Rear tire wear
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 5
From: Florida
That "scalloped" or "chopped" tire wear in the auto world is typically from 2 things, poor suspension control (shocks, springs) being first, and an imbalance being second. Looks pretty rough from the pic.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
In answer to your original question TD, you need to replace that poor tyre! THEN we can start investigating what caused that wear pattern. By all means get your new tyre balanced, but if you use a non-stock brand check the correct pressure on their (tyre, not H-D) website. As an example Avon routinely use higher pressures than in the owners manual, but I am not sure of Metzeler. I don't think the front suspension comes into the frame in solving this.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
In answer to your original question TD, you need to replace that poor tyre! THEN we can start investigating what caused that wear pattern. By all means get your new tyre balanced, but if you use a non-stock brand check the correct pressure on their (tyre, not H-D) website. As an example Avon routinely use higher pressures than in the owners manual, but I am not sure of Metzeler. I don't think the front suspension comes into the frame in solving this.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
No that is not the case! At least not on any tyre I have ever owned. As I repeat on HDF frequently, check the manufacturer's website. As an example the Avon Venom I had until recently on my Glide had 50psi on the sidewall, but the recommended solo pressure was 44psi.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Interesting. I have always gone by the sidewall.
To be honest I was told by a tire guy once that to get the best wear out of a tire you take 10% off the sidewall pressure.
I never thought about checking a website before. I'll have to try it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Its looking that way because the Po only rode in straight lines with a fat chick on the back.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
My enquiries on the sidewall wording is that it is a US requirement. It states what the max load the tyre can be used for, at a given pressure, however it doesn't mean that the stated pressure is the maximum we can use, nor does it say it is the pressure we must use!