I had an original Avon with 55 miles on -03 Choppa when I bought it. Few years ago. Rode it wery carefully from Wichita to Naples, then some there. It was so hard it showed no sign of wear after about 3000 miles. Then I took it to about 120 mph and tire just went to pieces



. Had a new one waiting, just wanted to see how long the old tire lasts, I was checking it like every two hours. When it started to go it went in less than 50 miles. And yes, it was slippery!
The lesson is: old tire may look good, but it will kill you one day.
That bike had been in climate controlled environment (pedestal in Big Dog factory lobby) all it's life, so whatever anyone says about rubber not going bad if it's in cool and shadow is talking bullshit.