1800 with Motor Trike Kit rear tires rub.

[bayoudave]

I have a 2002 Goldwing with a MT kit (solid axle) with aqua shields. I have had this trike for about three years. I have had problems with the fenders rubbing the side of the tires if the air shocks are below about 60 psi (I have a small air leak of about a pound and a half a day, read here that finding that would be nearly impossible so I can live with that). I put fork extenders on it because the supports on the aqua shield would scrape at the slightest little hump (still have to watch the humps). It seems that the trike is just too low. I noticed that the rear shock setting is on the middle grove (not sure what you call it). Anyone else have this problem? Could it need new shocks or change the setting or is this something I just have to live with? I need new tires and was thinking about getting a narrower tire to get a little more clearance on the fenders.

Thanks for any help.

 

[bikerbillone]

I'd call the MT folks, or a nearest installer, seems they would have had this problem before. Does not seem normal.

 

[Solidbob]

I have a 2002 Goldwing with a MT kit (solid axle) with aqua shields. I have had this trike for about three years. I have had problems with the fenders rubbing the side of the tires if the air shocks are below about 60 psi (I have a small air leak of about a pound and a half a day, read here that finding that would be nearly impossible so I can live with that). I put fork extenders on it because the supports on the aqua shield would scrape at the slightest little hump (still have to watch the humps). It seems that the trike is just too low. I noticed that the rear shock setting is on the middle grove (not sure what you call it). Anyone else have this problem? Could it need new shocks or change the setting or is this something I just have to live with? I need new tires and was thinking about getting a narrower tire to get a little more clearance on the fenders.

Thanks for any help.

Yes a narrower tire will work great for your problem and may also work better for Hydroplaning... The previous owner may have changed to a larger / wider size. The air leak can be found with a soap solution and a small paint brush, use a higher concentration of soap so it doesn't just run off quickly.... and check each connection for small bubbles after you dab it on.. the hard leaks are when a rub caused a hole, so if you see a line has been rubbing somewhere thats a good place to check... just take your time and put a little more air than normal but don't blow your lines up... Good Luck....

 

[bikerbillone]

Yep, just get that MT up on a lift, that's the hard part.

 

[cjmitch]

Questions...
1) Do you have original Motor trike wheels on the trike
If you don't then you ARE going to have problems with tire rubbing.
the offset of the wheels has to match exactly.

for this model trike (spyder and Spyder 2+2, straight axle.) If its too small it WILL rub the fenders, if its too much it WILL rub the shock towers.
guaranteed.

I experienced this when I was trying out new wheel styles for my 2+2. even a narrower tire did not help much, I ended up returning the rims.

As for bottoming out. that is one of the disadvantages of having / adding a rake. and to a greater extent the AQ shields.
A rake will subtract about 3/4 inch from the clearance, and the aqshields about another full inch

 

[dogman513]

I have 02 wing with Lehman monarch II, solid axle.. Had tire rub for last year on bumps/dips in the road riding two up. Had OEM shock serviced installed heavier spring.
Got spanner wrench out cranked up the Lehman shock.. After last trip was really pissed off about the ride. Got underneath where 4 bolts are at bottom of trunk bolting to trike frame, found no shims on a complete loose bolt. Went to hardware store got bag of washers put those on the mystery bolt, and added more to others which raised trike housing an additional 1/4 inch than before.. No problems since..

 

[msrvpeig]

I have an '05 MT solid axel and had problems with tires rubbing. I set shocks to middle setting, purchased narrower tires and set airbags at 20#s 1 up, 40#s 2up. I now very, very seldom rub fenders. I also changed wheels to old school Cragers with no issues.
Hope this helps.

 

[cjmitch]

I have an '05 MT solid axel and had problems with tires rubbing. I set shocks to middle setting, purchased narrower tires and set airbags at 20#s 1 up, 40#s 2up. I now very, very seldom rub fenders. I also changed wheels to old school Cragers with no issues.
Hope this helps.

BINGO....
Old School Cragers, and wheels of that style/size were the ONLY thing I found that matched the MT spec for this trike.

Here are the MT rear wheel specs
Wheel size: 15 x 7
LUGS: 5 lug on 4 1/2 / 5x114mm
Offset: 4 1/2 <----- this is the BIGGIE!!!!!!!!

 

[dabalso]

If the tires are rubbing only on one side, then you may need to reset the ladder bars. Amember here named George from TX has written a wonderful book on your trike. It shows how to adjust the ladder rods and a lot of other good info. YOu can download it for free. do a search here.

 

[Mick]

I have 02 wing with Lehman monarch II, solid axle.. Had tire rub for last year on bumps/dips in the road riding two up. Had OEM shock serviced installed heavier spring.
Got spanner wrench out cranked up the Lehman shock.. After last trip was really pissed off about the ride. Got underneath where 4 bolts are at bottom of trunk bolting to trike frame, found no shims on a complete loose bolt. Went to hardware store got bag of washers put those on the mystery bolt, and added more to others which raised trike housing an additional 1/4 inch than before.. No problems since..

Dogman I sent you a PM about this issue.