This is definitely not a good idea.
There are three main types of crack you get on a motorcycle or scooter tyre.
The first are tiny cracks on the surface of the tyre, almost like the myriad cracks you’d see in a glazed pot. These are usually present when a tyre is very old or when it has been stored in sub-optimal conditions, like in direct sun or freezing cold temperatures. These cracks appear as the tyre’s oils leach from the rubber and they mean the rubber won’t have the same properties its designed to have, so it likely won’t warm up as well or offer the same amount of grip.
The second type of crack is usually found within the tread block or at the point the tread groove meets the tyre’s outer contact patch. These cracks are usually due to the tyre being sat for a period of time underinflated. They will reach the tyre’s carcass and can cause the tyre to fail.
The third type of crack is on the tyre’s sidewall. This can happen due to either of the reasons above. These cracks usually show in old cross-ply motorcycle tyres that have warped with age. They’re definitely not safe to ride on as a cross-ply tyre’s sidewall is the key to the tyre’s strength.
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