Elite 3 help
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Tampa FL
Elite 3 help
08 Ultra
I have been hearing nothing but good responses about the elite 3, so here is my problem. My rear tire a Dunlop 402 with about 3000 miles on it. The fnt tire had some cupping so I decided to go with the Elite 3. On the way home I got up to 70 mph and I started to get a tail wag. I thought the rear tire was flat so I stopped, but it was ok. checked fnt and rear tire pressure but both were 40psi. I have lowered the fnt to 35 and still get the tail wag. I have retorqued all the bolts, checked the bearings and all appears good. The steering is very sensitive, the least gust of wind will cause the tail to wag as if the rear tire pressure was low. I have read where others have mixed sets with no problem. Do I just have a bad tire?
I have been hearing nothing but good responses about the elite 3, so here is my problem. My rear tire a Dunlop 402 with about 3000 miles on it. The fnt tire had some cupping so I decided to go with the Elite 3. On the way home I got up to 70 mph and I started to get a tail wag. I thought the rear tire was flat so I stopped, but it was ok. checked fnt and rear tire pressure but both were 40psi. I have lowered the fnt to 35 and still get the tail wag. I have retorqued all the bolts, checked the bearings and all appears good. The steering is very sensitive, the least gust of wind will cause the tail to wag as if the rear tire pressure was low. I have read where others have mixed sets with no problem. Do I just have a bad tire?
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
So you have a new E3 front and a D402 with 3K on the rear, right? I had the opposite, a new E3 rear and D402 front with >20K and had no issues. I can't imagine what would be causing a rear-wag like you describe unless the installer didn't fit everything back together properly, although it is almost a foolproof operation. If the axle is severely under-torqued to the point of being loose it would probably cause some weird behavior like this, but it would also cause severe problems with the belt tension that I don't even want to imagine.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 247
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I recently put E3's front and back on my 04 Roadglide. 1500 miles
later, off they came for a set of Me880 Metzlers. I experienced wondering and a really rough ride with the E3's. I also thought I had bearing problems, belt issues, steerring head issues and what else? It's the tire !
The Dunlop rep told me when I inquired about the rough ride and wondering that " it's the nature of the beast" I know most guys love these tires- not me. JMO
later, off they came for a set of Me880 Metzlers. I experienced wondering and a really rough ride with the E3's. I also thought I had bearing problems, belt issues, steerring head issues and what else? It's the tire !
The Dunlop rep told me when I inquired about the rough ride and wondering that " it's the nature of the beast" I know most guys love these tires- not me. JMO
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Tampa FL
drove the bike prior to replacing the fnt tire with no problems. I have rechecked and torqued everything. 1 of 2 things, either you can't mix the 2 or the new is bad. I was hoping that someone that has done the same change could give me some feedback. Does anyone have a contact phone number for Dunlop?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2005
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Well, I know with cars it is not advised to mix/match a radial with a bias ply tire which is what you have done. I voiced concerns on this when I saw others doing the same and saw some people doing the same with no ill results.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: north central missouri
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Extreme HDF Member
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Can you describe the noises you were hearing?
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 588
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From: Naugatuck, CT
My E3s have been bullet proof for me. I did however change both front and rear at the same time. I dont believe they made the E3 in a radial that is the right size for our bikes.
I,m running 38lbs Front and 40lbs Rear.
10lbs in the Rear Shocks solo and 20lbs 2 up
I,m running 38lbs Front and 40lbs Rear.
10lbs in the Rear Shocks solo and 20lbs 2 up