[John J]

Just noticed this split in the front tyre of my 1500 which all looks a bit worrying. I've got a new tyre (another E3) and changing it but wondered whether this is a defect?
It's done 10k and not leaking but I have read of others who have had tyres split and am interested to know whether they start like this?

 

[John J]

Thanks for the replies. I've just finished putting a new tyre on.
I may take your advice Norm and ask the rep what he thinks just for their own information. The bit that bothers me is you can see a hairline split running away from the cut which might suggest it is separating. As it's not 100% clear if it is a defect or riding damage they should know but, as you say, they will probably just tell me to sod off! I'll let you know.
DriverRider - it has a 10/10 date but not put on the bike until much later.

 

[John J]

It is odd how the hairline split seems to run over the edge off the main tread. How deep is that cut? It doesn't look nearly as deep as the tread grooves.

It's about the thickness of a newspaper page. The angle of the split does look like it's peeling at that thickness. We have had some extreme heat on the tarmac lately and I wonder whether that could be a factor too.

 

[John J]

Extreme heat?

Daytime air temps here run above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for over four months straight. By mid-summer, our roads are getting pretty toasty. It doesn't seem to cause tire problems.

You are right Dennis. Guess I was grasping at straws looking for a cause.

 

[John J]

Oldishwinger and bluewaterhooker0. Thanks for your input. I think you are right. I like the E3 and will stick with them but I will check them more regularly.

 

[John J]

Norm. I sent the pictures to Dunlop who weren't really interested at all in any possible defects their tyres may have. They dribbled on about their complex system for returning tyres and how little, if any, help they would give towards a replacement even for a tyre within their 5 year warranty which this one is.
I told them I have already brought a replacement E3 and that wasn't the point... the point is safety. One can only try! :?
Maybe Bridgestones next time?

 

[John J]

How much air pressure do you run in your tires John. Maybe I`m just lucky, but I have never had a Dunlop tire that was bad in 40 years of riding.
gumbyred

I took the advice of many on this site and run at 40psi. Dunlop are generally good and I've used them for years too. I'm not overly bothered by having a bad one but thought others should know in case there is an inherent fault with some E3's. Dunlop's lack of intetest was disappointing though.

 

[John J]

Any one who truly believes they have a defective tire with no resolution from the manufacturer and is in the U.S. should file a complaint with the NHTSA.

They wont sweep it under the carpet. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Same here with our Tradings Standards Office. A lot would report it but I can't be bothered. If it had only done a couple of thousand miles then maybe. The important thing is to warn others to check their own tyres.