Tire pressure on Dunlop Elite 3's

[1wingman4u]

I know I saw somewhere on here that the recommended tire pressure per the manual caused some premature tire cupping problems. I had these problems and replaced my tires and would like to get some decent mileage from them. I know that you guys and gals probably know from experience what works best and would like to hear your advice on pressures. Thanks in advance! Wingman4U

[WingAdmin]

It's a pretty common problem. I run my tires at 6-7 psi over what the manual recommends. It helps with the cupping, as well as with tire wear.

[AMSOILER]

I'm no Pro but just my 2cents worth....I have a 95 GL1500 Aspencade, the sticker in the trunk says rear 41psi and it also says Max tire inflation 41psi on the Dulop Elite 3 also. My question here is due to everything I have been taught about Overinflating any tire...and that it was an absolute NO NO....do you still overinflate?

[WingAdmin]

It's a pretty common practice with Goldwings, and has been shown to improve mileage and reduce tire wear and cupping. That said, it's entirely up to you whether you choose to do this on your bike.

[keithg64]

The 1500 did not come stock with E3 so the sticker in the trunck is not what you would go on, on the tire they give a psi max and that is what you should be looking at .

[mikef]

On my 93, I run 38 lbs in the front and 41 lbs in the back. Dunlop E-III's.

[rlsapp]

agree with the tire choice, most tires will have a common number on tire inflation, but I think a good rule is to inflate 2-3 psi. more than recommended... A tire gains pressure as it gets hot and after a period of time the pressure begins to drop..this method will give you the chance to get the riding experience from the tire and the miles...have fun riding.

[InjectedWing]

Hello, one of my first posts here, and I have a question and a statement, one would tire pressure cause this particular tire to follow cracks/crevices in the road? Because mine does like a lot, like a scary lot! And here is my question, is there anything else that would cause my bike, an 85 LTD to do this, something else I noticed was a bit of a wobble at about 35 when decelerating and I looked that up and got a grip on that, but is there anything else but tire replacement that I can do, and does anybody else experience this problem? I just bought the bike with these tires brand new on it, and they have maybe 1k on them and that is being generous. Any suggestions or info appreciated, also should I bring yhis up to Dunlop, I presently dont have the receipt, but may be able to get from previous owner possibly. I priced these tires and they arent cheap, I would think if my bike isnt to blame then the tire is and should be replaced?

[dingdong]

Injectedwing: You haven't said what pressures you are running. I have been through two sets of E3s and that is one problem I have never seen with them. I can imagine that running the tires with too low pressures could cause them to follow cracks and snakes. Have you checked your steering head bearings for wear and or proper torque. Also check for worn wheel bearings. Both can cause wandering. Don't concentrate just on the front tire either. The rear bearings and the swing arm bearings could cause this also. Forget bringing this up with Dunlop that will get you nowhere.

[Fiberthree]

I run the maximum pressure stated on the sidewall. The load on the tires is constantly changing with passengers and groceries and such, so I run the max. I have been averaging close to 19k on both tires before replacing them. Towards the end of their useful life I do get a little cupping. I'll try Admin's method of increasing the pressure a little.

[InjectedWing]

Hi I am embarrassed to say that I checked them and they where low, I pushed the pressure up to 41 lbs and the problem majically vanished! Im a bit embarassed to say that, but it wont happen again, and I appreciate all the help and input, I am getting "very" intimate with my bike now and hope to never let myself overlook something like that again! Thank you all for your hellp, insight and knowledge, this is hands down the best site I have been on yet, some diesel sites come a very close second, but this place is great!

[cbx4evr]

Dunlop's max pressure spec for the rear is 40#.

I'm sure the tag in the trunk is put ther by Honda based on the tire. That came supplied with the bike so that pressure may not apply to the tires of today. I prefer to use the manufacturers spec rather than the trunk label.

FYI - Avon spec for the Venom is a max. of 50# so it would be easy to go over the suggested pressures in the trunk. I run my Venom at 48# when 2up and loaded.

[Doug B.]

I run my Venom at 48# when 2up and loaded.

Ditto, and 42 up front. Same tires......Venoms.

[coolrunning]

Hi I am embarrassed to say that I checked them and they where low, I pushed the pressure up to 41 lbs and the problem majically vanished! Im a bit embarassed to say that, but it wont happen again, and I appreciate all the help and input, I am getting "very" intimate with my bike now and hope to never let myself overlook something like that again! Thank you all for your hellp, insight and knowledge, this is hands down the best site I have been on yet, some diesel sites come a very close second, but this place is great!

I run 40/40 psi on my E3's mounted on my 1999 Aspencade with no cupping or uneven wear. Handling is very stable and my mpg is well over 40. On long rides, when I stop for gas, I place my hand across the tread on each tire and can hold it there without discomfort. That usually indicates the tires are well below 120F. Very safe, no chance of overheating.

[Happytrails]

FYI - Avon spec for the Venom is a max. of 50# so it would be easy to go over the suggested pressures in the trunk. I run my Venom at 48# when 2up and loaded.

Miss Venoms they were great tires.

[PunWinger]

I got E3's installed on my '89 Goldwing in 2016 after wearing out the Venoms that were on it. It was a totally different machine. It rode great except that it felt like I was running through gel! Both tires were at 35psi from the shop. After some R&D and a bunch of fiddling, I finally found a decent balance pumping the rear to 42 and the front to 40. It seems to be a good balance between ride and responsiveness, at least for the load it's gotta carry!

[Happytrails]

When I bought my bike it came with E3's and I switched to Venoms (now running on Cobras). Sounds like a good balance. I'm usually running 40-42 up front and 43 ish on rear. When inspection is due I take it to a local HD dealership and they enjoy airing down my tires to around 35 lbs. But they've always treated me well so I keep going back.

[AZgl1800]

on my '94 and '98, I ran 42 front, and 44 rear on E3s.

it came with a K?? something, 177? dunno anymore, but I put on new E3s.