I've just purchased a 2007 blade, its been stored with new 2013 Micheline tyres on. They look great no flattening or side cracking. Question is 'Would you use them?' Or 'Ditch them?'.
Depends on the type of riding you do. I Firestorm I recently purchased has 2001 tyres on it. Seems okay for average riding, but not sure they'd perform as I'd like on a Blade. I really think you'd be okay with them; although the track experienced riders might differ.
Yes I would if its been stored inside, just take it easy for a few miles so they scrub up a bit , I put a new 12 year old rear that had been stored out of sunlight on my 918 , had no problem at all could take it to the edge (it was free , and I'm a tight fooker )
Tyres up to 5 years I would have no problem with, 5 to 10 years I would check regularly for any defects, after 10 years I would bin them.
If your anything like me and even asking the question shows there is some doubt in their remaining performance, I would change them. £250 for the newest tyre tech is worth every bit of peace of mind. You dont want to be going into every corner questioning the bits connecting you to the floor. My first bike had a set of what felt like plastic maxxis tyres on. I dont know how old they were but they had me mentally drained as they spun up so easily. This was my first sports bike and I just assumed I'd made a big mistake and jumped onto something I wasnt ready for. Changed them for Michelin 2ct at the time and I could finally start learning to ride properly!
If you only pootle they'll be fine, but as tuktuk says - it's a confidence thing. Do you want to be questioning them before dropping in to every corner? So for town mooching and gentle ride outs no worries but if you like an enthusiastic corner now and again I'd give them the chop. By the way, PICS of the new bike!!
Also, I just spoke about tyres without saying Metzeler. Bound to be some decent pricing on the m7rr now the 9 is released. Balance restored
Looks like its a New set, You know it makes sense...... Who wants money anyway, hahaha. .... Im not even going to ask the next question...