09 Front Tire Fiasco....
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
I spoke to Dunlop (just being curious) about possibility of Elite 3's and they stated they have no plans to develop E3's for the 09's. Also the reason for some people getting a new tire for pre mature wear may be that those people may have ESP with wheel and tire coverage, I don't see how they could deny a new tire under the ESP. Having said all this I have very low miles on the 407 front tire and have no issues.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Perth Western Australia
My theory would be the MoCo having a problem that was not directly safety related, more customer satisfaction based on past tire life. They also have a problem with a few thousand tires they still have in stock between them and Dunlop. Because not every bike sold does big miles (I am told 80% of Harley owners take low milage insurance keeping them below 5,000m per year) only 20% will experience the problem in the first year of the bikes life.
The solution seems simple to me. The soft tread tires have no value in the market place so give them away but make them look different so a sticker with a new part number and an instruction to mount them backwards. Cost on the tire, zero, backward mounting an instant visual confirmation it is a warrenty tire.
If the people who receive a free tire make it to 25,000 miles and out of warrenty in another year, a brand new design of tire will be waiting for them to purchase when they would normally buy one. No extra cost and no black eye for the MoCo.
STU
The solution seems simple to me. The soft tread tires have no value in the market place so give them away but make them look different so a sticker with a new part number and an instruction to mount them backwards. Cost on the tire, zero, backward mounting an instant visual confirmation it is a warrenty tire.
If the people who receive a free tire make it to 25,000 miles and out of warrenty in another year, a brand new design of tire will be waiting for them to purchase when they would normally buy one. No extra cost and no black eye for the MoCo.
STU
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,476
Likes: 3,004
From: Charleston, SC
My theory would be the MoCo having a problem that was not directly safety related, more customer satisfaction based on past tire life. They also have a problem with a few thousand tires they still have in stock between them and Dunlop. Because not every bike sold does big miles (I am told 80% of Harley owners take low milage insurance keeping them below 5,000m per year) only 20% will experience the problem in the first year of the bikes life.
The solution seems simple to me. The soft tread tires have no value in the market place so give them away but make them look different so a sticker with a new part number and an instruction to mount them backwards. Cost on the tire, zero, backward mounting an instant visual confirmation it is a warrenty tire.
If the people who receive a free tire make it to 25,000 miles and out of warrenty in another year, a brand new design of tire will be waiting for them to purchase when they would normally buy one. No extra cost and no black eye for the MoCo.
STU
The solution seems simple to me. The soft tread tires have no value in the market place so give them away but make them look different so a sticker with a new part number and an instruction to mount them backwards. Cost on the tire, zero, backward mounting an instant visual confirmation it is a warrenty tire.
If the people who receive a free tire make it to 25,000 miles and out of warrenty in another year, a brand new design of tire will be waiting for them to purchase when they would normally buy one. No extra cost and no black eye for the MoCo.
STU
The 408 is definately the same tire tread pattern as a 407 though, only reversed...
lp
"Moderator"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 952
From: San Tan Valley, Arizona
Only problem this theory (and its a good one) is that the 408F is not a mounted backwards 407F. It was actually made and you can tell this by looking at the mounting arrow which is part of the tire and not a sticker not to mention the 408F embossed in the side of the tire as well.
The 408 is definately the same tire tread pattern as a 407 though, only reversed...
lp
The 408 is definately the same tire tread pattern as a 407 though, only reversed...
lp
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
i worry about hydroplaning , if u look at thr "reversed tread" it will push water under vthe tire not away from it how could this not be a safty concern? and who really knows wich way the bias in running in coralation to the backwards arows or treads?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
At what mileage is this problem showing up? I'm doing my 5k (4850miles) service this morning and my front tire looks perfectly round. I ride on a well maintained asphalt hwy to work every day at speeds between 45-65mph and haven't noticed any humming or buzzing sounds at all. I bought my Ultra in early Sept. 08 so I would guess my D407F to be among those with this problem. Anyone gone 10k-15k plus without seeing this issue? Interesting thread, thanks for the heads up.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
I had mine replaced at 10k miles, severe cupping, dealer did free of charge after I told him I was not a happy. Noticed it at 11k on my way back from the dragon, the gps was vibrating so much it was hard to read.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 18
From: Sacramento area
For what its worth I got this off a Dunlop site. Seems like they did change the way its made internally
Dunlop has provided Harley-
Davison with renewed tyres for a
large selection of their motorcycles,
i.e. for the Fat-Boy and Road King.
The Milwaukee build bikes will
receive the updated D408F replacing
the D407F tyres that were fitted as
standard. The change in fitted front
tyre will take place in the first half of
the calendar year 2009. The D408F
tyre will offer improved tyre wear for
some customers over the D407F.
The new D408F tyre is the D407F
pattern reversed with the internal
construction corrected to run in the
opposite direction.
Dunlop has provided Harley-
Davison with renewed tyres for a
large selection of their motorcycles,
i.e. for the Fat-Boy and Road King.
The Milwaukee build bikes will
receive the updated D408F replacing
the D407F tyres that were fitted as
standard. The change in fitted front
tyre will take place in the first half of
the calendar year 2009. The D408F
tyre will offer improved tyre wear for
some customers over the D407F.
The new D408F tyre is the D407F
pattern reversed with the internal
construction corrected to run in the
opposite direction.
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Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
A few have requested what the Elite 3 Pattern Looks like so posting it .. After 300+ Miles on them .. Definitely Love them ... although Have to admit got great mileage on the OEM 402's changed at 10K and am sure could have got another 5K out of the rear and another 10K on the Front..
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Please help me with my swimming head on this 407F vs 408F issue.
I have a 09 SG with 9,000 miles on her. I took delivery last September. At this point my tire gage says I'm about 80% worn for the front and 50% for the rear. Honestly, I do not know what front tire I have, but i will check. If I'm at 80% life gone, then that tells me to replace it now and be safe. I certainly want to replace before my 3,000 mile Sturgis jaunt.
Should I have gotten more miles out of it? If so maybe a warrantee issue as discussed. I can not say that I noticed any cupping. Maybe a little vibration that I just expect at this point. Huhh?
Should I buy an new one and be sure its a 408F or go a new alternative brand route?
Thx,
Kregg
I have a 09 SG with 9,000 miles on her. I took delivery last September. At this point my tire gage says I'm about 80% worn for the front and 50% for the rear. Honestly, I do not know what front tire I have, but i will check. If I'm at 80% life gone, then that tells me to replace it now and be safe. I certainly want to replace before my 3,000 mile Sturgis jaunt.
Should I have gotten more miles out of it? If so maybe a warrantee issue as discussed. I can not say that I noticed any cupping. Maybe a little vibration that I just expect at this point. Huhh?
Should I buy an new one and be sure its a 408F or go a new alternative brand route?
Thx,
Kregg