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[Randy C]

On my second set of Dunlap tires and really disappoiinted with the cupping.I called dunlap when the first set went bad after 5k and was told the front was covered but the back tire wasn't even though it was doing the same thing.Now after 4000 miles the rear tire is cupping again,I called dunlap but my call wasn't returned.Doe anyone ever used Metzler 880s and if so did you like them.What is your tire preferance as I'm not going to put dunlaps on either one of my bikes.The bike in question is a 09SERG Thanks ahead of time for the replies

[RayG]

I have had cupping on both Dunlops and Metzlers 880's.  Lately I have been driving real hard so the rears are starting to cup at around 3000 miles but I can squeeze out a few more thousand miles if I'm careful.  I'm very aware of the air pressure and have done the alignment process so the bike handles excellent.  I have no doubt that if you ride rough roads and ride hard that is the price you will have to pay.  If you ride nice and easy either tire should give you decent mileage.  I happen to prefer the Dunlops for high speed cornering and wet surfaces.  I wish the Metzler's had the 880's in my size.   Do you ride hard going in & out of corners?  If your friends stop riding with you because you loose them in the corners it's kind of worth the thrill to me. 

[grc]

Unfortunately there is no other brand out there for the 180/55B18 on the rear.  This has been cussed and discussed for several years in many different threads, and as recently as a couple weeks ago my search for an alternative to fit the stock rim and meet the load range requirement of the bike still came up with nothing.  If you want to use something other than the stock Dunlop, you will need to change the rim to a size that will work with the brand of tire you prefer. 

Jerry

[Doniwin]

Yes, air pressure and throttle use are a concern for tire longevity on any brand tire.

[GregKhougaz]

Randy,  I had bad cupping issues on my first set of Dunlop's.  See here:  New SERG Front Tire " Warranty" Replacement

Shortly after installing a new set of Dunlops, I installed the Progressive monotube front suspension and Suspension Technologies rear shocks.   Thereafter, I had no cupping and got 17,000 miles out of that set.   Of course, you can only get them from Harley but there are dealers who will give 20% off.

[FlaHeatWave]

Welcome to the "cupping" club.

Even though I purchased this bike used, my Dealer hooked me up with a new front tire under the recall.

As Jerry posted, there are no other options in the proper size / load range for the '09 SERGs at this time. (hint to Michelin)

'Installed the HD Premium Suspension (f & r), the rear tire still cupped...

'Ran across some Vehicle Dynamics Engineers (Chrysler) at a Roadhouse in Kingman, AZ last fall (Chrysler shares the same Proving Grounds with HD just a bit South of Kingman), showed them the bike, explained the issues, and after some deliberation (they bought us a few more beers ) they told me to "Try firming up the Left (Drive) side of the bike." 'Made sense to me, so I installed the GlidePro bushings and went to 41 psi in the rear, and the cupping was actually reversed ~ I know, I was surprised too! that the cupping was actually reversed!.

Keeping the rear at 41psi is probably the best cost/benefit. 

 

[gordy]

I have been running Avon Cobra tires on my SERG since the original Dunlops cupped.  Love these tires-stick like heck to the pavement and don't seem to wear too badly (don't ask for mileage) and am very happy that I don't have to deal with the crooks from HD Canada. 

[cptdenny]

I've experimented with Bridgestone (Exedra 850) 180/55ZR-18 ($134.99) plus installation. Got only 6K miles service, felt it was always flexing it's side walls. Wouldn't recommend.

Metzler Marathon Rear tire 180/55 ZR-18 ($325 installed). Lasted only 5,400 miles. They stick nicely but don't last long and don't ride as smooth as the OEM Dunlop.

Dunlop D407 180/55B-18 ($345 Installed).  After installing 3 of these rear tires, I find that I average 12K miles per tire. I Highly recommend these!

(My 2011 Road Glide CVO has Stage lll mods and shows 110 hp & 120 TQ at the rear wheel on the dyno.) plus I live & ride year round in South Florida.

[SanJuanRon]

Just a note on my experience with the ME880.  Mileage is very poor.  Worse than the stock Dunlops.  Don't go that route.  SJ Ron

[hbens]

My OEM Dunlop rear tire cupped on the original tire. I kept the pressure up to spec using a bad tire gauge. I read on this forum regarding low air pressure being a cupping culprit. I threw that tire gauge away and bought a much better one. This second tire hasn't cupped (yet) with about 11k miles on it.

[Ridgerunr]

Metzler sucks, and customer service is nonexistent.