2004 1800 with 2015 CSC Trike conversion - needs tires

[newtrikeroldperson]

My new-to-me trike has tires on it from 2014. They still have a lot of tread on them but I believe need replacing due to the bike being in storage for years prior to me buying it. I’m looking for advice on what tires to buy. Sizes are 205 55 r16 v91 for the rears and 130 70 18 for the front. Thanks.

 

[tourman]

My new-to-me trike has tires on it from 2014. They still have a lot of tread on them but I believe need replacing due to the bike being in storage for years prior to me buying it. I’m looking for advice on what tires to buy. Sizes are 205 55 r16 v91 for the rears and 130 70 18 for the front. Thanks.

I've read Goodyear Comfort guard are popular and The Bridgestone BT 46 rear, for the front tire

 

[pwhoever]

Recommending a brand of tires can get all kinds of responses like oil threads. One thing I can say is to avoid run flats. The sidewalls are just too stiff and will give you a rough ride. I know avoiding them may sound a bit counterintuitive but most motorcycles will get objects stuck in the rear tire after the front tire kicks them up. Since the rear tires do not follow the same track as the front tire, you are less likely to pick up a nail in them.

Just to add, I would stay with a load range of just SL, no need for XL or higher range as those are meant for much heavier vehicles. Look for deeper tread depth. My suggestion would be 11/32" or 12/32". And a speed rating of at least an S but T would be better.

My last tires I had were Goodyear Eagle RS-A and they fit the bill for my above suggestions. I rode on them for many years and was pretty happy with them. I'm not suggesting that they are the ones you want, just passing on my experience with them. Maybe take a look at the Discount Tire website and research the different choices. I actually liked what I saw with the Sentry Touring and they are only $53 a tire. I also liked the Kelly Edge Touring AS but they are around $110 a tire. I wouldn't hesitate to go with either of them but there are many other choices available.

| Tires | Discount Tire

Discount Tire

www.discounttire.com

 

[pwhoever]

On the issue of the front tire, the most popular choice is the Bridgestone Battlax BT-46. I know it is listed as a rear tire, but one big advantage is that rear tires tend to have deeper tread so will last longer. And this is especially important for trikes as they only utilize the center of the tread anyway, no leaning. And it comes in the correct size for the front wheels of the GL1800. 130/70-18 Just as a heads up though, it is a bias ply tire but it is perfectly fine to use that on the front wheel. Some folks have reported problems with them like a buzzing feeling in the handlebars but many have been happy with them. I had replaced my worn out Avon with one last year and actually liked the ride it gave me.

Up until the last few years, another popular choice for front tires was the Avon Cobra Chrome AV-71 Trike tire which then was replaced by the AV-91. It was a trike specific radial tire and the only trike specific trike tire being manufactured. It was made over in the UK up until about a year and half ago when the plant was permanently closed. Avon company was bought out several times over the last few years and there are rumors that the newest purchaser may start up production again in another country some time in the future but so far, nothing. There are still a few of these tires still floating around but be prepared to spend more than double, possibly triple of what the Bridgestone BT-46 is going for.

Whatever you do, absolutely avoid a Shinko as they have had nothing but problems and Metzlers have also been a poor choice also because of problems. You want a load range of at least 63 or higher.