Mine started at 6,000 miles I first thought it was a wheel bearing because of the left turn
noise but dealer checked the bearings and found tire cupping .

 

I have only had recent Dunlop's cup.2012 Limited went 27,700 miles without cupping.2014 Limited front tire cupped at 18,000 miles.Replaced with Michelin Commander ll's 17,000 miles on those before trading for 2017.I expect these to cup any time and will go to Michelin Commander ll's when that happens.

 

I found this information on Dunlop Motorcycle Tire Cupping:

http://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/care/faq/


How can I keep my tires from cupping?

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You may not be able to entirely avoid cupping. Tire cupping or irregular wear is a somewhat common occurrence on all vehicles. On a four-wheel vehicle, you are advised to rotate your tires periodically to even out wear. Unfortunately, you do not have this luxury with a motorcycle because front and rear tires, unlike those on most four-wheel vehicles, are not interchangeable.
However, there are steps that can be taken to minimize cupping and uneven wear on a motorcycle: Maintain your motorcycle and particularly your front and suspension. Avoid hard braking whenever possible. Braking causes the tire to grab and wear in one direction. When braking is applied to the front tire, the load transfer over-flexes the tire and increases the tendency for cupping and uneven wear. Maintain your tire pressures. Under inflation and overloading of motorcycle tires are significant causes of cupping and uneven wear, particularly in association with hard braking and/or trailer use.
Once a tire begins to show signs of uneven wear, even following these steps may not improve the condition.
Tire companies can, and are, helping to minimize cupping and uneven wear but you, the rider, must do your part. Following the aforementioned guidelines will help avoid uneven wear.

How much run-in should I give a new tire?

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When new tires are fitted, they should not be subjected to maximum power or hard cornering until a reasonable run-in distance of approximately 100 miles has been achieved.
This is necessary for a number of reasons. Replacements for worn tires with different patterns and construction will not react the same. Also, a new tire is stiffer than an old tire. The new tire has a rounder tread profile, different contact patch and “lean-over edge” than the worn profile of an old tire. The new tire will also not react the same in combination with its remaining tire.
Carrying out the required run-in will allow you to become accustomed to the “feel” of the new tires and tire combinations, so you are better able to achieve optimum road grip for use in high speed, high acceleration and handling situations.

Should I use nitrogen in my tires?

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Nitrogen is not widely available and provides the same rolling resistance as tires filled with air. Scientific tests on the effect of the use of nitrogen in tires and changes in tire physical properties are inconclusive. In testing, nitrogen tires lost 2/3 as much as air-filled tires, so the benefits are minimal. If you want to maintain the nitrogen, any refills will need to be with nitrogen, not air. That means maintaining your tires becomes less convenient and more costly. The most important tire maintenance function is ensuring correct tire inflation pressure, which is easier using air than nitrogen.

 

I have 20K on my stock front tire and 16,5K on my rear. I check pressure every time I ride and I have no cupping at all. I think I'll stick with HD tires.

 

Every Dunlop I've ever had has cupped. In fairness, I occassionaly pull a trailer and I ride two-up a lot. I am **** about tire pressures so PLEASE, don't tell me about tire pressures. Some tires cup worse than others but sooner or later they all do it. In my experience, the Dunlops cup the worst. Trying the Michelin Commander II's this time around. I've put many of these on other peoples bikes and they love them. So far I do too.

 

I run the OEM Dunlops on my '15 limited at the manual-recommended pressure of 36 front and 40 rear and have no cupping at all on either one.

Same for every other H-D I've ever owned.

 

Just replaced my stock tires after 20k miles. Rear tire cupped and whining for last 7-8k.

 

Harley wouldn't change my stock rear with severe cupping noticed by service manager at 5000 miles. Had to call Dunlop and beg a rep to help. Now the front is howling on turns and wearing goofy. Going to have to buy an American Elite or Michelin myself this time.
The tire warranty is a joke, unless you put a screw in it two blocks from the dealer!

 

Over inflate the tires by a few pounds and you can get some more miles out of them I run 42lbs in the front and 43 in the rear.

 

How many miles? Any 2-up riding?