tire cupping

[old stoner]

I ride an 2001 1800 goldwing/champion trike. My front tire is an Michelin Pilot Ative it is 3 yrs old and has roughly 20,000 miles on it. I run 41 lbs in it and it has some weard cupping to it, Any thoughts on the reason for the cupping? Thanks Stoner!!!

 

[Bikerbozo]

Any time I have gotten cupping, on multiple bikes/trikes, I was usually pushing the mileage to the limits. So with me, it has always been when it is past time to replace tire.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html
Just replaced my BT45 at nearly 20K. Severe cupping and "tears" in the ends of the tread! Told I chased the Dragons Tail to hardepper:

 

[Gold Rush]

Any time I have gotten cupping, on multiple bikes/trikes, I was usually pushing the mileage to the limits. So with me, it has always been when it is past time to replace tire.

YUP, it's probably just time. I'd love to get 20K or three years out of a front tire. I guess I could let the trike set but don't see that as an option... I've been told if I slow down in the curves some I might not cup so bad but then I'd not have near as much enjoyment. Let's be honest - that's why most of us are still riding isn't it??

Get another MPA or BT 45 on that '01 and ENJOY YOURSELF.. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[rhino 2]

20K On a front tire is like 4 years on a battery,
They did their job so it's time to ride on.. Before they let you down...

 

[Solidbob]

Could also possibly be front end wear, bad bushings / sleeves or worn out springs. I never get cupping anymore just a smooth ride for 23 - 26K on my MPA @ 41PSI with the traxxion AK20 frontend..... Just saying... FYI

 

[Brewster]

My last tire only lasted 6000 miles. Major cupping. Put on a new tire and cupping started again. Put dynabeads in and cupping stopped.

 

[Missouri Charley]

Could also possibly be front end wear, bad bushings / sleeves or worn out springs. I never get cupping anymore just a smooth ride for 23 - 26K on my MPA @ 41PSI with the traxxion AK20 frontend..... Just saying... FYI

Bob, not everyones trike is as sharp, clean or just plain good looking as yours either. LOL The Traxxion helps tremendously to stop cupping. Without the Traxxion 20,000 miles is good, also will be cupped.

 

[leo3wheel]

This post got me thinking, as I prepare for Texas trip. Have 16,000 miles on front tire, and balance may not be so good anymore. Ordered some Ride-On for tire protection.

http://www.whitehorsegear.com/ride-on-tire-protection-system-for-motorcycles-scooters

 

[keepinon]

This post got me thinking, as I prepare for Texas trip. Have 16,000 miles on front tire, and balance may not be so good anymore. Ordered some Ride-On for tire protection. http://www.whitehorsegear.com/ride-on-tire-protection-system-for-motorcycles-scooters

Ya know, I love the RideOn product, but they must have a tough contract with their distributors. Every place I look, it's 14.95... and that's what I pay at the local MC dealer.

Ah well, at least it hasn't gone up in several years.

 

[87Trike1200]

For reference, I have a BT-45 with 7000 mi on it. Use beads and 41 lbs. Tire still looks like new.

 

[leo3wheel]

Would have cost about the same for us to use Dyna Beads, and Ride-On provides flat protection. Our Avon Venom rear tire mounted on front has lots of thread. Just not confident in balancing after 16,000 miles.

 

[87Trike1200]

Would have cost about the same for us to use Dyna Beads, and Ride-On provides flat protection. Our Avon Venom rear tire mounted on front has lots of thread. Just not confident in balancing after 17,000 miles.

Have heard good reports about Ride-On, but have never use it. One one hand, if you do pick up a nail (or whatever) and the tire remains inflated, that's good -- but how do you ever know you've got something stuck in the tire?

On the other hand, as long as the tire remains inflated, who cares (I guess).

:Shrug:

 

[skuuter]

20,000 miles is probably plenty....it has served You well....minor cupping is the reason I changed every one of my Michelin Pilot Activs at around 15,000 miles on the front of my Gold Wing Trike.....still plenty of Tread (I even gave the last one to a TRIKE TALK Member strapped for cash, and He's still running it), but I ride constant twisties, and the cupping gets annoying, especially at a brisk pace....I religiously started running 42 psi in my front Tire and lessened the cupping.....ThumbUp

 

[Solidbob]

Ride-on I would think makes for a nasty rim at tire change time... I know Slim does, that why I use tubes to avoid the mess.... I sure don't want my tire balancer PO'D at me!!!

