Maybe the previous owner swapped out the front tire before he sold it?

 

I only ran Metzlers on my last bike and learned quickley about inflation. First you have to keep them inflated, at least twice a month. Second whatever the max. presure is posted on the sidewall, that is what you run them at. That can vary between tire models with the same manufacturer. If you are seeing cupping, that can be a sign of under inflation.
If you keep your presures consistant, the bikes handeling will be consistant.
Hope this helps.

 

Wow. On my baggers I've replaced them in sets, usually at about 7500 miles or so. The front sides are the first to go, but I do ride a lot of twisties.

 

Setting aside the mileage you have on it, your front tyre is knackered! So first thing to do is to arrange a replacement asap. That 500 miles you think you have could disappear in 100 or so, as in my experience that last bit of tread never lasts very long.

There are two things that affect mileage, the way each of us rides and pressures. You may be the last of the late breakers, for all we know! Check pressures regularly on your new tyre.

 

Without knowing detailed information it would be rather difficult to provide an accurate answer.
For example are you the original from the factory owner?
Reason: the previous owner might have changed tires at some point.
Are the tires on the bike the original Dunlops?
Reason: different brands may give different mileage.
Do you ride two-up or do you weigh 400+ pounds?
Weight can increase tire wear.
A bike that travels consistently in a high heat area is also exposing tires to searing road temperatures and may also increase wear.
As little as 10,000- 12,000 miles on a front tire and as little as 5,000-6,000 on a rear factory dunlop would not be unreasonable under mixed solo/two-up, mixed city/super slab riding.
There are riders that get significantly more miles with factory dunlops.
The front wearing before the rear would be rare unless you are doing some kind of trick riding.

 

I agree, it's odd to wear the front out before the rear. Regardless, replace it.

As for reasons, low air pressure, dragging front brake, bad wheel bearings, etc. Almost all of which can be checked by simply jacking the front wheel off the ground.

If the bike was purchased used, it may be a red herring, as the rear may have already been replaced.