excessive tire wear - Harley Forum

roadglider08 · #1 09-18-2009, 01:43 AM

2007 Ultra is going through Dunlop MU85 in 7,000 miles. Third one just went on. I can let go of the bars and it drives straight no noticable pull. I'm going to follow the service manuals alignment instructions minus the special (expensive) tools. Any suggestions? Thanks

frisco-rigid · #2 09-18-2009, 02:37 AM

Hi Road

I guess you're talking about the rear..

Is it wearing off-center, to one side, or something like that.?
Is that why you're concerned with alignment.?

If it's wearing in the center and the alignment turns out to be correct there's not much to do except be sure of inflation pressure..

It is advised to Not inflate more than the Maximum pressure printed on the side-wall..

woodboatdave · #3 09-18-2009, 10:54 AM

Hey Roadglider, Dunlop has a new tire made for the tourers. My 09 road king has them....
It has a harder durometer rubber in the middle that wears better with softer rubber on the sides for more grip when cornering. This design came about for the problem you are having.
Dave

roadglider08 · #4 09-18-2009, 12:11 PM

Thanks... It is the rear tire and I am concerned about engine/frame alignment. The Dunlop Multi Treads are not available in MU85 nor does Dunlop intend to make that tire in the earlier HD sizes, I contacted them.

Odessa33556 · #5 09-20-2009, 08:58 AM

Dave,

On you RK are you having any cupping issues? I have an 09 (RKC) with 21K and at 6k could seeing the cupping. Second set of 407s and at 6-7k the same thing.

Balance and PSI is not a problem. I checked two other 09s with similar wear problem.

Going to the dealer on Monday for the second time and they are not much help. Just want to get it on the record.

Jerry

hardtimeharley · #6 09-20-2009, 10:57 AM

Roadglider; I have 7,500 mi. on my '07 Classic and the rear tire needs to be replaced. It is wearing evenly. I have not be able to find a mu85 narrow white stripe equivalent in any other brand. Post, if you find an alternative to the D402.

street bob · #7 09-20-2009, 12:36 PM

I believe 8-10,000 miles on a rear tire for an Ultra is about what you can expect. Its a heavy bike and your paticular riding style will play a part as well. As long as its wearing evenly, thats about what you can expect!!!

Agent Orange · #8 09-23-2009, 12:35 PM

I have an '07 RG,'99 RKC before that,most I could get with the 402's or metz880's was about 7500 on the rear,I went with the Dunlop E3's and get 10k consistantly on the rear..much better tire in my opinion..

roadglider08 · #9 09-23-2009, 12:58 PM

7500 is about what I'm getting. People at the Seattle Cycle Center, who change a lot of tires in the course of a year, told me that Dunlop has had problems with the E3's. It has a smaller load rating than the MU85's. Still going to look at alignment......I bought a tire changing machine so rear tires are $115 shipped to my door.....cheap by comparison to what the shops charge.

roadglider08 · #10 09-23-2009, 01:01 PM

I made an error....the E3 has a higher load rating than the MU85.