Tire Noise

[dB-wingin]

So I've noticed that a couple thousand miles ago ( I just hit 10k ) a 'whine' in my tires when I corner. Is that the sound of "time to change the tires"? I don't think I'm nearing the wear marks on the tire but I am also noticing an edge in the front tire. I've been meticulous about keeping at or just above manufacturer specs on PSI. Maybe this is the "cupping" I've heard of? Using factory installed balancing weights on both tires and am thinking of using ceramic beads for the next set. This is my first wing and despite all my reading I'm a bit confused about tire life on these heavier bikes. Any wisdom would be GREATLY appreciated!!

[Cruiseman]

If I get 10k out of a set of tires I feel REAL lucky. Mine start to get noisy and a little rough riding at around 9,000. I have been known to change mine at 8,000. I know some guys go much farther, but I play it safe.

[Jay 2012]

I had the same issue at 13,000 and had to get both tires chaged and at 13,000 the wing wobble on the front tire was really bad.

[Fatgrouchyguy]

Generally, on ANY type of tire when the sound and the ride feel change it is time to put a new set on. If it is happening quickly then there are other issues. But 10K on a set of MC tires I'd say you've just ridden the life out of them.

[dB-wingin]

Thanks all, appreciate the info!

[DeadendBill]

I get the sound too but think it is just the tread transition from the middle which is worn more than the side due to highway riding. I use Centramatics and smooth as silk. Current tires have about 5k on them since June.

[Dragonslayer]

If I get 10k out of a set of tires I feel REAL lucky. Mine start to get noisy and a little rough riding at around 9,000. I have been known to change mine at 8,000. I know some guys go much farther, but I play it safe.

I am with you on that, once my tires start signing I am looking for NEW shoes.

[dB-wingin]

Here's what they look like, both have significant tread still from center to sides. Only the front has the strange wear. Again, I've been on top of the tire pressure.

[cmock]

If you have been using the factory "bike" recommendation of 36 psi, try 40 instead. Even the dealer told me to do this as 36 is too low. I know everybody has there own tire pressure they swear by, but this seems to work the best over all on the front. Cupping is due to low pressure, and this seems to help with mine. I have about 5800 miles on mine and mine started to cup about 800 miles ago. Have increase the pressure and have noticed a significant decrease in cupping. Infact it seems to have stopped. So i will run 40 for a while and see if that takes care of it. Good luck and hope it works for you.

[Rick S]

I have 13,000 on my E-3s. They got noise around 5000 miles when cornering which in Oklahoma is not often. Still have plenty of tread left, but will replace before I got to West Virginia in September. On my 1500 I got around 15 a set and they would probably have gone more, but it was leaving on a long trip. I mainly ride single, with some two up and pulling a trailer.

[Hammer]

On my 01 I had an E3 up front and a Metzler 880 on the rear, quiet at first but as the rear tire wore it developed noise in corners although dead quiet going straight at any speed, changed with 10,000 miles on them for a set of new E3s for a coast to coast trip, they were quiet for the first hundred miles and then developed a slight noise that progressed to a a waw waw tire noise that was driving me nuts just before I left on the the trip, I was told they would settle down ,they did , to a low hum but noisy in corners ,at speeds over 60 on the trip they were dead quiet,running dyna beads ,very smooth, no low speed wobble, kury brace, has been traxxioned with all balls, after trip showing slight cupping front, the rear looks good with minimal wear psi...38 front 42 rear
this seems to be the "norm" noisy E3s ..I can live with it

[dB-wingin]

Did some more reading today and it appears that the wear pattern I'm seeing on the front is "normal". Folks have stated that the stock Bridgestones wear more aggressively on the sides as they have softer compound on the sides and harder in the center unless they are running mostly straight up highway. Others posted similar wear pattern as mine with the same tires. I was concerned about balancing issues leading to them wearing like this but apparently that is not the case. I've also seen more people reporting 13-16k is pretty normal in terms of life. I don't want to be dangerous but also don't have money to burn.

[clayusmcret]

It always happens a little, but gets noticeably louder as the cupping increases.

[Yellowbird]

Cupping i could never get 7000 miles out of the E3s had two of them but was running CT.

[Papa smurf2]

Sometimes they go " Faster man go faster",,,, and sometimes "Lean into it Bro LEAN INTO IT"

[dB-wingin]

Sometimes they go " Faster man go faster",,,, and sometimes "Lean into it Bro LEAN INTO IT"

TRUE!!

[michaelscycle]

Did some more reading today and it appears that the wear pattern I'm seeing on the front is "normal". Folks have stated that the stock Bridgestones wear more aggressively on the sides as they have softer compound on the sides and harder in the center unless they are running mostly straight up highway. Others posted similar wear pattern as mine with the same tires. I was concerned about balancing issues leading to them wearing like this but apparently that is not the case. I've also seen more people reporting 13-16k is pretty normal in terms of life. I don't want to be dangerous but also don't have money to burn.

I never had much luck with tire ware with the E3's, they were almost shoot and badly cupped at 10,000 miles
Switch to Bridgestones and easily got 14,000 to 16,000 miles off them.








OBTW........Here's what "cupping" looks like...............LOL

[jmohme]

Tire pressure is the key. I get 18,000 miles out of my E3's with minimal cupping.
Higher pressures = a rougher ride, but better tire life. The fact is, everything from what tire you run to what pressures you run or how you choose to balance them is a compromise of one factor or another.

[orangecrate]

On my 01 I had an E3 up front and a Metzler 880 on the rear, quiet at first but as the rear tire wore it developed noise in corners although dead quiet going straight at any speed, changed with 10,000 miles on them for a set of new E3s for a coast to coast trip, they were quiet for the first hundred miles and then developed a slight noise that progressed to a a waw waw tire noise that was driving me nuts just before I left on the the trip, I was told they would settle down ,they did , to a low hum but noisy in corners ,at speeds over 60 on the trip they were dead quiet,running dyna beads ,very smooth, no low speed wobble, kury brace, has been traxxioned with all balls, after trip showing slight cupping front, the rear looks good with minimal wear psi...38 front 42 rear this seems to be the "norm" noisy E3s ..I can live with it

Actually the howl comes from the rear wheel. I run Bridgestone when not on a CT and the Bridgestone howls just as much as the E3s when they get toward the end of their life. The front tire wears a lot better when the stock front suspension is improved. Maybe triple tree flex?

[m45mcdan]

I never had much luck with tire ware with the E3's, they were almost shoot and badly cupped at 10,000 miles
Switch to Bridgestones and easily got 14,000 to 16,000 miles off them.





OBTW........Here's what "cupping" looks like...............LOL

Ok, that made me laugh.

[coozwing]

When you purchase the tires. Just how old are the tires. Does Old rubber and new rubber wear the same??