Tire Cupping Cause?
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 265
Likes: 11
From: Houston area
Tire Cupping Cause?
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
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
Supporter
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 248
From: Milton Mills NH
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.
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9,606
Likes: 20,769
From: Globe AZ
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.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 84
From: Southern Maine / Seacoast NH
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.
Serious question - never heard of this as a source before...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,971
Likes: 840
From: In front of the computer for now.
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.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
If you do from the stupid I have read here I would be amazed. But the windshield thing? Just W frigging OW....
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9,606
Likes: 20,769
From: Globe AZ
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....)
