Purchased tires for my 1976 CB750 a few years back and had them shipped to my mechanic for installation. Getting the bike ready for the season and noticed some cracking in the front tire. I was able to locate the date code marked as 02/12. These tires were already over 13 years and sold as NEW. Granted I didn't pick it up nor did my installer. When I contacted Moto, they said they don't check date codes and you get what you get. It is common for them to sell old tires.