Strange tire wear

[Red]

Here is the answer I got from Dunlop Customer Care.
"Hi Mr. Beckett,
 The front tire is showing a cupping / uneven wear condition, this is not defect. The bumps develop because the tread pattern is actually breaking up the cupping and becomes concentrated in those areas. This wear condition is something we see as a result of mainly upright riding on certain bikes. If you could estimate…what percentage of the reported 5,000 miles were upright?"
I would estimate that 50% of the miles are in the mountains. Myself and a couple of guys ride twice a week or more if weather permits. Very little interstate travel. Hell I've ridden this bike in the twisties more than any other bike I've had. I'm not a peg scraper, but damn sure not all upright, and enough spirited cornering for me. I sent them my 50% estimate. Will see what they say. Looks like the last set of Dunlops for me at this point. Don't need lumps!

nfa1eab,

Not sure I agree with Dunlop's answer, at all. I think you are looking at real trouble, not just an odd wear pattern. I would not trust that tire at any speed, and I would take the rim (not the bike) to the bike shop for a new tire. Mark the direction of rotation on the rim, if you do.

I would like to hear what other tire makers can tell you, about that tire. Maybe I'm too cautious, or maybe I have seen too much. Take good care of your body, my friend, you only get one. Bodies can be expensive to fix, and may not always be fixable.
.

[raYzerman]

I took a look at the current RS3 on my FJR today, roughly 5-6000 miles, mostly 42 psi and I'll go with the 50% too... I see the same wear pattern, but the "bumps" are not as pronounced.... I don't think it's a tire defect.... not worried at all, I'll ride it until it's worn out. To me it's the normal dual compound phenomena.. I get it with the Metzeler Z6's I normally run, but it's more of a line, not bumpiness.
Want to get rid of it, run single compound fronts... Angel GT, e.g.

[FJRoss]

I agree 100% with raYzerman. Not that unusual for a dual compound front tire on a heavy touring bike. PR2's are worse, in my experience but I have seen this with lots of other tires. You will get less if the tire pressure is kept above 40 psi and less if you use a single compound tire.

[Toter]

Ray,

Interesting that you see the same sort of bumps but to a lesser degree. I weigh about 250, so that is one reason mine would be more severe. Also, agree with Bill about braking less before turns. I am probably guilty of hammering to the next corner and having to brake to set entrance speed. Combination of these two most likely resulted in the lumpy tire. I am also not a person to run tires until the cords are showing, but to the wear bars would be nice. Although probably not realistic on the FJR when combined with my fat arse blasting it around. I will get new tires, with a single compound front for sure. I would like to try the new Angel GT ll`s. Will probably destroy those too, but, it sure is fun. Pants said it. Gotta pay to play.

Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk

[Uncle Hud]

Looks like the last set of Dunlops for me at this point.

My FJR has had two consecutive sets of Roadsmart3 tires and I was very satisfied with them. I understand your feelings, but the manufacturer isn't responsible for the way the previous owner rode the bike and (probably) kept the tires underinflated.

You gotta do what you've gotta do, however. Every detail is important to your confidence in the bike's ability to get you out there and back home, and that is something I deeply respect.

Looking forward to a ride together. Last Ride of the Year?