I have Metzler tires and at 8000 miles they are scalloping (or lumping before each tread making for a bumpy ride. Any input on this condition would be appreciated. Thanks.

hello and welcome to GWOF silverwing 1800. take the tires back to were you purchased them from and see what they say

Unfortunately, this condition (cupping) is a function of the way you ride. All motorcycle tires do this. When you corner (lean into the turn), you stretch the side tread and wear it from this stretched position. When you return to straight travel, the tire returns to its normal shape, however, the uneven wear from the leaning accumulates over time and results in a "cup" between the tread pattern.

If you can find a way to prevent this (design a non-cupping tire), you'll be a millionaire.

Recommend you maintain proper tire inflation as much as possible. Doing this seems to be the only way to maximize the mileage you get out of your tires.

Cheers,

the tires may be covered under warrenty, take them back

I'm a scalloper too.

Most tires will "cone" which I have had happen and the handling is not totally effected. These tires though scalloped. Behind each tread a bump develops. Thats EVERY tread! The ride becomes more and more bumpy. Extremely uncomfortable and feels unstable.
Although I'm told by a professional that this really is not unsafe it renders a wonderful machine not so wonderful.
I do not work for any tire company so I say this just as a rider.
These tires were Metzler tires and I recommend no one experience them. I have had good luck with Dunlop's latest tire for the Goldwing, The Elite 3. I'm changing them friday. Can't wait!

Tire cupping or scalloping (unless it was defective new) is a symptom of other problems. These may include ,but are not limited to, Under inflation, out of ballance, poor alignmetn front to rear, flat spotting, out of round tire and/or defective bearings. Softer compound tires will cup faster.

Thanks for all replies on tires. This is my third:o:o set(on this bike) and I have 34,000 miles on my 05'. The cupping I know is normal and I do know that keeping tire pressure and balance ect. helps lessen the severity. These Metzlers started wearing with lumps (or scallops) within 2000 miles. By 5000 the ride was terrible. I think Metzler needs to go back to the drawing board when it comes to the Goldwing 1800 tire. I know they make a good tire, I've had them On a 83' Suzuki 550E, 85 Madura 1200 and a 2001 Shadow spirit 1100. Thats why I thought they would be great on My Goldwing....Oops!

Next time either run bridgestones 709/704 or run Dunlop E-3"s. run air at 38 ft and 41 rear.

its called cupping, and the biggest cause is lack of maintenance elsewhere on the bike.

if you have air assisted suspension, one of your forks may be low, or both.

your wheel bearings might be worn, axle loose, even the rim itself.

try changing rubber first to a different brand, and if that doesnt work, its definately your bike, after seeing if a different rubber did the same thing, i would replace the steering head bearings and get the shocks checked and balanced.