Time to change the front tire...

mobandy78 · 06-07-2012, 05:21 PM

I noticed yesterday that I am starting to show signs of cupping on the front tire.

The tread has gotten a little shallow also, but I was hoping that I could hold out a little longer before I had to replace it. I'm going to get my brakes changed while it's in the shop, change the clutch/brake fluid, and get the drive shaft serviced. Probably going to cost me a pretty penny.

Time to really start researching front tires now. Any suggestions? I'm running a Bridgestone Turanza c/t on the rear.

Yellow Jacket · 06-07-2012, 05:36 PM

Avon Cobra. I really like mine.

**ringadingh** · 06-07-2012, 05:37 PM

And I prefer Dunlops.

cactusjack · 06-07-2012, 05:46 PM

Dunlop Elite 3.

landman · 06-07-2012, 06:27 PM

dunlop e-3

recumbentbob · 06-07-2012, 06:41 PM

Avon Cobra I got 20,000 out of my last cobra.

redjay · 06-07-2012, 06:49 PM

27,000 kms on an Avon Cobra, probably would have gone 30,000.

collinr · 06-07-2012, 06:51 PM

I went cheap with the Shinko 777 widw whitewall. I am very happy with it so far.

lar · 06-08-2012, 12:09 AM

Dunlop elite-3

mobandy78 · 06-08-2012, 09:56 AM

So, what is the cause of cupping? Does anyone know exactly? I've heard tire pressure, wear, etc... I guess it could be a combo of everything. Anything else I should have done while it's in the shop? Other than what I mentioned above? I could probably do some of it myself, but don't have any experience doing much maintainence on the bike, other than changing the oil.

Chili · 06-08-2012, 12:46 PM

I've done some research since I always replace my front from cupping not lack of tread. Basically it just seems to likely be a combination of my riding habits and how I brake and riding a heavy cruiser.

ccrider · 06-08-2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobandy78

So, what is the cause of cupping? Does anyone know exactly? I've heard tire pressure, wear, etc... I guess it could be a combo of everything. Anything else I should have done while it's in the shop? Other than what I mentioned above? I could probably do some of it myself, but don't have any experience doing much maintainence on the bike, other than changing the oil.

Tire pressure on a motorcycle is very important...Make sure you check it weekly!!!

Rotorboy · 06-08-2012, 08:56 PM

Halfway down this page http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html there is a good explanation of cupping.

mobandy78 · 06-11-2012, 09:56 AM

Thanks for the link Rotorboy. I've actually seen that page before, but it's been a LONG time, so I'd forgot about it.

mobandy78 · 06-13-2012, 01:05 PM

Alright... I have a Dunlop Elite 3 ($185) on order from my favorite bike shop. They should have it in tomorrow and then I'll set up an appointment to have it put on. Going to have them replace the brakes & clutch fluid while I'm there.

I also went ahead and ordered some new brake pads from Sixity. I got the sintered pads for $43, plus $5.99 for shipping. I'll put them on myself when they come in. I have not tried replacing brake pads on a bike before, but I have Gadget's write-up on it. Doesn't look all that hard to do. I'll be all set by next week, hopefully!

06-07-2012, 05:21 PM	#1
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	Time to change the front tire... I noticed yesterday that I am starting to show signs of cupping on the front tire. The tread has gotten a little shallow also, but I was hoping that I could hold out a little longer before I had to replace it. I'm going to get my brakes changed while it's in the shop, change the clutch/brake fluid, and get the drive shaft serviced. Probably going to cost me a pretty penny. Time to really start researching front tires now. Any suggestions? I'm running a Bridgestone Turanza c/t on the rear. __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-07-2012, 05:36 PM	#2
Yellow Jacket Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 5,792	Avon Cobra. I really like mine. __________________ Bob KawaNOW/VBA 210 Green/Silver 2006 Patriot Guard Riders 2009
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06-07-2012, 05:37 PM	#3
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	And I prefer Dunlops. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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06-07-2012, 05:46 PM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Dunlop Elite 3. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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06-07-2012, 06:27 PM	#5
landman Sr. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: wheatland,wy. Posts: 3,642	dunlop e-3 __________________ bob wittman VBA # 745 COG #11621 wheatland,wy. rallies-custer 09,kalispell 10,crescent city 11,kanab 12,estes park 13,orifino 14.,red lodge 16 2015 ninja 1000 abs 2014 concourse 14 2012 concourse 14-sold 2011 vaquero-sold 2008 nomad-sold 2005 classic-sold Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-07-2012, 06:41 PM	#6
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	Avon Cobra I got 20,000 out of my last cobra. __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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06-07-2012, 06:49 PM	#7
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,982	27,000 kms on an Avon Cobra, probably would have gone 30,000.
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06-07-2012, 06:51 PM	#8
collinr Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 121	I went cheap with the Shinko 777 widw whitewall. I am very happy with it so far.
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06-08-2012, 12:09 AM	#9
lar Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 1,407	Dunlop elite-3 __________________ Larry Martel 02 1500 Nomad VBA 01565 VROC4737 Patriot Guard Rider
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06-08-2012, 09:56 AM	#10
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	So, what is the cause of cupping? Does anyone know exactly? I've heard tire pressure, wear, etc... I guess it could be a combo of everything. Anything else I should have done while it's in the shop? Other than what I mentioned above? I could probably do some of it myself, but don't have any experience doing much maintainence on the bike, other than changing the oil. __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday Last edited by mobandy78; 06-08-2012 at 09:59 AM.
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06-08-2012, 12:46 PM	#11
Chili Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 409	I've done some research since I always replace my front from cupping not lack of tread. Basically it just seems to likely be a combination of my riding habits and how I brake and riding a heavy cruiser. __________________ Doug Engstrom 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour 2001 Vulcan Nomad 1500FI, (Sold at 83,000 km)
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06-08-2012, 08:56 PM	#13
Rotorboy Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 203	Halfway down this page http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html there is a good explanation of cupping. __________________ 2006 Nomad Chrome on Black 1985 Chevy K20 White latex house paint thrown off the tire on Brown.
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06-11-2012, 09:56 AM	#14
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	Thanks for the link Rotorboy. I've actually seen that page before, but it's been a LONG time, so I'd forgot about it. __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday
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06-13-2012, 01:05 PM	#15
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	Alright... I have a Dunlop Elite 3 ($185) on order from my favorite bike shop. They should have it in tomorrow and then I'll set up an appointment to have it put on. Going to have them replace the brakes & clutch fluid while I'm there. I also went ahead and ordered some new brake pads from Sixity. I got the sintered pads for $43, plus $5.99 for shipping. I'll put them on myself when they come in. I have not tried replacing brake pads on a bike before, but I have Gadget's write-up on it. Doesn't look all that hard to do. I'll be all set by next week, hopefully! __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday Last edited by mobandy78; 06-13-2012 at 01:09 PM.
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