:gah:

 

[leo3wheel]

Ride-On is not like Slime. It does not make a mess. Tire changer won't even be able to tell, except for a tan band on the inside of the thread surface. If you get a nail, pull nail, inflate tire and go for a ride to warm tire. Hole will seal itself. Read the write-up.

 

[FRR]

When I triked my 2004 a couple of years ago a put a BT-45 on the front, rode it 9,000 miles and have only wore 2 MM off the tread. I decided to install backwards, but I know some do and some don't.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Ride-On is not like Slime. It does not make a mess. Tire changer won't even be able to tell, except for a tan band on the inside of the thread surface. If you get a nail, pull nail, inflate tire and go for a ride to warm tire. Hole will seal itself. Read the write-up.

Agree 100%. There will be no mess w/RideOn. I have used this product for many years on many bikes.
As to the comment on how would you know if you pick up a nail. You need to inspect your tires periodically.
Looking at the pic in your post, the band of RideOn does not look wide enough to me! Are you sure you are installing the proper amount?

 

[bowhunter]

Ride-On is not like Slime. It does not make a mess. Tire changer won't even be able to tell, except for a tan band on the inside of the thread surface. If you get a nail, pull nail, inflate tire and go for a ride to warm tire. Hole will seal itself. Read the write-up.

What happens to ride on after the bike sets during the winter when not riding. What are the effects when starting in the spring?

 

[tfdeputydawg]

What happens to ride on after the bike sets during the winter when not riding. What are the effects when starting in the spring?

Must stay were it's at. Have never noticed anything odd after bike sat for most of the winter.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Ride-on I would think makes for a nasty rim at tire change time... I know Slim does, that why I use tubes to avoid the mess.... I sure don't want my tire balancer PO'D at me!!!

:gah:

I see you've never tried it! You are correct about Slime!

 

[captdanwh]

I agree with Rhino, if you got 20,000 miles on your front tire, give it a big hug and kiss and then throw it away. i have never in my long life got 20,000 miles on a front tire and now i don't even try too.

 

[Condor]

There's only one reason a front or rear tire to cup on a two wheeler. It's under inflated. However.... on a trike I can see the bike having more effort going straight, not leaning in corners, and needing extra effort to steer would cause the sidewalls to buckle and cup.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

There's only one reason a front or rear tire to cup on a two wheeler. It's under inflated. However.... on a trike I can see the bike having more effort going straight, not leaning in corners, and needing extra effort to steer would cause the sidewalls to buckle and cup.

You might want to read this:
http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html
The cupping (actually it's scuffing) rate is increased by the cornering forces exerted on a trike and as you say, increased even more by under inflation. However, low pressure is not the only reason.
The question remains just how low is the pressure that increases the cupping?

 

[dirtdobber]

I sold my first Goldwing, 2 wheel 2010 model. Really liked the bike. after a year I was on my 3d set of tires. I do tour a lot in the summer.
I just don't understand why drive shaft bikes causes tire cupping. I tried different PSI but with no luck.
None of my Harley's ever had this problem.
I have 25,000 on the front tire of my CVO and still looks good, I will make it through this coming summer with ease. No cupping.
I get close or more than 16,000 miles on the rear tire. I usually change tires in the front because of age.
I have researched so much trying to find the issue, and I do not believe this crap about the road angle for water draining.
I was not going to continue buying tires every few months, just too costly.

Now about trikes. Since it no longer leans like a 2 wheeler so what causes it.
After a long time research I ran across a fellow rider that said this"
This is of my opinion and his at this point.
Tires get hot and cool so the more it gets hot then cools the rubber changes. Kinda like a long storage on any bike, the rubber starts getting hard.
The longer the tire lasts the more of a opportunity for it to start to get hard. This may or may not be quick. If you ride 10,000 miles a year and get 20,000 miles on such said tire there is more time for the rubber to change.
Now if for some reason you don't check the PSI as often then you may be low psi from time to time with the making slight changes and low psi the tire can not do anything but cup. It only takes it one time in most cases.
I check my tires before every ride, if on a trip I check in the mornings before taking off. More tire pressure can help up to a point.
Summary:
When my health is good I ride a lot, sometimes as much as 40,000 miles in a summer. But I have 5 bikes, 3 HD's and 2 Honda's. Only my vtx and goldwing-2 wheels- does it.
If I get 20,000 miles I am a happy camper.
But 8,000 to 10,000 miles is just not good enough for me.
Think about this 5 bikes, 3 of which needs new tires. Cost is will be over a grand easy.
Just check you psi every time you go for a ride, fine the psi that works for you the best.
I am going to the BT45 on the trike. Already got it just waiting on the front tire to wear enough.
Sorry for the long rant.
Seriously speaking I have researched this for many years. I have read or heard of so many variables on this but the crown on the road I call BS.

