2013 Electra Glide Classic - 17,000 miles.
Getting less than 4,000 miles from a new front tire before cupping and vibrating when cornering left.
Happened with original Dunlops running 36psi front and 40psi rear.
Currently have Michelin Commander II's installed spring of 2016 and tried running 38psi front and 42psi rear, same thing.
Checking tire pressure every two weeks, I am not losing any air.
Had dealer install latest tires, they have no idea why tires would be cupping, they claim front wheel bearings are fine.
Usually ride 2 up 80% of the time.
I've kinda learned to live with it, but I shouldn't have to.
Any ideas on how to stop this? Thanks!

 

More lean angle in the twisties....

Actually, it is all about tire air pressure, cupping is usually related to under inflated.

I would assume you have tried multiple tire pressure gauges? I had a favorite that I used for years, tested it against a couple of others and found it to be almost 5 psi lower reading, I wouls suppose you could have the opposite, reading higher than it really is.

 

I have 4 tire gauges.
I've actually found the non digital ones to be more accurate that the digital ones.
I check the tire pressure 2-3 times a month and the pressure is consistent.

I just don't want to put anther new tire on and have the same problem 3,000 miles later.
Only vibrates when cornering left, cornering right is smooth.

 

if its not air pressure, which it usually is, sounds like a wheel bearing or warped rotor if its vibrating when cornering. not really sure why itd be cupping tires but wheel bearings are cheap enough to try.

 

i tell ya this one will never be solved.... my old bike would cup front tire only... my current bike ( 12 flhtk ) cupped rear only..... i now have new oem dunlops on and have increased air to 42 rear and 40 front to see how they do...used to run 40 rear and 36 front

 

I would up the pressure to max psi cold on the tire sidewall.

I recently moved from stock Dunlop to Pirelli. Front pressure is dramatically different. Front recommendation on max psi cold is 50.

I was concerned, call pirelli, that's where they said to run the tire.

tire rides and performs very well, no concerns on my part, solved my issues.

I suggest your tires are under inflated.

 

You might want to have it rebalanced again. In some cases this could point out a possible tire or even rim issue. If it were economical to do it the balancing would be more accurate to run first then balance. It's painful but other than pressure it's hard to call.

 

I think both of these are too low on the front pressure.
I ran 38-39 on my stocks and run 41 on my Commander II's and have 15K on the front right now with no cupping

 

Have you checked your fork oil? Had a similar issue on my bike, pressure was always checking out fine. Had my forks serviced and went to thicker fork oil...problem went away.

 

I always run 41 in my CIIs with no issues. I think I am going to try the Avon Cobras when the time comes for the Limited.