2008 Fatboy
Front tire put on bike in January 2014 / 9,600 miles (Dunlop
Bike now has 28,700 miles (still has some tread on it that would pass inspection).

Noticed tire cupping on front tire. Not bad but is there.

What are some things that might cause cupping on the front tire?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I know it is time to replace the tire as it has served me very well.

SUP

 

Number one reason is improper/under inflated pressure.

 

Could also be tread pattern caused. In any event, 19,000 miles on a front tire is plenty worn.

 

Cupping is caused by balance issues.
High pressure in tire would cause the center to wear, low pressure will cause the outer edges to were and not the center.
Your tire is out of balance. Once cupped they are prone to continue to do so even tho you have the tire rebalanced.
Best thing to do is replace the tire.

 

Cupping can be caused by many things, some tire related, others no so much. Being as you have a softail based bike, you can pretty much rule out bad engine mounts (touring bikes), but I would still check the rear tire is aligned in the swingarm. Headstock bearing adjustment, and or windshield misalignment are another couple of easy to find causes that will result in cupping, along with front forks that need to be serviced.

 

Windshield misalignment? Does this cause cupping due to uneven left/right aerodynamic forces? Some other mechanism?

Serious question - never heard of this as a source before...

 

One or more of these could be the culprit.

• Loose, worn, or bent shock absorbers/suspension parts.
• Unbalanced or runout tires.
• Misaligned wheels.
• Poor-quality tires.

I've never heard of a misaligned windshield causing this. I might learn something here.

 

If you do from the stupid I have read here I would be amazed. But the windshield thing? Just W frigging OW....

 

exactly. If the windshield is "off kilter" it will cause you to steer into it, even unperceptably. Baggers can get cupping due to busted fairing supports (ask me how I know....)

 

I have some cupping on the rear tire of my Road Glide. 11,500 miles.

I'm paying attention to this thread.