Tires, front is cupping should I replace?

[Heath]

So I am running Pilot Power 2CT on my S2R800.  I love them.  I recently just bought just a rear.  My front looked OK so I figured save some $$$ and only replace the rear like so many other people do.  Well I was looking at my front yesterday as I finished putting the rear on and I noticed it is cupping.  Not horrible cupping but it is doing it some.  There is still a good amount of tread left on it.   I haven't ridden on it yet.  I am not afraid to try it out, just figured I would throw out some questions. I will try to get a picture of it today too.
Do I replace the front too?
Should I just ride on it?
Do I just ride on it and see how it feels then judge?
What characteristics am I looking for that it is not acting the way it should?

[ducpainter]

My take is this.

If you feel no vibration and the tire has adequate tread and is less than 3 years old...

run it.

[Howie]

The cupping will not go away.  I agree with Nate, light cupping, no handling or vibrations, tire not aged out,   You might want to check the wheel bearings though.

[brad black]

the steering will get heavy and it will follow ruts in the road, etc. 

[Heath]

I think I am going to order a new one.  The vibration is not that bad but the tire is past 3 years.

[dlearl476]

I think I am going to order a new one.  The vibration is not that bad but the tire is past 3 years.

If it were me, I'd check the bearings as Howie suggested before I put a new tire on it, otherwise they will cup as well.  May want to fool around a bit with tire pressures as well. If I'm not mistaken, incorrectly aligned forks can cause cupping, too.

[Heath]

What would I be looking for as far as the bearing? I do know the bike was not sprung for my weight up until last year.  So I probably put a good 4000-5000 miles on that tire with super soft front forks and rear spring.  Would that cause cupping? New front gets here Wednesday  thanks to RevZilla

[Howie]

With the front wheel off the ground the wheel should not be able to move up and down or sideways.  The wheel should also rotate smoothly.  Best way to check would be to remove the wheel and actually feel the bearings, but in your case this should be good enough.

Doh  Since you are getting a new tire, while the wheel is off feel check the bearings.  There should be no play.  You should not feel any roughness when you spin them.  The seals should be intact.  If in doubt, change them.  If you are nearing 50K miles change them.  They can be bought cheaply at a bearing store.