Dunlop E3 Front Tire Report

[DarkSideR]

I got back from a 3,000 mile ride to find the front tire to be bald and deformed. I only have 6,000 miles on the Dunlop E3. Through it's life it worked well, and I have no complaints other than the piddly 6k.

I have ordered up a Shinko SE890 Journey Touring Radial Front Tire. Shinko developed this tire for big cruisers, and specifically noted Wings and Valks. I paid $122 to Motorcycle Superstore and got free shipping.

Since Shinkos are sketchy I will report as soon as I get some miles on it. Hopefully it will be more than 6k. Should I run the Shinko at 40psi?

[Toledo Mark]

What pressure you running in it?

[DarkSideR]

Always ran it at 34psi, and checked it regularly.

[Toledo Mark]

Probably too low. I run my E3 at about 41. I have always run any front tire at a minimum of 40. Rear (CT) somewhere around 37 to 38.

[BF]

Always ran it at 34psi, and checked it regularly.

Most everyone runs 40-42 pounds in the front E3.....and 42-45 in the rear E3's and get anywhere from 12,000 to 20,000.  

Last year I saw a guy's E3 that had a rear tire show cords at about 6000.  He ran about 34 pounds in it.  Said that's what's supposed to go in it and couldn't figure out what was wrong and was very p.o'd about it.  

I tried to tell him it was his air pressure, but I don't think he ever believed me.  

[.]

I run 42 pounds in both of mine and having just clocked 5,000 miles on my new (to me) Valk they appear to be holding up well. They both look like I should easily get another 5,000.

[DarkSideR]

Frack, Arg, Confounded Mouseturd, Son of a $^%&*, Dag-nabbit!!!!! Did I cover them all?

[PAVALKER]

Pressure is key.... should be at 40psi min  (front or rear... but usually more in rear).  I am not sure that would have given you much more mileage tho..... I had a set of E3s go bad on my VTX at 8k.  That front one was a POS anyhow, but should have lasted twice the mileage as the rear.   

I do look forward to your Shinko report..... got a set of those on my spare wheels waiting on my Metzlers to wear out.

[DarkSideR]

So should I always run the front at 40psi regardless of the make? I obviously want to get the most out of the Shinko.

[frosty]

I ran a Dunflop e3 a few years ago. Seem to be soft. Ran over  a pebble type parking lot and one cut into the new tire fairly deep.

[Jess from VA]

Always ran it at 34psi, and checked it regularly.

That pressure is guaranteed to ruin any decent tire prematurely, and result in higher heat to boot. 

[bikerboy1951]

Were they bias or radial E3s?  The radials get much better mileage than the bias ply.  Also air pressure is a very important key to tire mileage.

Brad

[cookiedough]

to answer your question of 40 psi for all front tires,  the concensus is yes but I run 38 psi in front tire since 40 psi seems to be too firm of a ride (jolting thru front suspension) a tad too much at 40-41 psi.  I do run 44-46 psi for rear tires.

40-41 front and 44-45 for rear psi is the concensus for all cycle tires on the Valk. 

[Farther]

I run 45 psi front and rear.  The ride can be a little rougher but the handling is much improved.  This last time I tried a Bridgestone on the front but I will be going back to Metzler for the next unless I hear exceptional things about the Shinkos.

[R J]

243K, and I have always run 45# Front and 50# rear.    When I went to a CT I dropped it to 36# in the rear.   Since I Triked MGM out I'll see what these rears give me at 40#, tried them at 50# and it was too harsh of a ride.    Dropped it to 40 & it just seems to float now, it is also a Independent rear suspension , late model Volkswagen.

 

[KSDragonRider]

I got back from a 3,000 mile ride to find the front tire to be bald and deformed. I only have 6,000 miles on the Dunlop E3. Through it's life it worked well, and I have no complaints other than the piddly 6k.

I have ordered up a Shinko SE890 Journey Touring Radial Front Tire. Shinko developed this tire for big cruisers, and specifically noted Wings and Valks. I paid $122 to Motorcycle Superstore and got free shipping.

Since Shinkos are sketchy I will report as soon as I get some miles on it. Hopefully it will be more than 6k. Should I run the Shinko at 40psi?

I have had both of these tires. I liked the Shinko better than the E3 from the first day.  I have 5k on mine and it looks like i should get 8-10k out of it.  The E3 had about 10k past the wear bars when i got rid of it.  I will NEVER have another E3 rear.  That thing was way way wrong for me. 

When this Shinko wears out, i will try a rear Shinko on the front in reverse and see how it works.

[RicCA]

Glad I read this because it seems like I am running to low of pressure in my standard, I run what the book says and it's much less then 40 psi min in front and back.... Thanks guys nice to get these tips.  I will bring mine up to 40-42 and see how it rides and handles.
Ric

Ok update.... today I put the pressure up to 42 front and back, I was running 42 in back already but only 34/36 in front.....Welllllll the 42 in front is great, bike seems more responsive in turns and feels overall better, yes it does have a little bit harder ride but not much..... Thanks Guys
Ric

[Oklahoma_Valk]

I just bought the SE890 Shinko front and rear from motorcycle superstore. Last week.

