Dunlop 407 tread splitting

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Sep 4, 2016 | 02:09 PM

Teal

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Dunlop 407 tread splitting

Dunlop 407 180/55 B18 M/C 30H

I've noticed an issue with my rear tire over the past few weeks. At first I thought I had bottomed out the tire on the fender or something. But looking at it again today after washing the bike, I don't think that's the problem at all. The tire is showing what I would say are cracks around the entire circumference on both the left and right sides. I say that these appear to be cracks and not cuts as they do not line up exactly with each other from top to bottom. I am guessing that perhaps I am seeing the tread separating between the hard and soft compound? Has anyone seen this exact same thing previous? Overall, The tire is wearing as it should (In my opinion) with aprox 9600 miles (15,500 Km). The tires and wheels were installed at the dealer before I took delivery (2015) so in theory, I still have warranty (I hope).

Thanks for any input

Sep 18, 2016 | 01:46 PM

archergodwin

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

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From: Northwest

I'm wondering if that is a separation between the dual compound material, the 'crack' looks to be right in that area.. if so ..get the tire replaced under warranty...pronto.

Sep 20, 2016 | 01:44 PM

Teal

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Follow up:
Harley Davidson did cover the tire under my warranty although they did try and to wiggle out of it after dismounting the tire and discovering that the tire had a "plug/patch". At or about 3000kms, I picked up a nail and could find only one shop locally (that I trust) to make the repair due to "liability" issues.
According to Dunlop (see above), the tire can be repaired if it follows their guidelines and will not negate the warranty. Once I brought that to the attention of the dealer, they honored the warranty without any further hassle. The other thing they told me, but not till after it was all said and done was that mine was the second tire in a week with the exact same problem. The service manger made a note of the tire build date and was going to check it against the other defective tire to see if it was from the same batch. I believe he said the date of mfg. was Dec 2014.

Jun 5, 2022 | 10:41 AM

malonepd

Stage IV

Joined: Dec 2021

Posts: 4

Likes: 1

From: Florida

Same issue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teal

I have the same tires on 09 FLHTC and have noticed the same problem, the tires were on the bike when I bought it and I've read several articles about it and seen several videos talking about it, but haven't anything from Dunlop as to a resolution. So I'm very hesitant to put the same tires back on because of this.

Jun 5, 2022 | 11:47 AM

Y2K

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,711

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From: SW WA.

I call 'em Dungflops,lots better tires available out there from other makers.
I just had a set of Metzeler Marathon 888's put one mine.

Jun 5, 2022 | 12:01 PM

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 100,455

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From: Centennial, CO

Looks as if in 6 years Dunlop hasn't fixed the problem. I just put on a set of American Elites. Haven't heard of issues with those.

Jun 6, 2022 | 11:12 AM

Teal

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Just another follow-up...., the tire that was replaced under warranty did exactly the same thing as the original in about the same time-line. An obvious mfg issue in my opinion.