I have a 2006 Sportsman 800 with the original tires--it has been keep indoors all the time and the tires are in great shape. Because of their age--should I replace the tires?

 

If they hold air and not cracked, keep em!

 

https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintena...our-tires.html

Try to ask yourself this question. How much money do you have vs how much body you have to spare. If you don't care if you get hurt and are willing to take it in stride, keep the 13 year old tires, ride on rough terrain and be happy. Any tire shop can dismount a tire. See if they are willing to mount a tire 10 years and older.

Dad said EXACTLY the same thing. That is, until the tire blew out on the highway. Thankfully, he was already slowing down to turn off. 2 minutes before and we'd be speaking of him in the PAST TENSE.

 

Different story for highway use, but for an atv they should be fine if not cracked and hold air well.

 

Sure, highway speed is higher but we compensate for it my having more uneven and bounce so I'm not sure if I will be comfortable with it coming apart when I hit a bump

 

If you still have 13 year old tires and they actually have tread still? You obviousely do not ride a lot and I bet when you do, you do not ride hard or fast. I do not feel anyone other than you can answer this question. My opinion if the quad only gets used for plowing snow and maybe hunting season? You are probably fine but if you are planning any long trips and going out alone I woulsd suggest getting some new tires. Just my opinion.

 

I am changing tires because last year, one of the went flat somewhere in the middle of winter. Pumped it up and it was good for a while. Decided not to play with it anymore. Guess what, I saw cracks on that tire. Since this was the 06, I figured the 05 isn't too far behind. Bought 2 new sets of tires. Looking at the 06, the others did show signs of cracks and while the 05 has no leakages, it doesn't look inspiring. If it leaves my house, even if it is hunting or just riding down a nearby trail, I really wouldn't since I would prefer not to have it break outside the house with access to my tools.

 

Thanks for all the imput--The ATV has always been stored inside and the tires have about 2000 miles on them and look hardly used. I only pleasure ride--not fast or hard. I have never had a flat and rarely have to add air to them. I always ride with someone with another ATV, so I think I will always carry a spare and if I ever have a problem, I will replace the tires.

 

I would think that if you can easily carry a tire, sure. Just not sure how to mount it securely without it looking like you did a "Ghetto" on it. In my case, I have different front and back tires so not sure how to make it work without carrying a front and a back.

 

Following!this seems like a very interesting thread