As the tire tread wears down, the tire becomes more susceptible to puncture and failure. An accepted estimate is that 90% of all tire failures occur during the last 10% of tread life (90% worn). So it is false economy and unsafe to use the tires until they are bald.
If any measurement is less than the service limit, replace the tire (see Tire Removal/Installation in the Wheels/Tires chapter).

Tread Depth Standard:
Front 3.6 mm (0.14 in.)
Rear 5.3 mm (0.21 in.)
Service Limit:
Front 1 mm (0.04 in.) (AT, CH, DE) 1.6 mm (0.06 in.)
Rear 2 mm (0.08 in.) (Up to 130 km/h (80 mph)) 3 mm (0.12 in.) (Over 130 km/h (80 mph))
| WARNING Some replacement tires may adversely affect handling and cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death. To ensure proper handling and stability, use only the recommended standard tires for replacement, inflated to the standard pressure. |
NOTE
Wheel/Tire Damage Inspection
Wheel Bearing Damage InspectionStem, Stem Bearing Removal
Remove:
Upper Fairing Assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly
Removal in the Frame chapter)
Front Fender (see Front Fender Removal in the Frame
chapter)
Front Wheel (see Front Wheel Removal in the
Wheels/Tires chapter)
Steering Stem Head with Handlebars (see Handlebar
Removal)
Fron ...
Air Cleaner Housing Removal
Remove the fuel tank (see Fuel Tank Removal).
Disconnect the secondary fuel hose [A] from the delivery
pipe of the nozzle assy [B] (see Fuel Hose Replacement
in the Periodic Maintenance chapter).
Disconnect the secondary fuel injector connectors [C].
Free the lead from the grooves [D].
...
Oil Cooler Removal
Remove:
Coolant (Drain, see Coolant Change in the Periodic
Maintenance chapter)
Engine Oil (Drain, see Engine Oil Change in the Periodic
Maintenance chapter)
Lower Fairings (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame
chapter)
Water Hose Ends [A] (Disconnect)
Remove:
Oil Cool ...