It's a "tired thread", but I dunno any better

[artistonFJR]

I know this is somewhere around here but I couldn't find it specifically. I have a generous amount of tread left on my Metzlers (orig equip) but the sumbitches are "cupping". I only have 6500 miles. Why would they do that? I keep inflation appropriate, never exceed 132mph, wife and I aren't overweight, and I don't turn left or right unless I have to. I feel like I'm about to waste a lot of good tire (both front and back) because of this... I would rather wear 'em out than watch then get wonky. Anyone else have that with Metz?

I will be getting PR2s but I feel like I got screwed on the OEMs! Based on my mileage and the tread still there I should get another 3k or so.

Is cupping normal? What causes it? Is it my fault? Am I washing my bike too much? Oh, Dr. Phil, where are you!?

C

 

[Ignacio]

Is cupping normal? What causes it? Is it my fault? Am I washing my bike too much? Oh, Dr. Phil, where are you!?

And have you looked through The Best of NEPRT that has a specific area about tires and cupping?

 

[madmike2]

Or, from our very good friends at Google:

cupping site:fjrforum.com

 

[artistonFJR]

I did google "cupping" but got several VERY inappropriate NWS sites... an hour later I re-googled and found some tire stuff...

C

 

[Ignacio]

I did google "cupping" but got several VERY inappropriate NWS sites... an hour later I re-googled and found some tire stuff...

Then you didn't Google the correct term as Mike suggested. One doesn't go to Google and just enter "cupping". You go to Google and enter "cupping site:fjrforum.com" to limit that search to just this site.

 

[artistonFJR]

(ummm.. I was just kidding) I actually did find some useful and well explained info on just that subject. I am now not sure, because of very conflicting testimonials and personal choices given, whether it's "safe" to ride with this problem or not. As a cheap SOB some things I can do using second rate, or less than perfect. This isn't one of those things. Tires are cheaper than new plastic, gear, or a headstone... so would it be a waste to swap out for new or ?? Guess it's my choice, but any help is welcome.

C

 

[madmike2]

"Cupping" is an indication the tires are working.....but they are "wearing". The treads wear away from flex and grip and that produces what you see as cupping.

The issue, as I see it, is that the tires are not going to "improve" or "heal". They will continue to worsen. Does that mean there will be a sudden catastrophic failure? No one can guess or predict that. We don't know your riding style, so comments about WHAT you should do would spring from a very limited knowledge base.

For me, with my known penchant for enjoying twisty roads and a couple of other factors I will not discuss here, I'd replace them. My desire is to have the best front tire I can for assaulting the Sierra Mountain roads I enjoy so much. And I hate the "buzz" I feel in the handlebars when cornering on a cupped front tire, knowing that I don't have 100% of the contact patch available.