Front tire sidewall cracks

[702scottc]

I had to pull the front tire off my 1990 today because of a cracked and leaking valve stem. I of course replaced it with a solid metal stem rather than the oem style I installed last year. I noticed that the sidewall along the top of the bead has cracks all around and on both sides. The tire has just shy of 6000 miles and was manufactured 6 th week 2013. There are no cracks of any kind in the tread area, no cupping. I installed this tire in November 2014. It's in otherwise perfect shape. Is this sort of thing normal on these Dunlop E3 tires or should I replace it?

[gordonv]

I have no "expert knowledge" of tires. But I would say any kind of cracking is not good.

My first thought would have been that the tires are old, I've seen them that way. Then maybe underinflated tires, maybe just from the flat of the stem failure?

Should you replace them? Only you know the answer to that. How bad? Maybe a picture. How aggressive do you ride, speed and passenger? You might risk it (I would) but do I wish to risk my child or wife who is on the back?

I like these stems from Jake Wilson.
https://www.jakewilson.com/p/1753/19082 ... term=valve stem
They have the nut on the outside, so if they are at all loose, you can tighten them a little. Good for someone who installs their own rubber.

Also, ALWAYS change your rubber stem with EVERY tire change. I have no idea how long the metal stem will last, but I figure for years. As long as the rubber is good on the seal.

[702scottc]

I'm going to replace it, don't trust tires that crack. Just sad that a 10 month old tire is junk, especially a high priced Dunlop. I took a few days off anyway so I'll pull it in the morning and get another, another 180$ ...

[gordonv]

I bought the Bridgestone Exedra (?). Saw it for $100 online in the US, with free shipping. Haven't put enough miles on it yet to know how it's doing.

I don't like cracks either, but like I said, depending on your ridding, for what I do, I would ride it.

But I would also figure out if going back to Dunlop might be a possibility.

[wingman12]

I had the same issue with a tire that was only a year old, I took the bike bike to the dealer I bought it from and Dunlap paid for the replacement. If you purchased online, I don't know if you will be able to get any satisfaction on a replacement. Premature cracks is a manufacturering issue.

[702scottc]

I purchased it from the local MTC dealer. I'll take it back to them and either get an adjustment or buy a new one. I don't have time to wait for an online delivery. They will mount and balance it so I don't have to hassle with it. I just need to dig up the receipt.. They should have a record of it.

[wingman12]

Getter done. They have records. If not your life and possibly and valuable passengers life is not worth the risk of a front tire failure at any speed. Ride often and ride safe.

[702scottc]

I took the tire and wheel back to the shop where I purchased it and they gave me a new tire, pretty sweet. The owner was telling me that most manufacturers guarantee against weather cracks , Avon covers them for 5 yrs, 4 yrs out here. He says the E3 is a great tire, sells a lot of them. Too bad mine didn't last, hope this new one lasts longer I'm still running a Kenda Kruz on the rear and it still looks almost new at 8000 miles.
From what I saw in their inventory Kenda and Shinko have gained in popularity, good tires and the price point on them is good.

[wingman12]

Good decision on the replacement tire. Now you can ride everyone with confidance in your tires. Ride often and ride safe.

[bstig60]

I am running Kenda Kruz tires and am very pleased with them. I currently have 11000 plus miles on them with a lot of tread left. I paid a little more than $200 for the set delivered to my door. You will play close to that for an E3 or Avon Venom for the rear tire only. I have run Shinko's on my other bikes without any issues.

[Happytrails]

When I bought my bike it had a front tire with lots of cracking around the bead. Check the codes and they were 2 yr old Dunlops E3's. First thing I did was replace em. Just can't risk something like that I dont' think.

[wingman12]

Good choice. Dunlap seems to have a streak of bad tires the last few years.
Not worth hurting your self over tires with premature cracking on the sidewalls.