done with Dunlops
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 22
From: Umatilla, Fl
Tire cupping is generally caused by an out of balance condition first, then possibly an inflation issue (assuming you have the pressure set to specs to begin with). As far as alignment, never. If you were talking a 4 legged animal (i.s. cage) alignment could cause feathering, which is different then cupping. Tread element design can play into the ability for the tire to cup, but in a motorcycle application I would be hesitant to state that.
First thing to look at is if the cupping is in a particular area of the tire, not cupped 360 degrees around the tire. Usually cupping starts 180 degrees to the heavy spot of the tire (reason for balancing). Then left unchecked the cupping will move fore and aft of the original spot. If that is what your seeing then I would highly recommend having the balance checked. Unfortuantely with the tire compounds used once the cupping starts it is extremely difficult to stop unless it is caught very earlier on. As you use the tire you are basically heat treating the compound, which then "sets" the tire wear. I would suggest if you are consistently getting tire cupping I would check the rim, less tire for imbalance - I would be willing to bet that is the start of the problem.
First thing to look at is if the cupping is in a particular area of the tire, not cupped 360 degrees around the tire. Usually cupping starts 180 degrees to the heavy spot of the tire (reason for balancing). Then left unchecked the cupping will move fore and aft of the original spot. If that is what your seeing then I would highly recommend having the balance checked. Unfortuantely with the tire compounds used once the cupping starts it is extremely difficult to stop unless it is caught very earlier on. As you use the tire you are basically heat treating the compound, which then "sets" the tire wear. I would suggest if you are consistently getting tire cupping I would check the rim, less tire for imbalance - I would be willing to bet that is the start of the problem.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 941
Likes: 27
From:
But yes under inflated tires will multiply the effects described above. And over inflating can help but will cause other issues, harsh ride, over pressure when heated, poor grip etc.
Poor suspension allowing the tire to hop can and does cause cupping also.
All of which will be seen less in a non block pattern tire.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 3
From: 3rd Rock
Hi All,
My Motor company Tech says " cupping on the front tire is due to under inflation." Reguardless of that I've run Metzler 880's for a while, ever since Dunlop was on strike and nobody had a 17 inch rear tire for my '06 FXD. If you want to get rid if that little butt wiggle when you change lanes on the freeway, Make it a radial. (World of difference)! I commute 80 freeway miles round trip for work and, I'm a 365 rider. Expect 12-13k out of the rear 25k + for the front And remember "Chrome will not get you home. Best regards
My Motor company Tech says " cupping on the front tire is due to under inflation." Reguardless of that I've run Metzler 880's for a while, ever since Dunlop was on strike and nobody had a 17 inch rear tire for my '06 FXD. If you want to get rid if that little butt wiggle when you change lanes on the freeway, Make it a radial. (World of difference)! I commute 80 freeway miles round trip for work and, I'm a 365 rider. Expect 12-13k out of the rear 25k + for the front And remember "Chrome will not get you home. Best regards
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,312
Likes: 12
From: Missouri
I call BS on inflation being the problem, I just got around 5k on my new Dunflop, this is the second front tire and both cupped all the way around the tire, I have kept the inflation on it dead nuts on both tires, 40 psi on the first, and 35 psi on this one.
My next set will be Metzlers as well.
My next set will be Metzlers as well.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, NY
I call BS on inflation being the problem, I just got around 5k on my new Dunflop, this is the second front tire and both cupped all the way around the tire, I have kept the inflation on it dead nuts on both tires, 40 psi on the first, and 35 psi on this one.
My next set will be Metzlers as well.
My next set will be Metzlers as well.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
c4yourself2
Dyna Glide Models
14
Aug 1, 2017 02:34 PM
bsljacques
Dyna Glide Models
16
Jun 21, 2012 03:00 PM