Had them mounted, and the rear tire is harshly "out of round"..... sent MC superstore a video of the rear wheel spinning and they are shipping me a new SE890 rear : (

They offered to reimburse me for the mount fees of the rear tire.....we'll see how it turns out.

Additionally, I decided to go back DS with a Pirelli P4 205/65/16

So when the defective Shinko comes off.....the CT is going on. And I'll have a spare "hopefully round" shinko on the shelf. Beware of the shinkos. My lesson is learned.

The front SE890 is looking good so far. I've got 300 miles on it. I like the look/handle.

Okie


ps run your shinko at 44 psi

[mrbill]

I got back from a 3,000 mile ride to find the front tire to be bald and deformed. I only have 6,000 miles on the Dunlop E3. Through it's life it worked well, and I have no complaints other than the piddly 6k.

I have ordered up a Shinko SE890 Journey Touring Radial Front Tire. Shinko developed this tire for big cruisers, and specifically noted Wings and Valks. I paid $122 to Motorcycle Superstore and got free shipping.

Since Shinkos are sketchy I will report as soon as I get some miles on it. Hopefully it will be more than 6k. Should I run the Shinko at 40psi?

Only 6k on a front Elite 3?  Something doesn't sound quite right.  Don't care if you are running 34 or 44 psi; the E3 should last a hell of a lot longer than 6K.
   
I got just over 18,300 miles on my last front Dunlop Elite 3 and have just over 6K on my current E3, and it still looks fairly new.  See no reason why I will not get over 18K out of this one too.

I think 6K - 8k may have been about average for the older OEM Dunlop's. 

[justintyper]

I just bought the SE890 Shinko front and rear from motorcycle superstore. Last week.

Had them mounted, and the rear tire is harshly "out of round"..... sent MC superstore a video of the rear wheel spinning and they are shipping me a new SE890 rear : (

They offered to reimburse me for the mount fees of the rear tire.....we'll see how it turns out.

Additionally, I decided to go back DS with a Pirelli P4 205/65/16

So when the defective Shinko comes off.....the CT is going on. And I'll have a spare "hopefully round" shinko on the shelf. Beware of the shinkos. My lesson is learned.

The front SE890 is looking good so far. I've got 300 miles on it. I like the look/handle.

Okie


ps run your shinko at 44 psi

i had the same issue with a rear shinko se890 but i bought mine from somebody else and basically had to eat the tire. i ended up buying a tripletred and went darkside early. but the front shinko has been great at 42psi cold

[mrbill]

I got back from a 3,000 mile ride to find the front tire to be bald and deformed. I only have 6,000 miles on the Dunlop E3. Through it's life it worked well, and I have no complaints other than the piddly 6k.

I have ordered up a Shinko SE890 Journey Touring Radial Front Tire. Shinko developed this tire for big cruisers, and specifically noted Wings and Valks. I paid $122 to Motorcycle Superstore and got free shipping.

Since Shinkos are sketchy I will report as soon as I get some miles on it. Hopefully it will be more than 6k. Should I run the Shinko at 40psi?

Only 6k on a front Elite 3?  Something doesn't sound quite right.  Don't care if you are running 34 or 44 psi; the E3 should last a hell of a lot longer than 6K.
   
I got just over 18,300 miles on my last front Dunlop Elite 3 and have just over 6K on my current E3, and it still looks fairly new.  See no reason why I will not get over 18K out of this one too.

I think 6K - 8k may have been about average for the older OEM Dunlop's. 

Forgot to mention that I typically run about 36 psi in the front tire.  Handles fine and no abnormal wear.

[DarkSideR]

**Update**

Yesterday I had the new Shinko SE890 mounted, and today put a hundred miles on it. So far.. I like it. The steering feels lighter. That feeling may be because I ran the previous Dunlop at 34psi, and as recommended am running the new Shinko at 40psi.

The new Shinko wasn't out of round, nor is there any vibrations. The mechanic said it mounted up and balanced out fine with no drama. With only 100 miles on her so far I am happy. Will be much happier if it's still rolling with 9k on it.

[Jess from VA]

Steering always feels light with a brand new tire.

Josh, what is the MAX PSI printed on your Shinko's sidewall? (in lbs)

Please keep us informed on this tire.  Thanks.

[Oklahoma_Valk]

**Update**

Yesterday I had the new Shinko SE890 mounted, and today put a hundred miles on it. So far.. I like it. The steering feels lighter. That feeling may be because I ran the previous Dunlop at 34psi, and as recommended am running the new Shinko at 40psi.

