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[DAVE1970]

I already need to replace my rear tire after only getting less than 4000 miles. Is this normal?

[dlaws01]

It might be normal for an improperly inflated tire but I wouldn't thinks so otherwise.   

[DAVE1970]

I check the tire pressure before each ride. Does anyone recommend a different rear tire or should I replace it with the same one that came on the bike?

[grc]

I already need to replace my rear tire after only getting less than 4000 miles. Is this normal?

I check the tire pressure before each ride. Does anyone recommend a different rear tire or should I replace it with the same one that came on the bike?

Dave, it definitely is NOT normal to only get 4000 miles on the rear tire, unless you put on most of those miles on a drag strip.  A more typical range would be 10k to 15k miles depending upon how you ride.  Cold inflation pressure is specified as 40 psi btw, is that what you're running and is your gauge accurate? 

How are you determining you need a new tire, eyeball or actually measuring tread depth?  As for replacements, what you have is what you will get since no other company offers the 18" tires in the correct size and load ratings to fit your stock rim.

Jerry

[FLHTCUSE7]

It depends on how you ride??

If you ride it agressively off the line, start and stop, sure.

Highway riding you should get more than 10K riding "normal".

How much thread do you have left?

[Jswerve]

I've got 13600 and counting on mine it's the original tire. 4k is not normal lol. 

[SDCVO]

It depends on how you ride??

If you ride it agressively off the line, start and stop, sure.

Highway riding you should get more than 10K riding "normal".

How much thread do you have left?

I completely agree with that. I get around 6000 miles on mine and have had people tell me that is not correct including a couple of buddies that complain that they only get 18000 miles on theirs but when I ride with them it is very clear why the different wear patterns. Doesn't mean either of us are right or wrong just different (though many will have different opinions..). I also don't mess around with tread depth changing tires as soon as the wear bar shows a little.
Same deal is true with gas mileage.
These are unneccasary toys (but insanely fun) that start expensive which you knew going in. If you enjoy the way you ride, I would say just accept the fact you will spending much more money on tires then most..

[SDCVO]

To be clear, around 6000 on rest and 10000 on front for me

[Jswerve]

I completely agree with that. I get around 6000 miles on mine and have had people tell me that is not correct including a couple of buddies that complain that they only get 18000 miles on theirs but when I ride with them it is very clear why the different wear patterns. Doesn't mean either of us are right or wrong just different (though many will have different opinions..). I also don't mess around with tread depth changing tires as soon as the wear bar shows a little.
Same deal is true with gas mileage.
These are unneccasary toys (but insanely fun) that start expensive which you knew going in. If you enjoy the way you ride, I would say just accept the fact you will spending much more money on tires then most..

Well you make a good point so I will just change the way I worded my post lol. The way I ride I have 13.6k on my original rear tire. I never do burnouts and rarely peel out from a stop. I do romp the sh*t out of it from time to time on the county roads though. I will most likely replace mine before my trip in late June just to be safe. If I wasn't do a 3500 mile trip to the Smokies I would ride it this entire season and scrap it at the beginning of next year.

[DAVE1970]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I will just have to accept that tire wear is going to happen more rapidly the more you twist your wrist on these torque monsters. Lol.
Also, for the record, that is the only complaint I have with this bike so far.
Have a safe summer everyone.   

[Jswerve]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I will just have to accept that tire wear is going to happen more rapidly the more you twist your wrist on these torque monsters. Lol.
Also, for the record, that is the only complaint I have with this bike so far.
Have a safe summer everyone.   

Haha it is really hard to stay off the throttle. I just had cams done so my rear tires may not last long any more! 

[Cat Eye]

When I was riding 2 up, I would only get 10-12K out of the rear tire.  Then my wife got her own bike....riding 1 up I get 16-18k out of the rear tire.

[DCC]

Several people that I ride with that have the MT Dunlops (rear) on their 09 and newer FL's are getting upwards of 25,000 miles before the wear bars start showing.  I have two 08 bikes (old frame) and both need new rears at around the 18,000 mile mark.

[Billy]

One major  reason for rear wheel wear is using the back brake way too much. not sure your stile but its a thought .   Billy I usually get 15,000 plus but I do ride on the easy side solo also.

[Deep Blue Dives]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I will just have to accept that tire wear is going to happen more rapidly the more you twist your wrist on these torque monsters. Lol.
Also, for the record, that is the only complaint I have with this bike so far.
Have a safe summer everyone.   

I am over 12K on my current back tire, and it still looks great, and has plenty to go according to the gauge.  I have never chirped the tires though. 

[gadgetz]

So what's the consensus at what tread depth do you change your tires?   at what 32nds? isn't a new tire 7/32nds?

[grc]

So what's the consensus at what tread depth do you change your tires?   at what 32nds? isn't a new tire 7/32nds?

The tires on the CUSE are 10/32" when new.  Dunflop uses 1/32" as the point where the tire is done, I personally use 2/32" myself.

Jerry

[Jswerve]

The tires on the CUSE are 10/32" when new.  Dunflop uses 1/32" as the point where the tire is done, I personally use 2/32" myself.

Jerry

I've got quite a bit more then that at 13.6k but I do have some cupping on the outside edges. Is that normal wear Jerry?

Jesse

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[TNCarters]

Just replaced the rear Dunlop D407 on my Limited at 15,000 miles.  It was down to about 2/32 in center but was cupped badly on sides of center which touched road enough to whine when cruising.  Was driving me crazy thinking some bearing was going out so went ahead and replaced it.  HD is proud of their rear tires.

