rear E3 cupping
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 62
From: GA.
rear E3 cupping
Tried to get a new rear tire put on today, but they were booked for the day. They were closing early today, and they're closed tomorrow, til next week. Headed out with the wife on Friday for a 4 day get-away, and looks like I'll have to wait til I get back from the trip. Kinda sucks too. It's getting smooth in the center of the tire, and the edges are cupping. You can feel it when riding solo, especially in the turns. Actually feels better when two-up, so hopefully it'll ride okay while we're gone. Got about 8 or 9 thousand miles on the set, and the front still looks great. Will definitely be getting a new one next week.
Anyone else had an issue with their E3's cupping on the rear?
Anyone else had an issue with their E3's cupping on the rear?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
rear elite 3 cupping
I have the same issue with mine with less than 3,000 miles. I thought the front was out of balance due to all the bounce above 55 MPH, but when I jacked it up I found severe cupping on the rear. I always check the air pressure prior to riding and know it wasn't due to under inflation. Just figure a bad tire. I will try the Elite 3 one more time, but if the new one cups, I will look at another brand.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
E3 rear
I was not a happy camper when I noticed the cupping, but thankfully my dealer (independent) agreed that the tire was defective and is replacing the tire for me. I suppose a few bad tires are bound to get out to the public and I was just lucky enough to get one. At least I hope it was just a bad tire. If this next one cups I will let everyone know.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 62
From: GA.
My 2nd rear E3 is also cupping slightly. It's not horrible, but you can feel it if you run your hand around it. Many websites say it's normal, and from the tire doing it's job gripping the road. They do grip well, so maybe that's what it's from.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 113
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From: Woodstock, GA
My E3's cupped front and rear
I put E3's on front and rear of my 08 Ultra Classic at 30K. While I was doing my 40K service early this spring, looking over everything really close, I found the front tire cupping. A really close look at the rear found the same situation, but the cupping was a bit worse.
10K on a set of tires isn't bad, and there was still plenty of rubber. Even though I really loved the way the E3's handled, I let the independent tire shop where I buy tires convice me to try a set of Metzlers. So far, their performance is excellent, and I have no regrets performance-wise about switching from the E3's. Just 6K on the Metzlers so far. If I get good enough mileage off of this set I'll probably put Metzlers on next time around.
10K on a set of tires isn't bad, and there was still plenty of rubber. Even though I really loved the way the E3's handled, I let the independent tire shop where I buy tires convice me to try a set of Metzlers. So far, their performance is excellent, and I have no regrets performance-wise about switching from the E3's. Just 6K on the Metzlers so far. If I get good enough mileage off of this set I'll probably put Metzlers on next time around.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,684
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From: Snow Hill, NC
got 11k miles on the E3's cupped pretty bad, i had a good deal on a EII K491 for $50 so i am using it...If i keep the bike i will get another EIII again...
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
My first rear E3 cupped late in its life, but the only effects were some minor noise in cornering that was noticeable only if I turned the stereo off and listened for it. It was replaced at 20k. The front has now been on the bike for 11k miles and has no cupping, and the new E3 rear also has none at 1k. I continue to be very enthusiastic about these tires and keep pressure at 37F/40R cold.
Last edited by iclick; Jul 5, 2010 at 09:48 PM.