The new Shinko wasn't out of round, nor is there any vibrations. The mechanic said it mounted up and balanced out fine with no drama. With only 100 miles on her so far I am happy. Will be much happier if it's still rolling with 9k on it.

SWEET! I am running the Shinko 890 front as well. I like the look of the tread pattern. Im running 44psi. old2soon got 13,xxx miles on the SE890 front.

Ive heard of some guys getting more miles by running Nitrogen in their tires. Id love to try it. Not sure where to get Nitrogen though.

[DarkSideR]

Max PSI is 42.

[Jess from VA]

If max psi is 42 (thanks Josh), pretty sure I wouldn't run 44.

Ran my Metz 45-6 rear, 44-5 front, but MAX PSI is 50 front and rear.

[R J]

My front Metz has been 44 to 50# on everyone I have ever had on MGM.

[Oklahoma_Valk]

If max psi is 42 (thanks Josh), pretty sure I wouldn't run 44.

Ran my Metz 45-6 rear, 44-5 front, but MAX PSI is 50 front and rear.

44 makes the bike faster

LOL!

[The emperor has no clothes]

I`ve got 6k on a front shinko. The wear seems fine but it developed a very slight vibration after about 2k. The vibration kicks in at about 50 mph and smoothes out at about 65. It is irritating even though it`s slight. When you are used to how smooth the bikes are any vibration is annoying. I`m either going back to the bridgestone or I`m gonna try a Michelin rear up front, but I`ve given up on the shinkos.

[Farther]

shake at 50 is a classic sign of out of balance.  Try some Ride-On in the front tire.

[The emperor has no clothes]

shake at 50 is a classic sign of out of balance.  Try some Ride-On in the front tire.

Yeah I rebalanced it and when that didn`t help I used ride-on. still the vibration.

[Ricky-D]

My own personal experience with E3's is not very satisfactory.

Maybe there have been a few good E3's I've run but in the mainstay the Dunlop E3 has been unsatisfactory.

The problem in my estimation is with the internal construction of the tire causing riding problems.

It's easy enough to check when you elevate the front end and turn the tire with a pointer as an indicator to reveal any "out of round" and/or non-uniform sidewall construction.

Balance the front as you will, the bounce and irregular ride cannot be eliminated. Pressure attenuation helps very little.

That's my experience with the E3.

***

[Hoosier Valk]

**Update**

Yesterday I had the new Shinko SE890 mounted, and today put a hundred miles on it. So far.. I like it. The steering feels lighter. That feeling may be because I ran the previous Dunlop at 34psi, and as recommended am running the new Shinko at 40psi.

The new Shinko wasn't out of round, nor is there any vibrations. The mechanic said it mounted up and balanced out fine with no drama. With only 100 miles on her so far I am happy. Will be much happier if it's still rolling with 9k on it.

Hows that Shinko on the front doing now? Thanks in advance.

[DarkSideR]

 New Update

I put over 1,700 miles on the Shinko when I rode from Colorado to St. Louis, and was very pleased with its performance. I haven't had much wet weather riding, but had a 600 mile stint in 110 degree heat, and the tire did fine. I have had no issues and would recommend.

[Willow]

Before we get too rigid on our tire pressure recommendations let's visit what the differences really mean.

Lower pressure gives you a softer ride.  The price you pay is diminished tire life.

Higher pressure gives you longer tire life, but a stiffer ride.

I run 42 in my front and 45 in my rear (tire).  I happen to like feeling the texture of the road, so it's a win-win for me.  For someone that prefers a softer ride it's meaningful to consider how much tire life he's willing to sacrifice.

I curretly run Avons but have used E3s in the past.  I never got less than 20,000 miles out of an E3 (front or rear) but then again I am also under 200 pounds.

[Hoosier Valk]

New Update

I put over 1,700 miles on the Shinko when I rode from Colorado to St. Louis, and was very pleased with its performance. I haven't had much wet weather riding, but had a 600 mile stint in 110 degree heat, and the tire did fine. I have had no issues and would recommend.

Thank you! 

[DarkSideR]

 Ooh yeah. Since tire pressure was recently discussed.. I start the tire off at 40psi, but i found that to be a bit harsh. I compromised at 38psi and fine with it now.

[pancho]

shake at 50 is a classic sign of out of balance.  Try some Ride-On in the front tire.

Yeah I rebalanced it and when that didn`t help I used ride-on. still the vibration.

I think I would pull the tire,, it may be damaged or de laminating,,, don't want it come apart while on the road.

[Skinhead]

I never got less than 20,000 miles out of an E3 (front or rear) but then again I am also under 200 pounds.

GO ahead Carl, rub it in why don't ya?

[AZdougness]

When I had the rear tire lose pressure in northern Arizona, I replaced it with the E3 Touring Radial (not bias!) The dealership filled it up to the manual advised 32psi which I presumed was correct until reading here what everyone else was running, it is now at 42. There was a noticeable change for the better in ride (I like feedback more than eating small bumps) and overall handling.