Tire problem

[fltreagle]

So here it is , I kknow that some of you really know your stuff on tires. I was washing and waxing my bike, which I do a lot of, and noticed a proble. One reson to do the washing and waxing, inspection time. Anyway, I noticed the tire has a split in the side wall in the lettering area that runs parallel to the bead and the tread. I am taking it to the dealer this weekend to have them replace this tire. I know that it should not be doing this. Sorry no pics. The crack is three of four inches long. Not real deep but I can get my finger nail in there and it is a 16th of an inch or so. Just wondering why it would do that. They are the dunlops for the CVO, harder tread in the center and softer on the sides 407/408. I only have about 10,000 miles on them. Put them on new before my cross country trip. I do have to take a close look at the rear to see if it is doing it too. The tires that came on the bike, I got 20,000 miles on them and they were great, so I got the same ones, not so sure right now.

[Triplej]

There has been ongoing issues with the Dunlops doing that. Take a look in the wheel section and you will find some threads on the issue. Should be something the dealer would warranty but with the mileage you have on them you may have to push a little to get it done under warranty. Let us know how the dealer handles it.

[SharkNose]

Seemed to happen to alot of 2010/2011 model year bikes' OEM rubber. You'd think by now Dunlop would of corrected this issue.

[mitchdm]

I purchased five tires for my Ultra from a dealer that closed ~ the tires mfr date was within the six year period required by Dunlop. Put on one of the fronts and within 500 miles the sidewall is cracking ~ called Dunlop to no avail ~ called the local boutique and spoke with the service director and he warranted...

[skratch]

Originally Posted by fltreagle

They are the dunlops for the CVO, harder tread in the center and softer on the sides 407/408.

the multicompound tread is on the rear tire, not the front.

if your tire is not worn out, then it should be warranted. my dealer told me that if the tire did this at any time during it's llifecycle, it would be replaced. however, it would be prorated. if 25% tread left, then a 25% credit.

[Jettjocky]

I have really wanted to stay with Dunlops as they are the only tire made in the USA, I've been though all the "issues" concerning these tries since their introduction in 09 with the reversed tread issue cupping etc. I have had TWO sets replaced at no cost,.......etc.however stories like these continue, the only reason I have not changed to this point is Michelin has, as yet, not made set to fit my CVO 09, otherwise I would have switched by now.

[gr8bigdude]

Originally Posted by fltreagle

The tires that came on the bike, I got 20,000 miles on them and they were great, so I got the same ones, not so sure right now.

My current bike is a 2012 FLTRX, and have had no issues with cracks or such, with about 11K miles on the OEM set of tires. My prior bike was a 2009 FLHRC, and I went through three sets of Dunlop tires in three seasons - none achieving more tread life than 12K miles. I had a defect in the last front tire I had replaced on the Road King - odd vibration at various speeds that couldn't be corrected. The dealer tried everything, except changing the tire, over the course of a couple months. I finally told them to replace the tire on my dime, as my safety is worth a couple hundred bucks - to me anyway. They deciced to replace the tire for no cost - as they should have - even though I had several thousand miles on it.

That said; whatever you're doing to get your tires to last 20K, keep doing it.

[outcast1]

I recently replaced my Dunlops with Michelin Commander II's. 16,000 miles on Dunlops, lots of tread left and no issues, but I like the feel (?) of the Michelin's better-they don't seem to "walk" on cracks and bumps. I think the new tires were way too pricey, though. Around $400 for the two tires + $200 mount and balance (HD dealer). I realize we're talking fundamental safety on tires (and yes, I'm at least a little Harley Stupid), but you can get two full size, all-weather Michelins (with twice the rubber and twice the mileage) mounted on an SUV for six hundred bucks. Obviously it's a different design for a different market, but is it wrong to make this kind of basic observation/comparison?

[Jettjocky]

My problem is the 09CVO RG..... FLTRSE3 uses
130/70b18
180/55b18
these tires are not used on the other 09 Screaming eagle bikes, or other 09s.

In fact I just got a return call from Michelin, they will be releasing new tries sizes in spring of 13 but it is unknown at this time if these sizes will be in those new sizes. So I now fully understand why Dunlop can continue to sell these tires that have after 4 years continue to have problems, Michelin to this point has no replacement. If & when that day comes Dunlop is history. (Why is the only USA made tire having so much problems with no corrective action????)

Next time tire size & availabity will be factored in prior to purchasing a new bike.

[Redfish-Joe]

Headed to Mobile tomorrow for my 3rd front tire. Current tire date is 1012 (10th week 2012).