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[muddypaws]

I'm posting two pictures of the tires on my 2012. Both pictures are taken from the rear. Looks like HD put the front tire on going the wrong way.

[muddypaws]

Second picture/

[muddypaws]

Here is the second picture

[2018_FLTRXSE]

D407 rear D408 front.... thats correct...

[muddypaws]

Why are the going in different directions? Looks like the front will not properly get rid of the rain water.

[frankshd]

just look for arrow on the side wall

[muddypaws]

I understand the arrow. What I do not understand is why two tires with the  same tread turn in different  directions




X

[grc]

I understand the arrow. What I do not understand is why two tires with the  same tread turn in different  directions




X

Bill, it has to do with all the problems they had the first year of the D407F tires (2009).  Those tires had a bad habit of developing severe cupping at relatively low miles, and somehow Harley and Dunlop decided that running the tread the opposite direction would fix the problem.  They changed the tire designation to D408F with the tread running the opposite way, and while I still have my doubts that the problem was really caused by the tread direction it does appear that the D408's don't cup as quickly or severely. 

While it may look bass ackwards, what you have is correct. 


Jerry

[muddypaws]

The way the front is on it looks like it would not let the water run off the tire. I have never seen tires going different ways. Thanks for the info.

[concreteartist]

It was explained to me that front tire tread is designed to shed water inward under the front fender and not on your feet on the floorboards, while the rear tread is designed to shed water to the outside.  I don't know if this is valid, but supposedly is the same reason when you run a rear tire on the front of a trike for better wear characteristics you turn it around backwards

[muddypaws]

I talked to the tire manufacture today and was told the same thing.

[dlaws01]

Why are the going in different directions? Looks like the front will not properly get rid of the rain water.


You are right. The front tire tread pattern is ass backwards and doesn't facilitate the proper dispersion of water on the road. It was a lot cheaper for dunlop just to turn the arrow around to face the other direction for fitment. Just looking out for your all weather riding safety!

[2018_FLTRXSE]

Sorry.. just getting back to this thread...

Yes.. in 2009, there were cupping issues with the original D407 front, most between 5-8K they were so bad you dared not ride them in the rain.

Dunlop/HD's answer was to reverse the rotation of the tire (and rename it the D408F) and it seems to have helped... while it seems to defy logic and common sense, it works... and I ride in the rain with no issues...

[skreminegul07]

I believe this tire and issue first appeared on the 2007 FLHRSE.  I think that's what came on mine.  It cupped badly. 

[chopper roy]

There was a silent recall of the 2009 front tires. If you take bike to the dealership with tire cupping they will replace the tire free of charge, prorated