Tire cupping
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 14
From: Fla
If I'm not mistaken...
The Dunlop front D407 had a mfg defect which resulted in cupping. That was a few years ago. I believe they have resolved that issue? MoCo wouldn't acknowledge the problem unless you brought it in and complained. Then the tire was replaced, free of charge.
Apples and oranges, I know, but cupping on auto tires is commonly known to be caused by low pressure. Works the same with two wheeled vehicles, I believe. I know for a fact, that when I wasn't paying attention to tire pressures, my rear tire developed cupping. Haven't had a problem since I began checking before each ride, or at least once a week if I was riding often.
The Dunlop front D407 had a mfg defect which resulted in cupping. That was a few years ago. I believe they have resolved that issue? MoCo wouldn't acknowledge the problem unless you brought it in and complained. Then the tire was replaced, free of charge.
Apples and oranges, I know, but cupping on auto tires is commonly known to be caused by low pressure. Works the same with two wheeled vehicles, I believe. I know for a fact, that when I wasn't paying attention to tire pressures, my rear tire developed cupping. Haven't had a problem since I began checking before each ride, or at least once a week if I was riding often.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 37
From: Monroe, Louisiana
I have 2010 FLHTK and got 11000 out of 1st rear tire and it cupped severely. Got more diligent with keeping the air pressure up and got 16000 out of the next rear and could have gone further, but was cupped pretty bad. The first front tire got 19000 and it was not cupped at all. Got set of Dunlop Elite on it now. Won't get a chance to check mileage as upgrading to 2014 TK tomorrow.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
The only bike that I have ever owned that scallops the rear tire is the '09 SERG with the factory Dunlops, which is our only option (size-load rating) at this time.
The '01 FXDWG2 and the '05 SEEG (also currently own) have always worn perfectly even (except the "Florida stripe" down the middle).
'Have always been **** about tires on everything that I have ever owned.
'Have been running 40 psi in the rear of the '09 SERG, maybe I'll try 41-42 psi?
'Not buying the "they all do that" from the articles (links) of this thread...
The '01 FXDWG2 and the '05 SEEG (also currently own) have always worn perfectly even (except the "Florida stripe" down the middle).
'Have always been **** about tires on everything that I have ever owned.
'Have been running 40 psi in the rear of the '09 SERG, maybe I'll try 41-42 psi?
'Not buying the "they all do that" from the articles (links) of this thread...
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 18
From: Florida
I have had cupping issues on all the rears since 2009…..would get 11 to 14k and they would be noisy going into the turns…I complained to Dunlop and HD with no help. Nature of the tire and always checked PSI…...
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
I think that a lot of us are hoping that somebody (even Dunlop! fer cryin' out loud!) will come out with an alternative in the 18/19 sizes...
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: near Vancouver BC
I have ruined a tire on a road trip from heavy load and under pressured. Two up and 30psi on the rear. Didn't look low to the eye but I'm guessing I overheated the casing.
I considered it a valuable lesson and since then I'm always monitoring my pressure. I have excellent suspension front and back and still I get tire cupping on the rear at about half way thru the tread life. (Dunlop American Elites and stock HD Dunlops) Last three tires.
I havent tried the Continentals.
This is the main reason I'm tempted to TRY a car tire on the back. Lots of riders swear by them.
Until I can actually TALK to someone that has tried a car tire I'll probably try the continentals next...
I considered it a valuable lesson and since then I'm always monitoring my pressure. I have excellent suspension front and back and still I get tire cupping on the rear at about half way thru the tread life. (Dunlop American Elites and stock HD Dunlops) Last three tires.
I havent tried the Continentals.
This is the main reason I'm tempted to TRY a car tire on the back. Lots of riders swear by them.
Until I can actually TALK to someone that has tried a car tire I'll probably try the continentals next...
Can I get the Commander 2 in a 200/55/17 for my FLHX? I am worried about the load rating.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
'Met some Vehicle Dynamics Engineers at a Roadhouse in Kingman AZ (H-D & Chrysler share the same Proving Grounds a little South of there), last October, showed them the scalloping on the rear tire of the '09 SERG, after some deliberation (I had already told them that the alignment, balance, pressure is / always spot on) The Engineers bought us a couple more rounds, and suggested;
"Firm up the Left (Drive) side of the Bike, because that's where the greatest forces (torque deflection) occur."
We installed the GlidePro Kit in the '09 (has H-D Premium f/r already), but haven't had a chance to put any miles yet, as the 117 / DD7 Build
is just hitting the road tomorrow. The tire (already scalloping) has about 3k on it, so I don't know how reliable my observations will be until we start with a new tire...
Another theory is that Dunlop has yet to figure out the Transition Compound(s) (This one has my vote)
"Firm up the Left (Drive) side of the Bike, because that's where the greatest forces (torque deflection) occur."
We installed the GlidePro Kit in the '09 (has H-D Premium f/r already), but haven't had a chance to put any miles yet, as the 117 / DD7 Build
is just hitting the road tomorrow. The tire (already scalloping) has about 3k on it, so I don't know how reliable my observations will be until we start with a new tire...Another theory is that Dunlop has yet to figure out the Transition Compound(s) (This one has my vote)
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 756
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
Besides tire psi being some of the issue, I believe the forks and rear shocks play a bigger issue causing cupping. Usually cupping on an auto is from weak shocks and the tires dribble up and down going down the road, the same theory holds true with the rebound/compression of the forks and shocks.
How many HD's have precise suspension adjustments? Not too many, throw in the fact that majority of folks dont adjust their air properly and it goes down hill from there. FWIW, once a tire wear pattern is started (even when you cant see it starting) it only accellerates wear and theres nothing one can do to stop it.
How many HD's have precise suspension adjustments? Not too many, throw in the fact that majority of folks dont adjust their air properly and it goes down hill from there. FWIW, once a tire wear pattern is started (even when you cant see it starting) it only accellerates wear and theres nothing one can do to stop it.