Tire Cupping?
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 15
From: GA
Tire Cupping?
I've read about cupping on the HD's. Is this an issue with all HD bikes? My 09 SG has cupping on the rear tire. Is there something that can be modified or improve to reduce this problem?
TIA,
MJ
TIA,
MJ
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 3
From: Laurel,Ms USA
The new dunlops are dual compound and last longer. The center tread is harder and outside treads are somewhat softer for handeling. IMO this causes the cupping and noise in the corners. I'm on my 3rd rear at 57K, getting about 18-20k per tire. I can live with a litttle noise for the extended life, doesn't effect handeling. I've always maintained 40psi rear and 36 front.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: canfield,ohio
i got 7800 on my 2011 road glide rear cupping bad, but i only keep 36 pounds in it ,front tire still looks new . dealer told me to put 42 in it , but its to late now.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
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From: nebraska
CUPPING is usually not being consistant at checking and keeping your tires inflated at least to the max presure ""listed on the side wall"" of your tire.
" Note if your not running stock tires the recomended presure in your manual might be WRONG ."
Also spend some bucks for a QUALITY Air gage , check and ajust frequently .
Your bike will handle better be safer and tires last longer.
I run mine 2lb over max listed on side wall .
42LB REAR 40LB FRONT .
The 402 is an ok tire ,many others are better ,
I got 11,000 miles out of my rear 402,NO CUPPING .
I replaced it with a e3
I still am trying to wearout my front 402 with 15,000 miles so far . NO CUPPING !
You will find that your riding platform will be more stable with firmer tires also run your air shocks firmer than the manual says will help tire milage .your bike will ride/track better .
This means a safer ride .
I run my air shocks 24lb solo 28lb two-up . This will vary depending on your weight ect .
Make sure you have the HD air pump or simaler quality no loss air pump and check you shock presure frequently and ajust for load.
Remmember older bikes shocks have diffrent max air load than the shocks on newer bikes .
Also newer bikes have wider rims take theses diffrences into acount when readin advice here on the forum .
MOST INPORTANT !Try to avoid being" The Princes and The Pea Guy" who wines about feeling the road cracks when your tires are inflated properly.
" Note if your not running stock tires the recomended presure in your manual might be WRONG ."
Also spend some bucks for a QUALITY Air gage , check and ajust frequently .
Your bike will handle better be safer and tires last longer.
I run mine 2lb over max listed on side wall .
42LB REAR 40LB FRONT .
The 402 is an ok tire ,many others are better ,
I got 11,000 miles out of my rear 402,NO CUPPING .
I replaced it with a e3
I still am trying to wearout my front 402 with 15,000 miles so far . NO CUPPING !
You will find that your riding platform will be more stable with firmer tires also run your air shocks firmer than the manual says will help tire milage .your bike will ride/track better .
This means a safer ride .
I run my air shocks 24lb solo 28lb two-up . This will vary depending on your weight ect .
Make sure you have the HD air pump or simaler quality no loss air pump and check you shock presure frequently and ajust for load.
Remmember older bikes shocks have diffrent max air load than the shocks on newer bikes .
Also newer bikes have wider rims take theses diffrences into acount when readin advice here on the forum .
MOST INPORTANT !Try to avoid being" The Princes and The Pea Guy" who wines about feeling the road cracks when your tires are inflated properly.
Last edited by baust55; Apr 29, 2013 at 02:12 PM.