2000 Harley-Davidson XL1200C problems

Filed May 13, 2009 · 18,150 miles · CO

Failure of a replacement motorcycle tire innertube. I have a 2000 harley davidson sportster. The front wheel is a spoke wheel with a tube type tire. About 6 months ago, I had the front tire and tube replaced by a reputable motorcycle dealer. All was well until may 12 when I sensed that handling had degraded. I determined that the front tire pressure was near zero. I added air to the recommended pressure and carefully monitored pressure. I could see no defect. A leak of more than a few psi/hr was evident. I took the motorcycle to the dealer who originally installed the new tire and tube for repair. The dealer found that the tube had a split in it along the mold parting line. This defect could have had serious consequences if I had not sensed I had a problem. The dealer is grand prix motorsports of littleton colorado. The dealer informed me that the tube originally installed, ( and likely now present) is made by or for malcolm smith racing (msr). It is a "heavy duty" tube model 288208. At the time of service on may 12, I was told that the dealer has seen other motorcycle tubes that have split on the mold parting line. A contact at the motorcycle dealer is chris stinson (303) 761-2471. Mailing address is grand prix motorsports, 3105 w. County line road, littleton, co 80129. Please note..the tire on this bike is a dunlop 402 in 90 x 21 size. The tire does not appear to have any defect. The only defect is in the tube mounted therein.