I've read in a couple places that there is a flaw with the Hurricanes that causes them to 'eat' front tires at a prodigious rate; something that causes them to cup, regardless of brand or set-up.

My current front tire is cupped, although not very worn, and I'm wondering if there's something I can do before mounting a replacement, since tires are expensive and I'm cheap.

 

Handy little general reference read on the subject Larry

Keeping your front tire pressure spot on the recommended pressure
or even a bit higher than that can help a bit - but not much
also changing fork fluid and replacing sagging fork springs etc.
can alleviate it somewhat too - but not entirely

It's a common issue across the board

 

Hey:

Really a flaw, not so much as they need to have a few things done on them as do any front heavy bike.
1. Make sure both tires are balanced. mark where the weights are and size after done so in case one comes off, it can be replaced by you. Wheels are not bent or flat. Tire pressures as stated above.
2. Make sure tires/wheels front and rear are tracking in the same line and are centered in the chassis.
3. Run good quality tires, the cupping tends to be prominent on lesser brands but any tire not in balance or misaligned this will happen too.
4. Check steering stem bearings for notches and smooth transitions
5. Check fork seals for leaks.
6. Check fork tubes and triple trees for the exact same height L-R if off, can cause this.
7. Check the rear wheel for correct alignment.
8. Check for loose/worn rear swing arm pivot point.
9. Check for axles not over tightened/loose or worn wheel bearings
10. Lastly make sure no brake hang up from one side caliper, wheels should spin freely all the way around.
If all this is done when going to new tires Choose Metzelers, Michelins, Avons, Continental, or Shinko All make fine tires. Good luck on your choice, but only expect about 6,000 miles max out of your tires, from any heavy bike, less on softer rubber.

Dub

 

Thanks for that info, gents. I do have a (very slightly) weeping fork seal, so will attend to that before fitting a new $100 rubber donut.

And on a related note; anyone use Conti Montion tires? Seem very reasonable for a 'name brand' radial, in fact so much cheaper than everything else that I've gotten suspicious...

 

Have them on my 87 Larry

A great deal and good rubber imo - they grip well without being too soft a rubber compound

medium rated lifespan imo 7 or 8 k miles

got mine at motosport as a package

but they are on Ebay as a package too for about 176 shipped

 

Hey:

Don't be suspicious, Depending on where you live they are very good to extremely good tires. They are a great buy, and handle very well. Depending on the year CBR you own they offer the best tire choice for the price.

Dub

 

In my personal experience, mine havent been excessively cupped. I just replaced my tires with 13k miles, and the front tire didnt look too bad. No more than my other bike. I keep the pressure around 40 psi

 

Good to hear about the Conti-Motions; I'm cheap, but don't like crashing, so I'm trying to find a balance.

I've had people tell me a 1000f (mine's a '90) can take a 190/50 rear; anyone tried that? What are the up and downsides of the 190 vs. the 180?

 

Other than looks - no benefit with a 190 and slower to lean / turn

Most of us run 180 max and even those are a bit slower to lean / turn than the stock
170's

I'd go with 180's Larry

 

my 96 cbr1000f ate a michelin pilot power 2ct in 5k miles.