So on my way home from work this am I noticed the *** end of my bike, 2011 Softail Blackline, suddenly felt bad as if it were sliding around. This will test any nerves you may have by the way.

This wonderful feeling came on the 55 fwy at about 70 mph in rush hour traffic. I immediately knew that sickening feeling and got off at my exit (luckily I was almost home) to find my rear had gone flat. Not completely flat but holding about 30-40% air. I was only a few blocks from home and was able to iron leg it safely at about a snails pace.

Back in my garage I looked for the damage to tire but can't find anything. No cuts, nail, tears, or road debris. So here is where I would appreciate some advice. The stock Dunlop comes with manufactuer warranty and at only 2300 miles on the tire with no road damage or neglect to be found I imagine this tire would qualify for warranty replacement. How much of an act of god does it take to get a Harley dealership to assist with the warranty replacement? Am I kidding myself here or will they be of any help regarding this. Any stories or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Warranty? Against punctures? To make sure you have air in your tires? When did you last check tire pressure?

 

If the tire is defective they should replace it. If it failed because of a puncture or under/over inflation you are probably on your own. If you have the add-on dealer's tire warranty they should replace it no questions asked.

 

Find the leak before you try to stick the manufacturer with it. If you don't know what caused it yet, you have no claim against them.

Pull the tire off, fill it with air and then fill the bathtub. Roll it in the bath tub until you find the bubbles and then circle back with us and let us know what you find.

 

I know your feeling. I've had two rear flats at speed (in 100,000 miles +/-). Both times it was a nail in the sidewall. Had to replace the tires. One way to keep fresh rubber under you!

 

Valve stem core?

 

sounds odd. suddenly noticeably under-inflated but does not completely deflate.

i'd start with the valve stem also.

could also be a nail or similar which is acting as a decent plug for the time being.

 

It might be a small nail or screw with the head broken off. Hard to see those.

 

If this is a tubeless tire, it could be valve stem or failure of tire to properly bead against rim. If the tire has a tube I think you are going to have to pull the wheel off. Either type of tire could have a leaking valve in the stem.

 

fill it up and ride around neiborhood and recheck air pressure next daymthats why you always check tire pressure before ride