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[shortdog]

I had some severe tire cupping on the original D407 on my bike. I had hit a very bad pothole and knocked the lower rockers badly out of adjustment,so I figured that was the cause of the problem. Changed out the tire at about 11,000 miles. The replacement tire started cupping after about 7,000 miles and my wife's at about the same mileage. This is the same tire that HD installed on the baggers in 09. HD had a "customer satisfaction campaign" with a bulletin that they would replace these tires if the customer complained to the dealer about "rough ride and vibration". Spoke with the service writer at my dealership and was informed the bulletin only covered those bikes specifically listed. Sent an e-mail to Dunlop asking them what I could do about the situation. They referred me back to the dealership. Showed the e-mail to the service manager and he called HD customer service and laid out my argument that this tire was only used on the Springers in 08 and they had subsequent problem with baggers in 09 why were we left out of the campaign.
 I am happy to say that "Sandman" from Lakeland Harley Davidson presented me with 2 brand new D408 tires last week. I had to pay for mounting, but it was still better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Perseverance pays off along with sugar instead of vinegar. Also being loyal to the dealership helps.

I would think we are not the only Springer riders with this problem and am passing this on to you for ammunition with your own dealership if you are experiencing the cupping problems we had.
Shortdog

[dite]

Have you tried going with Avon Cobra tires?

[dite]

The Avon Cobra tires are very sticky in turns and have a great ride....

[JoeCVO2009]

I have the Avon Cobra 250 inch and they are great…. what a great difference from the Dunlop 240…. the Dunlop only last me 7000 miles….I find the Avon take better the curves…. even if they are a size 250 in….and also I like the look of the bike from behind…
JoeCVO2009

[Herrmen]

I hope you mean 250 mm rear tire and not inches. If not please post pictures. ha ha! On a serious note what kind of range do you get out of the larger tire? I am going to try and get a rough estimate if the cost of the Avon cobras 240 or 250 mm is worth the money per mile compaired to the dunlop.

[JoeCVO2009]

Herrmen….jaja….yes indeed is mm…but so far I have it for 3 weeks…and it really feels like there is more grip in the curves and when I stop…I also I notice that  before I was touching quite often my pegs and know there is a little bit more clearance…that means that the rear is a little bit hire than the Dunlop’s…I leave in Spain and here in Europe there is a lot of curves and my scoot I feel handles better….have a nice day….
JoeCVO2009

[ThunderUnder]

I have the same cupping issue on my '09 cvo springer. Is there really a better front tire or is it truely due to the springer front end? If there is a better tire please let me know. 

[shortdog]

Down Under,
I only have about 2,500 miles on the replacement tire. So far so good! The reason I posted initially was to let you know that the MoCo will do something if you are persistent with your service manager. The 09's also came with the D407. Ask your dealer to ask the MoCo why the springers were left out of the "Customer Satisfaction Bulletin" that was issued for the 09 baggers.
Shortdog

[themuse6]

Good stuff. What am I looking for " cupping" on my tires? My bike has been up on a lift for some winter mods, and I would like to check this out before I throw her back on the road. Also Is this a problem with F&R, or primarily just the front. I don't think I would change Brands or Profiles without doing both @ the same time. Also MOCO is just replacing with the same tire? Not that Im SHOCKED!
Thanks
layne

[shortdog]

Look at the pointed areas in the center of the tread. If cupping is happening they will appear more worn that the wider adjacent end of the vee.
My issue was with the front only. Got 16,000 miles from the rear and could have perhaps gone a little longer but was concerned about wicking capabilities here in rainy Florida.
The replacement is re-designed and is a D408. Tread pattern is reversed and vee is shallower. Seems to be working fine so far. When the problem starts to happen the key word the dealer needs to hear is "vibration" along with rough ride.

[DarkEagle]

I have the Avon Cobra 250 inch and they are great…. what a great difference from the Dunlop 240…. the Dunlop only last me 7000 miles….I find the Avon take better the curves…. even if they are a size 250 in….and also I like the look of the bike from behind…

Did you keep the stock 8 x 18 rear wheel (8.5-9 recommended)?

Any problems with clearance or flex? thanks!

[JoeCVO2009]

Hi Darkeagle, yes I kept the stock one and no problems with clearance…so far I am very happy with the tire…I like the grip and it takes better the curves than the 240 Dunlop…
Have a nice day…
JoeCVO2009

[DarkEagle]

Hi Darkeagle, yes I kept the stock one and no problems with clearance…so far I am very happy with the tire…I like the grip and it takes better the curves than the 240 Dunlop…

Thanks for the road report, I will have to look into re-shoeing my ride with Avon Cobra's.

Like the idea of going a little bit more fatter on the rear tire, the 09 SESS is just killer with that 240 so only can imagine with a 250.

[Zinister]

I went out for a ride today and the wife made a stop at a gas station and I looked at my front tire and it looked a litle wierd. I have 4000 miles on it and I had read this post so I've been wiating for this to happen. I have allot of cupping on the front tire. I have been watching for this but I just checked the air pressure 3 weeks ago and had no problems.


I guess what I'm asking is when it starts cupping does it get allot worse really quickly? I've only put 500 miles on it since the last time I checked for cupping nd now I noticed it just by glancing at it.

[Border Ghost]

My previous bike was a '92 FXSTC and I ran the stock 21" front set up for about 40,000 miles before changing to a 19" front wheel.  In both cases, I ran Metzeler 880 tires and contrary to all the negative posts on the net sites about Metzelers I never had an issue.  You must run the recommended tire pressures and I got the usual 2:1 mileage, front versus rear, out of the front tires = approx. 20,000 miles. I currently run the Metzelers on my FXSTS and have no issues.

With the 240 and 250 rear tires, there is no way you are going to get great mileage.  I believe the maximum size for a rear tire to get reasonable mileage it should be no more than a 180 - may not look as cool but I'm all about long road runs not hanging out at the bar.

There is lots of positive feedback on the Dunlop E-3 tires and I may give them a try on the next tire change.

Border Ghost