Riding on a Cupped Tire

15999 Views 10 Replies 10 Participants Last post by DaveO430, Sep 25, 2009

Mick Shane

Discussion Starter · Sep 25, 2009

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My front tire is cupped pretty good. Mainly left side. Nice hum turning left, and a wobble from 20-35mph.. But smooths out nicely above that. There is about 50% tread left.

My question is,... how long would you ride on a cupped tire like mine before replacing? Is there any danger to riding it that way? Does it affect riding in the rain?

Reason I am asking,... I ordered my rear tire, but just really cant afford to replace the front. I have about another 4-5 weeks of "useful" riding weather. So I would like to put off the front until spring as long as there is no danger in doing so.....

I realize all answers are personal preferences, and individual guidelines regarding whats safe vary.... I am just looking for a general consensus...

Thanks...

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DBohrer

· #2 · Sep 25, 2009

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Since you know the tire is cupped, just adjust your riding style somewhat in the rain. Basically, don't hit the corners too hard and it will be just fine. If it were on my bike, I would ride it out to the end of the riding season. I am talking about your riding season, I ride all year long.

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Bish

· #3 · Sep 25, 2009

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Until it hits the wear markers, starts cracking, or starts bubbling up and seperating. Whichever comes first.

I'd run that tire until bald.

If it's not a directional tire..........you could always flip it on the rim as well. Milk a few more miles out of it. Not worth it really unless you do your own tires and don't mind the labor.

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treker8098

· #4 · Sep 25, 2009

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When I first started riding my 1500, I had Metzlers on it and the company told me that cupping is something that just happens with thier tires on this heavy of bike. I rode the tires until the lowest part of the tread was at the wear indicators; as Bish stated. As far as the added wear on the left, I always attributed that to the slant built into most roads for rain run-off. For what is it worth, I now run the Michelins.

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Mike P.

· #5 · Sep 25, 2009

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I just about had to change my pants because of a low speed (35) wobble that I think was caused by a cupped front tire.

After replacing the tire the wobble was gone.

My vote would be to replace the tire.

Good luck, Mike

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exavid

· #6 · Sep 25, 2009

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A worn front tire will contribute to the infamous 35mph wobble but once you know about it there's no real danger since just keeping a couple fingers on one grip will damp it out. As for cupping that will happen with use, all bikes cup tires and heavy bikes do it faster. If the cupping is severe enough that you can feel vibration curves I'd change the tire. Also if the buzzing noise is irritating enough to bother you the only cure is to re-tire. Other than that there's no extra hazard riding with a tire that's somewhat cupped. Tires with more tread gooves will exhibit cupping faster than those with a plainer tread, it's the crossways cuts in the treads where the cupping starts. Take a look at the link below from Rattlebars, I've posted it several times and still think it's one of the better articles I've seen on the subject.

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/tirewear/

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396FISH

· #7 · Sep 25, 2009

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I mentioned tire grooming a few months ago and was poo pooed by some folks but the fact remains that it works damn good. Spin the tire and knock down the high spots with a sure form file [I think that's what it's called]. Looks sort of like a cheese grater. Mostly used for working bondo and such. You can shape that old tire up and make it handle like new. Takes a little practice but you never remove enough rubber at one time to harm the tire.

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Mick Shane

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 25, 2009

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exavid - very interesting.thank you for that link...

I think I will ride it down to the indicators and ease it in the wet... This is on an E3 by the way... not sure how many miles are on it... but I feel a little better in knowing it wont like blow out on my going down the highway or anything. Just more of an annoyance I would suspect, and I can live with it for the rest of this tires life....

Thanks again... this forum is a wonderful place for information and advice. That link is now bookmarked too!

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satan

· #9 · Sep 25, 2009

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Surform tool (for "surface forming") -- BTDT works well but can be scarey (as mentioned) - Also gets you closer to the next tire change ...

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Wingsailor

· #10 · Sep 25, 2009

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396FISH wrote:

I mentioned tire grooming a few months ago and was poo pooed by some folks but the fact remains that it works damn good. Spin the tire and knock down the high spots with a sure form file [I think that's what it's called]. Looks sort of like a cheese grater. Mostly used for working bondo and such. You can shape that old tire up and make it handle like new. Takes a little practice but you never remove enough rubber at one time to harm the tire.

I did this to a Metzler on the front of my 1800. Rides smoother and a he77 of a lot quieter.

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DaveO430

· #11 · Sep 25, 2009

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I have use a 7" angle grinder to even out a front tire. The grinder causes the tire to spin as it is grinding the tire so it cuts it down very evenly and cuts away any out of roundness. Just raise the front tire off the ground and hold the grinder to the tire.

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