Anyone with CRACKED Dunlops???

[Flrider]

I was doing a visual inspection of my tires and this is what I found

http://s663.beta.photobucket.com/user/alvaj029/library/Dumlops

(sorry for the link but I am fairly new to the forum and can't seem to be able to post pics)




Have not seen this before on a motorcycle tire.
The cracks are on both sides of the tire, they are not deep but I have decided that it is not worth riding with it in it's present state.

So, I will be looking to replace both tires just for peace of mind.

Just to give you guys a brief history.
I bought my I/S a couple of months ago and have not way of getting any past history of the bike.
I also have a 1300VTX and it originally came with Dunlops which I changed to Metzlers ME880, a big improvement from the Dunplos.

First time dealing with radials and I am thinking of going with Avon or Metzlers.

I know there are a lot of opinions out there but any input on the replacement tires will be greatly appreciated. Don't think I am ready to go the Darkside way  

[Daniel Meyer]

Yikes! Even I wouldn't run that tire further than it took to get home. Looks like it's gonna throw the tread.

As for MC tires, I like the Avon's on the Valk, best for feel, longevity, handling...

[cajunito]

When I bought my current Valk,it had Dunlops on it,and riding home,it seemed to be all over the road. The 1st thing I did to it was to get a pair of Metzlers,what a difference it made. Whole different ride for me.

[Hoser]

I suggest you find some bias ply tires in the proper size.  Last a long time and ride better.  Like these.  Dunlop american elite on the back, Dunlop 404 F on the front.  last about 20K.  Hoser 

[Farther]

My bike came with Dunlops but I changed the noisey tires out for Metzlers.  I have since been through two fronts and three rear Metzlers but the next set will probably be Avons.

[old2soon]

Look on the side wall and find the mfg date and let us know how old they are. And my .02 cents and most likely worth a little less-research dark side-automobile tires on M/Cs. I've been running D/S awhile now and not going back to M/C specific tire on rear. And yes-that looks scary enough to NOT use anymore.   Good luck and let us know what you come up with/decide. RIDE SAFE.

[Chrisj CMA]

That doesnt look like a crack to me.  Looks more like a mold defect.  Im not a tire professional and can only tell by that picture, but it certainely doest look horrifying to me......could just be a normal glitch that wont affect tire safety or life....or it could as Daniel says be ready to blow.....maybe a tire guy could inspect it for ya

[Flrider]

That doesnt look like a crack to me.  Looks more like a mold defect.  Im not a tire professional and can only tell by that picture, but it certainely doest look horrifying to me......could just be a normal glitch that wont affect tire safety or life....or it could as Daniel says be ready to blow.....maybe a tire guy could inspect it for ya

That is what I taught as far as a mold defect.
Both sides look to have the crack and the middle has a hair line that might connect both cracks.
Either way, I am not taking a risk of running these tires any further.

Thanks

[ValkFlyer]

I'm on my 4th set of E3's and yes I've seen this more than once.  I watched it closely both times and it never got worse.  My average longevity on my Dunlops has been 15 - 18,000 miles.  I ride nearly 80 miles daily, much of which is highway miles. I'm in agreement with ChrisJ and believe it's a mold defect.

[Flrider]

Look on the side wall and find the mfg date and let us know how old they are. And my .02 cents and most likely worth a little less-research dark side-automobile tires on M/Cs. I've been running D/S awhile now and not going back to M/C specific tire on rear. And yes-that looks scary enough to NOT use anymore.   Good luck and let us know what you come up with/decide. RIDE SAFE.

Back tire was manufactured in August 2008
Front tire was manufactures in March 2008

Bike has 33k miles now and tires look like they could have at least another 5K miles left on it.

[CajunRider]

Send those pictures to the manufacturer!!  I'd LOVE to know what they say!

Oh... and I would NOT trust those... change 'em out ASAP. (My $0.02)

[Flrider]

I suggest you find some bias ply tires in the proper size.  Last a long time and ride better.  Like these.  Dunlop american elite on the back, Dunlop 404 F on the front.  last about 20K.  Hoser 

Ok, I am not too familiar with the differences between Radial and Bias tires.

Is the Valkyrie designed for Radials?

Would the Bias wear faster then Radials?

Can the Radial be repaired with a plug in an emergency situation?

When it comes to tires, I don't mind spending some extra cash if it means a better product.

Thanks

[Flrider]

My bike came with Dunlops but I changed the noisey tires out for Metzlers.  I have since been through two fronts and three rear Metzlers but the next set will probably be Avons.

I am on my second set of Metzlers on my VTX and they are a softer tire, they seem to stick to the road really good and I have gotten about 16k from the back and 12 from the front.

I think I want to try the Avons next, I hear they are also good tires to have

Thanks

[Red Diamond]

Seems everyone has a different feel for tires. I have Avon Cobras on my I/S and don't particularly care for them, I've always run E3's. I decided to try the Cobra and kept the E3's on the Tourer. Said all that to say that I prefer the E3's, the Cobras make the bike feel too light in the front end for me, the E3's make it feel more in contact with the road, and gives the Tourer a little heavier feel in the front end. I also agree that the crack looks symetrical on both sides of the tire and pose no danger.

[hairyteeth]

Looks to me like a manufacturing defect. Possibly get a new one or pro-rate a replacement. It might be worth a phone call or e-mail even if you don't install it.
Hairy

[Brian]

I have had the samething happen on a fairly new tire. My dealer and his Dunlop rep worked out a good deal for a replacement. I still had to pull the wheel.

[Tropic traveler]

Yikes! Even I wouldn't run that tire further than it took to get home. Looks like it's gonna throw the tread.

As for MC tires, I like the Avon's on the Valk, best for feel, longevity, handling...

I second Daniels thoughts!

[Hoser]

I suggest you find some bias ply tires in the proper size.  Last a long time and ride better.  Like these.  Dunlop american elite on the back, Dunlop 404 F on the front.  last about 20K.  Hoser  

Ok, I am not too familiar with the differences between Radial and Bias tires.

Is the Valkyrie designed for Radials?

Would the Bias wear faster then Radials?

Can the Radial be repaired with a plug in an emergency situation?

When it comes to tires, I don't mind spending some extra cash if it means a better product.

Thanks

1st question, I can't tell any difference except the softer ride.
2nd question, Bias actually last longer for me.
3rd question, yes.
I have used them for several years, no problems.  An added bonus is no flat spot or uneven wear.  I also use the tire pressure on the side of the tire.  More bikes use bias ply as oem than not, and they are less expensive than radials. They are the standard tire on the some of the big Harleys, minus the Harley logo. Just my own honest opinion is reflected in this post.  Hoser  
Here is a pic of before and after at about 20,000 miles.

[salty1]

Pretty convincing Hoser.  I'll need to give those tires a try. Right now, I'm using Avons. Couldn't give me an E3.

[Ricky-D]

Looks to be where the ply joins together.

Serious, but not real threatening. Definitely needs watching however.

It it were to worsen, obviously would then need replacing.

***

[Hoser]

Did I mention the tires you get only from the dealer that have the Harley logo cost about 40 bux more than these?  A heads up for you guys that own a Harley too.  I got my last set from chapparel motor sports online.    Hoser

[Farther]

Did I mention the tires you get only from the dealer that have the Harley logo cost about 40 bux more than these?

Ya, but they are worth it.