I found a Dunlop D207F 16 inch tire at a local shop for $50 as they are old stock. I don't know how long they have been sitting around for, but a website I found said they were a good tire in 1998. They are brand new but I was wondering if the rubber deteriorates over time, and has anybody tried these before?

 

Yup, they do. They get hard and wont stick, also tire tech has come a LONNNNGGGG way since 98. Anything from most anyone will be better probably. The 207 was the predecessor to the 208 which I personally like. But, it has been around a long time and Im sure, most if not all the compound that makes it nice and sticky is all but gone. That tire is about 3 rotations back on Dunlops tire time line so......take a chance if you like, but a front end wash because you bought cheap tires is a ****ty thing to live with. It amazes me how many people want to skimp on the ONLY thing that keeps your *** off the ground. But, just my .02. Good luck man.

 

I don't think I'll take the chance. Like you said, tires are the only thing keeping me upright, and the front is even more important. I'm sure i would regret not spending the extra $200 the instant the front end washes out.