Reading your Motorcycle Tyre Date Codes & Age — How to Read DOT & When to Replace
Where to find the date code
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Look for “DOT” followed by letters/numbers (the Tire Identification Number / TIN).
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The last four digits are the date: WWYY = week and year of manufacture.
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The full code appears on one sidewall only; you might need to roll the bike to see it.
Example: DOT XX XX XXXX 2323 → made week 23 of 2023.
Pre-2000 tyres used a 3-digit date; those are practically museum pieces now. If you find one, the tyre is far beyond serviceable age.
When should you replace a tyre for age?
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Most manufacturers advise inspection from ~5 years old and replace at 10 years from the date code even if tread remains.
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Ageing shows as hard compound, fine sidewall cracking, and poor wet grip. Storage (heat/UV), repeated heat cycles and low pressure speed this up.
Practical rule of thumb
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0–5 years: fine if stored properly and undamaged.
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5–8 years: inspect carefully; if any cracking/hardness → replace.
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8–10 years: replace soon.
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10+ years: replace regardless.
You’ll also see these numbers on the sidewall of your tyres:
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Size & construction: e.g.
180/55 ZR17(width/aspect, radial, rim). -
Load & speed index: e.g.
(73W)→ load rating 73, speed W. -
E-mark (Europe/UK): shows type approval; does not include the date (that’s the DOT/TIN).
Common mistakes
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Reading the first four digits after DOT (plant/size codes) — the date is the last four digits.
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Only checking one tyre — fronts are often older than rears.
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Assuming “looks new” = safe. Rubber hardens; grip in the wet drops even with full tread.
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Thinking both sidewalls show the date — only one side does.
Buying or fitting tyres: what’s acceptable?
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A tyre can be a couple of years old and still “new” if stored correctly by the distributor.
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For performance/commuting, aim for stock made within ~0–24 months when possible; for rare sizes, don’t panic if stock is older — check condition and date.
Quick checks before you ride
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Pressures set to the bike’s spec (on the swingarm/manual).
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No cords/cuts/bulges; valve stems sound.
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Tyre warms evenly; no blueing/cupping after a ride.
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Match radial with radial and keep load/speed index ≥ stock.
FAQ
Where is the tyre date code?
On one sidewall next to the DOT/TIN. The last four digits give week + year (WWYY).
How old is too old?
Inspect from 5 years; replace by 10 years maximum, sooner if cracking/hardness appears or grip feels poor.
Do both sides show the date?
No. Only one side carries the full DOT/TIN with the 4-digit date.
Is a 3-digit date code safe?
No — that means pre-2000. Replace the tyre.
Does the E-mark show the date?
No. The E-mark is type approval; the date is in the DOT/TIN.