[Jswerve]

Just replaced the rear Dunlop D407 on my Limited at 15,000 miles.  It was down to about 2/32 in center but was cupped badly on sides of center which touched road enough to whine when cruising.  Was driving me crazy thinking some bearing was going out so went ahead and replaced it.  HD is proud of their rear tires.

I don't have any noise just worried I have a 3500 mile trip coming up. They quoted me 400 bucks!

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[phato1]

I've got quite a bit more then that at 13.6k but I do have some cupping on the outside edges. Is that normal wear Jerry?

Jesse

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Probably normal,  I have the same thing going on with my 11.5 CUSE. 13K or so on the rear tire and it's cupped quite noticeably. Enough that it's getting changed before we start on any long summer road trips.
I've convinced myself it's normal for a heavy a** touring bike that is primarily ridden two up. I do like the grip of the "stock" Dunlops so that's what's going back on.

[Jswerve]

Probably normal,  I have the same thing going on with my 11.5 CUSE. 13K or so on the rear tire and it's cupped quite noticeably. Enough that it's getting changed before we start on any long summer road trips.
I've convinced myself it's normal for a heavy a** touring bike that is primarily ridden two up. I do like the grip of the "stock" Dunlops so that's what's going back on.

I'm a fan of the dunlops as well. We think alike I just thought better safe then sorry on my trip.

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[TNCarters]

Jswerve, Its pretty easy to get to $400 when the list on the tire is $300 plus an hour labor plus tax.  My dealer gives me a $50 break on tire cost and I stay with them for ease of replacement but know it would be cheaper to go aftermarket with an Indy mounting the tire.  My dealer will install an aftermarket tire but at full retail cost and wants to do a matching set.  May consider that option in the future if I continue to get cupping on the Dunlops before tire is worn out.

[Jswerve]

Jswerve, Its pretty easy to get to $400 when the list on the tire is $300 plus an hour labor plus tax.  My dealer gives me a $50 break on tire cost and I stay with them for ease of replacement but know it would be cheaper to go aftermarket with an Indy mounting the tire.  My dealer will install an aftermarket tire but at full retail cost and wants to do a matching set.  May consider that option in the future if I continue to get cupping on the Dunlops before tire is worn out.

Good point.

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[North Georgia Hawg]

Jswerve, Its pretty easy to get to $400 when the list on the tire is $300 plus an hour labor plus tax.  My dealer gives me a $50 break on tire cost and I stay with them for ease of replacement but know it would be cheaper to go aftermarket with an Indy mounting the tire.  My dealer will install an aftermarket tire but at full retail cost and wants to do a matching set.  May consider that option in the future if I continue to get cupping on the Dunlops before tire is worn out.

I replaced my rear tire at 11,000 miles, and it was pretty badly cupped and sang when cornering. The replacement now has about 8000 miles on it, with plenty of tread left, but is also cupped and singing already. These Dunlops just seem to do that, and no one seems to know why.

I wish there were another quality tire option for our 18" rear and 19" front Agitators - like Avons or Michelin Commanders. I wouldn't want to have mismatched tires from different manufacturers.

Ken

[OBB]

I don't have any noise just worried I have a 3500 mile trip coming up. They quoted me 400 bucks!

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My dealer gives me 20% off tires. I put the bike on the jack and take the tire off and carry it in. Saves me 1/2 hour labor and I normally get it done pretty quick as opposed to waiting on a lift to open up.

[Jswerve]

My dealer gives me 20% off tires. I put the bike on the jack and take the tire off and carry it in. Saves me 1/2 hour labor and I normally get it done pretty quick as opposed to waiting on a lift to open up.

nice

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[Rooster]

One reason I like my 07 is the tires are cheaper although I like the new ones looks wise and they look beefier so I thought they would last longer. I get 11-12k mostly 2-up and sometimes pulling the tent trailer. I'm sure they would wear a little quicker if I was towing most of the miles.

[twinotter]

After 40+ yrs of riding, it is my opinion that cupping is caused by one major point. That is underinflation!
I've has it happen, and seen it happen. As little as 2 lbs low air can cause cupping.
Are the rear tires not rated for 45 psi when riding two up? I thought they were!
Accelerating and braking will cause about equal amounts of load on the tire, and any tire underinflated will squirm more, causing the tire to heat excessively.
Check your manuals and specs on the tire, if the tire says 45 max, run it. jm2c fwiw twinotter

[Jswerve]

After 40+ yrs of riding, it is my opinion that cupping is caused by one major point. That is underinflation!
I've has it happen, and seen it happen. As little as 2 lbs low air can cause cupping.
Are the rear tires not rated for 45 psi when riding two up? I thought they were!
Accelerating and braking will cause about equal amounts of load on the tire, and any tire underinflated will squirm more, causing the tire to heat excessively.
Check your manuals and specs on the tire, if the tire says 45 max, run it. jm2c fwiw twinotter

Interesting point. I've always ran 40 like the book says? I'll have to check.

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[phato1]

 FWIW I run 42 PSI in the rear on mine.

[The Mysterious Q!]

I have Metzelers and run 44 rear 42 front and I agree that under inflation is usually the culprit in cupping of the outside edges of the tire.

[Jswerve]

FWIW I run 42 PSI in the rear on mine.

42 is what I run too had to double check

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