It could be a defective tire. It also could be that that tire had been setting in the shop a while as well. Probably a pretty good guess to say that the Honda shop has little use for that size tire. The Suzuki dealer on the other hand has a use for it but doesn't stock it. At least not at my local shop. Just because it's "new", doesn't mean it was recently manufactured. I have seen tires for cars sit in my buddy's tire shop (to remain nameless) for over a year before someone will come in needing that particular size. Age will affect a tire whether it is mounted or not. Just a thought.

If it's on frontwards, check the balance.

Phelonius

Every time I think I'll be able to take it to the Honda shop where I had the bought the tire and had it installed, something happens that keeps from going. Like Icy roads and snowfall.

How did they store it for the 6 mo's in hock, maybee the front tire got into something which, along with wrong direction of rotation, led to its speedy demise.  I also vote free tire (but I live in Massachusetts so I know my vote seldom means anything).

Went to the Honda stealership today to complain about tire but they were closed, will try again tomorrow and post results.

Just returned from the Honda stealership where I bought the tire and they were pretty cool. They said they had never seen a tire do that before. They think it may be low tire pressure caused it. (they checked the pressure and it didn't have but 3 psi in it. But it was perfect at the time the damage accured.

They have to order the tire and talk to Dunlop to see what can actually be done on whether I get free tire or not.

On a side note, while they were trying to make up their minds on what to do I took a look at a 07 Rebel, I can't believe how small that bike is compared to my Savage. I did like the handle bars though, wonder if they would fit on a Savage.

Rebels handle bars are 7/8" dia. whereas the Savages are 1" dia. ... so I'm guessing they're not interchangeable?