One last thing. If I only had a bike and a trike I would not really care how much mileage I got as long as it is a safe tire. I prefer a safe tire over a high mileage tire, any day. Ride safe and ride often.
Want to save some coins keep a eye on deals on tire and places going out of business. This is the only way I can afford tires.
Want to complain how costly tires are on a GW check the prices on a HD cvo street glide. Make sure your sitting down. I am glad I get high mileage out of them I honestly don't think any one truly understands why this happens. Just way too may variables to chose one thing as the source. It is a multiple reasons.

 

[vw driver]

This is interesting:
Our patented GL1800 Steering Stabilizer
Eliminate Goldwing Fork Wobble & Front Tire Cupping! 
Reduce Tire Wear On Your Goldwing Motorcycle or Trike!

• Front Fork Stability Control
• 22 Settings for Fine Tuning
• Adjustable From Driver's Seat
• Race-Proven Technology
• Patented Bracket Design
• Bolt-on Installation 
(No Drilling Required)
• Improved Tire Life
• Vastly-Improved Handling
• A Proven Permanent Solution
• Does NOT Affect Your Motorcycle's Warranty
• Comes complete with all brackets, mounting hardware and installation instructions
• 2-Year Warranty

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Our patented GL1800 Steering Stabilizer
Eliminate Goldwing Fork Wobble & Front Tire Cupping! 
Reduce Tire Wear On Your Goldwing Motorcycle or Trike!
View attachment 25365
• Front Fork Stability Control
• 22 Settings for Fine Tuning
• Adjustable From Driver's Seat
• Race-Proven Technology
• Patented Bracket Design
• Bolt-on Installation 
(No Drilling Required)e,
• Improved Tire Life
Really!!!
• Vastly-Improved Handling
Vastly-What ever!
• A Proven Permanent Solution
Solution for what?
• Does NOT Affect Your Motorcycle's Warranty
Maybe, maybe not!! If one really reads the fine print, one would find, any mod or accessory not manufacturer approved and not installed by an authorized dealer MAY affect a warranty claim!
• Comes complete with all brackets, mounting hardware and installation instructions
• 2-Year Warranty

Another whole different topic are these items!!! I rank this item about as high as I do fork braces but, I need to stifle myself and not go there.
The HD trikes come w/a stablizer-wondering why? Rake/Trail have a lot to do w/"wobble" or lack there of.

 

[Veritas44]

I have read or heard of so many variables on this but the crown on the road I call BS.

Just way too may variables to chose one thing as the source. It is a multiple reasons.

+1 to Both ThumbUp

And,,, IF One feels the need for a Steering Dampener on a Trike (or it actually does acceptably treat the unacceptable "Symptoms"), that Trike has some Design, Geometry, and/or Alignment/Mechanical Issues.
As a Symmetrical Unit, unlike an Asymmetrical Sidecar Rig, a Trike SHOULD have Zero Need for such an Add-On.
Dampener on a Trike is like treating the Cough you get from having a Respiratory Infection and thinking it's all good.
The real "Issue" ain't the Cough....

A whole lot of People making tons of money selling "Cough Syrup" tho ain't they

 

[tfdeputydawg]

A whole lot of People making tons of money selling "Cough Syrup" tho ain't they

That would be absolutely correctThumbUp

 

[FRR]

There's only one reason a front or rear tire to cup on a two wheeler. It's under inflated. However.... on a trike I can see the bike having more effort going straight, not leaning in corners, and needing extra effort to steer would cause the sidewalls to buckle and cup.

Not necessarily. I've owned Wings since Reagan was in his first year as President. I've had two 1100, a 1200, a couple of 1500 and a few 1800 and the front tire ALL cupped after 12-13 K. And, I am RELIGIOUS about checking tire pressure. Fact is, I can't remember a guy in the GWRRA group that I knew that didn't have a cupping issue with front tires on a Wing. My Harleys had no problem at all with this issue, but the Wings did. I don't claim to know why, but I'm sure that one factor might be the weight on the front of my Wings was much greater than the Harley. That is all I could think of.

I am not seeing that issue with my BT-45 on my newest trike, but I've only put 10 k on the tire. Of course, I've only wore off 2 32's of the rubber, so I am pleased so far.