When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just replaced my factory rear (12988 miles) due to bad cupping. Still had about 5/32 left. Checked with dealer on warranty, and they basically laughed at me. Said I set a record, as most don't last more than 8000 miles. (I called BS, but that's another story for another day)
I will tell you that you will not get anything warranty wise, if you do, I'll be surprised. - I ended up choosing an Avon for the replacement. - comes with both a 15K Milage warranty and a road hazard warranty. - must hold on to original receipt, and register it with in 10 days.
Last edited by steelerdude1; Sep 17, 2017 at 12:34 PM.
Unfortunately it's the nature of the beast for the rear tire on touring bikes to start cupping at approximately 4500 - 5000 miles.. Although it only started happening in 09 when Harley went to the wider Dunlop. The narrow rear tire on the pre 09 bikes never cupped. Back in 2010 I complained about this & Harley said it was normal wear. I then contacted Dunlop directly & they offered a replacement , but I had to pay for the install, which they should of covered. Anyone who says they don't hear the noise of a cupped tire probably has loud pipes .
My 2011 - I was getting 20,000 front and rear. My 2014 - 1st set, I got 18,990 - front and rear - only changed them because I was headed for a 3000 trip.
My next set has about 13,000 miles on them. Front has 3/32 and rear has 5/32 - but I can see some cupping. Will wait until next season to put new ones on. In my opinion, no need to install new tires now (almost October) and have it sit in the garage until early May
Pretty normal, I'd say. All tires cup, or scallop (depending on what you call it) and it is much worse on motorcycles because you can't rotate to even it out. The American Elites last over 20k, but they get real noisy after 10k miles due to the cupping. Yes it will affect handling, but usually we adjust to it gradually as the tire wears. Then, when you get the new tires installed everything feels weird for a little while as you adjust to what new tires feel like, and it begins all over again.
I was getting 20,000 front and rear with my 2010 and I could have put another 2,000 but I change because I was going on a long trip. I never got more than 8,000 on the rear and 12,000 on the front of my 99 Glide.
Really weird. I've got 10,000 miles on my '15 limited and the tires are still perfect. No cupping, no noises, no problems at all. I'd estimate at least 8 to 10 thousand more miles before having to think about replacement with another set of OEM's.
Guess I'm just lucky. I'm a pretty conservative rider, though, so that probably makes a difference. I run 38 PSI front and 42 in the rear, always solo with 20 PSI in the shocks, FWIW.
Last edited by jpooch00; Sep 20, 2017 at 09:02 AM.
And there you have it! Up your payload to over 400 lbs and that is where the cupping really gets hard to prevent. Recommended maximum psi for the rear tire seems to not be enough for maximum payload. Mine made it to around 10,000 miles before I started to get the hum while leaning into a turn. At 13,000, the rear tire is cupped, but it is still getting the job done.
I have got reply from MoCo and said was 'normal wear" because of terrain where I live and ride. Contacted Dunlop and was told the same thing. I think this is a cop out just don't want to back there product. Prob will replace with commander 2 in the spring. Will limp along for short rides till then. Thanks for all the replys you guys are the best.
Unfortunately it's the nature of the beast for the rear tire on touring bikes to start cupping at approximately 4500 - 5000 miles.. Although it only started happening in 09 when Harley went to the wider Dunlop. The narrow rear tire on the pre 09 bikes never cupped. Back in 2010 I complained about this & Harley said it was normal wear. I then contacted Dunlop directly & they offered a replacement , but I had to pay for the install, which they should of covered. Anyone who says they don't hear the noise of a cupped tire probably has loud pipes .
I agree that it's most likely the tire. Been around the block a few times and had the problem with both Dunlop and Metzler.
The Michelin Commanders seem to do it the least for ME but may be different on your bike. Dunlops were the worst as they
were more out of round than others - just my experience.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
