Harley shop - but money well spent. I am a little more cautious now though being older and a family man (without a Harley for now).

 

[hammerg26]

New tires went on today.

 

[mtondreo]

glad to hear - what did you get?

 

[hammerg26]

Toyo Open Country AT II. They ride pretty nice - but have not had them on the road much yet. Will give a review once I have used them for a bit.

Hammer