Cupping on 2011 front tire at 1500 miles

[survior]

I follow the recommended tire pressure (42psi front and 42 psi rear) and this tire is cupping - looks like a Mohawn Strip down the middle) This happended on my 2008 at 2600 miles and I had a very bad time with the Kawasaki Rep- they told me it was my way of driving. This is my 32nd motorcycle.  I thought the new bikes had a better tire on them or I would have not bought another Kaw Product.  Also another question is -  it going to be a problem with the traction controi to switch to a different brand of tire.  Thanks for any info/feedback

[ZedHed]

The Bridgestone OEM front tires are notorious for this habit and there are MANY testimonies on this forum to that effect.  Kawasaki did not manufacture these tires and they will simply refer you to Bridgestone for further comment.

Use them up and buy another brand if you don't like the way the OEM tires wear.  Read the tire threads for more info........Personally, I like the Michelin PR2s

[philipintexas]

As to your question about Traction control/ABS, the sensor is on the wheel and won't be affected by different tires.

[C1xRider]

Yes, the stock BrickStones SUCK.  Mine was also cupping badly by 1500 miles.  I did find that over inflating it (45 ~ 46 PSI) made if 'feel' better.  However, by then, it was beyond bad.

You can put any tire brand you want on the bike, just stay close to the factory size.  The KTRC system uses the ABS speed sensors to determine when to engage (difference between front and rear wheel speed).  You would have to have a serious mismatch in tire size to affect that.

Currently, the most popular tires of choice seem to be the Michelin PR3 and the Pirelli Angle ST.  I've run  the Angles, and the PR2's, and both worked great for me.  My next tire purchase will be the PR3s (coming soon, as the PR2 rear is way past the wear bars).

[So Cal Joe]

I changed my front at 3500 miles, not because of cupping but it was at the wear bars. I run 42 PSI in both front & rear. I now have BridgeStone 023 on front & rear and they are holding up great. 8,000 miles on the front and not even near the wear bar. 6,000 on the rear and still looks new. A friend with a Honda ST1300 got 18,000 miles from the front Bridge stone 023. Most people here use the PR3 on their concours, that will be the next one I try.

[bbhzx12]

The day I ditched the OEM stones was the best day of my Conie's life.  I've been very happy with my Roadsmarts, just put a third set on.