RoadSmarts - Forget What I Said Earlier...

Looks like I'm going to have to change my opinion of the Dunlop RoadSmarts. The first set worked great, and could have lasted 10K (got a cut in one a little before that.) The second set worked great, and seemed to be wearing well. Sunday, returning from breakfast at Elk City, I noticed some vibration in the handlebars. Then I heard a slight rhythmic noise coming from the front of the bike. I thought that maybe something had come loose (fender, fairing extension, etc.) It turns out that a chunk of tread had separated from the carcass of the front tire. Fortunately, I stopped before the tire blew. (It's still holding pressure.) I plan to call Dunlop, and possibly the NHTSA, tomorrow. I'm pretty sure there was a previous post on this subject, so I'll do a forum search first. I still had a camera in the top box (from Fred's TireSTOC the day before,) so I got pictures while I waited for my wife, brother-in-law (pays to marry into a big family...) and the pickup truck.

The day after TireSTOC, and I need a new tire... Fortunately, TinyL PM'd me today that his new tire changer had arrived. Looks like I may need to head down to Arkansas City and buy him lunch...

Wow! How many miles on that tire?

I would definately report that. :22yikes:

Dang! looks like you got a pothole on your tire! Glad your ok.

Klackey said:

Wow! How many miles on that tire?

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Checking my records, it looks like about 5K.

Oh man. Not good.
Posted via Mobile Device

That's scary looking!

Out of the blue, it just fell apart?

I'm on my second set with no problems, actually like 'em a bunch.

Hummm ?

Holy Crap! Does anyone make a tire for this lovely bike? My next set (on order) will be Avon Storms, Bridgestones have been disappointing and Dunlops? I don't think so! What's left?
A disaster was certainly averted, Roginoz, glad for that! Explanations are in order from Dunlop.Let us all know what they have to say please. Marty

Holy Cripe!

Glad things didn't turn out worse

Geez Roger, that looks really scary!!!! To bad it didn't work out that we could have taken care of it too at TireSTOC.
Jim
(I'm the guy that removed the broken muffler clamp bolt for you--)

Dang, I put a set on my Connie and like 'em. That looks terrible, thought I found a tire for the ST when the Storms wear out, now I'm leary of buying another set.

That's scary right there! I'm on my second set of PR2's and will order my third set next month.

Out of curiosity how much stuff did you have on or what was the weight of the bike? not that the front tire carries very much but just wondering? And what was the air pressure at time of obliteration?

Muchmore said:

Out of curiosity how much stuff did you have on or what was the weight of the bike? not that the front tire carries very much but just wondering? And what was the air pressure at time of obliteration?

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I was running 42 psi in the tire. Load on the front tire wasn't an issue. Other than me, the bike was only loaded with the usual top box stuff (bulky but pretty light.)

Metzlers ... Z6/ME880 combo..11+ k out of them..On 2nd set with 8k now.20k miles ,0 problems..

I had great luck on my OEM Bridgestones. Lots of miles and ok performance. My second set...PR2s and they have been great a well. I have a set of RoadSmarts to put on next. I sure don't like the self destruct images posted in this tread!
Before I went down in my big accident, May of 07, I had just put a brand new Road Smart on the front. It was working very well....at about 1500 miles. Don't have much choice with the next set. I've got the RoadSmarts and I guess I'll give 'em a try.

Thanks for posting your failure. I'll watch these tires carefully thoughout their life!

Forest

I've tried almost every manufacturer of tire for the 1300 except Dunlop and after seeing this now... it ain't gonna happen! :noway

I was considering the Roadsmarts but I have heard more negative reports than I like. Considering PR2s or the new Pirelli Angel ST for my next set. Running Storms right now and I really like their bite but the centers burn off too quickly.

roginoz said:

Checking my records, it looks like about 5K.

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The good news is you are OK and that Dunlop should replace that tire. The bad news is you will have that new tire and not want to run it. I got terrible wear out of my one set of Roadsmarts so back to PR2s and will stay with them most likely.

JDP

I would really like to hear what they say. Looks like a separation from the inside.

Glad you're ok.