Front tires for Honda Goldwing

[danield]

I have researched this site for recommendations on front tires for my 2012 Honda Goldwing Trike (Viper sidecar). My current tire is an OEM Bridgestone 130/70R/18M with 5000 miles. I will be going to the Wing Ding in July and have decided to replace this tire with a Michelin Pilot Activ tire. I found one on BikeBandit.com for $114.00, size 130/70/18, Bias Ply. I will be mounting it in reverse direction based on advice from most of you who have this brand tire. Any further advice of how often to rebalance since it is reverse mounted? I want to put some balancing beads or Ride-On in the tire but with the TPMs, it was recommended not to put either of these in the tire. Good site and enjoy reviewing all of your comments, recommendation, etc.

 

[Rosy]

Who gave you the advise not to use Dyna Beads with the tire pressure system?
Thanks
Do a search on this site with the word balance and you will get the info on your TPM. I read they will not effect the TPM on your wing as some of the other trikers have used the internal balancing system.


Regards,

Rosy
From NH

 

[Woolie]

I have a Bridgestone rear tire mounted on the front of my Goldwing with Centramatic balancers, rides great. Centramatic balancers are installed under the brake rotors using the same bolts as the rotors. Has 1 on each side of the front wheel.

 

[mhgoldwing]

I have a Bridgestone rear tire mounted on the front of my Goldwing with Centramatic balancers, rides great. Centramatic balancers are installed under the brake rotors using the same bolts as the rotors. Has 1 on each side of the front wheel.

Same here. With the Centramatic balancers you don't have to do anything when you change to another tire. Always active and doesn't interfere with anything.

 

[danield]

Thanks, I will research info on the balancers. Keep the advice coming.

 

[danield]

Information from Ride-On Tire Protection Systems states - "Ride-On is Tire Pressure Monitor (TPMS) friendly, however, we do not recommend its use in 2009, 2010 and 2012 Honda Goldwing Wings as their TPMS sensors are not hermetically sealed". This is why I do not want to take a chance on installing anything inside my tire to balance it until I have researched all alternatives instead of wheel weights. Still checking pros/cons on "counteract balancing beads".

 

[Shimpy]

This is why I do not want to take a chance on installing anything inside my tire to balance it until I have researched all alternatives instead of wheel weights. Still checking pros/cons on "counteract balancing beads".

I have always used wheel weights, but would be courious what NASCAR and Indy racers use and why.

 

[Ray55]

Shimpy

Nascar uses regular lead wheel weights. I have watched Goodyear mount and balance tires at California speedway.


Ray
2009 Kawasaki/Champion
Santee, ca.

 

[danield]

Has anyone had a problem installing a bias ply tire on the front of their Goldwing trike and radial tires on the back? I want to put a Michelin Pilot Activ tire (Bias Ply) on the front (mounted in reverse) and continue to use the radial tires I have on the back.

 

[dalelj]

Has anyone had a problem installing a bias ply tire on the front of their Goldwing trike and radial tires on the back? I want to put a Michelin Pilot Activ tire (Bias Ply) on the front (mounted in reverse) and continue to use the radial tires I have on the back.

I have one on my 2004 1800 Champion Trike and love it! I have 10,000 miles on it and looks like new. I also use Dyna Beads for balancing and the ride is smooth.

DaleThumbUp

 

[danield]

Well, I finally and had a MPA mounted on the front of my Goldwing Trike. The dealer was reluctant to mount it in reverse direction but I insisted. I also installed balancing beads in the front tire. Dealers said that mounting tire in reverse will interfere the weather dispersion when driving. A friend of mine said he thought it was against state law to mount a tire in reverse direction on any motorized vehicle. I have not heard that one yet. I am going to the Wing Ding in July. This will give me a chance to discover if all I have read about this tire and mounting options are true.

 

[Calgary]

What is the rationalization for mounting the front tire backwards?

 

[Lucky]

What is the rationalization for mounting the front tire backwards?

Don't Really know about rationalization,but I got 32,000 out of my last MPA RIDE SAFE

 

[John Luciano]

None but I do it. We do not always have to over think stuff sometimes just do it. It works... Or don't do it. Only thing for sure is it has to be a rear bias ply tire..

 

[Bill Reber]

Some dealers (TRIKE) will not mount a tire in reverse rotation , THEY site water flow direction. I use the MPA tire in normal rotation and I do not get the virberation some claim when mounted in reverse rotation ??

 

[07BlueCSC]

One good point about mounting in REVERSE direction, when you reach a point of wear, you can always reverse the tire to the other direction. 7000 miles Bridgestone Radial(BALD)
16000 miles 1st MPA, 22,000 2nd MPA.

 

[danield]

Type in "Michelin pilot active" under search and you will find comments concerning the purchase and mounting of this tire.

 

[07BlueCSC]

It is MICHELIN PILOT ACTIV--------- NO E

 

[FRR]

If you research this topic on this site you will find literally hundreds of comments, pro and con about mounting a front tire backwards. It all really comes down to personal preference. I had a BT-45 installed in April and have put nearly 5000 on it and it hasn't worn 1/32 off the tire. Great tractor and turns on a dime. Some guys won't even consider reversing a front tire. It is all up to you. It does seem that however you decide to mount the tire, a tire like the BT-45 does provide twice the mileage that a OEM tire does.

 

[John Luciano]

This has been discussed since I brought it to this boards attention in 2000...<br />
We are still getting doubting Thomas. I think it is in Chapter 3 of the bible. <br />
<. LOL> thats how long it as been going on. <br />
So if some one searches tire on front they will find this.<br />
1) it is Pilot Activ.....no e<br />
2) any rear tire that will fit the front rim can be used 130x70x18<br />
You can use the 130x80x 18 on a 1500 but not on 1800<br />
3) yes bias ply on front even if you have Radial rear ( most trike do )<br />
4) reverse or normal rotation been discussed to death, do what makes you <br />
happy. I can't see any advantage or disadvantage.<br />
5) have driven through 5 " of water at 60MPH with reversed rotation wiggled just <br />
a little but it was the big 9" rear tires not front<br />
6) you will get at least twice the mileage out of the rear tire on front.<br />
7) steering will be lighter. <br />
8) 41 lb front 22lb rears<br />
9) MHO I would balance it the same way I would mount any new front tire. If it <br />
won't balance then go to another method.<br />
<br />
I think that covers any questions... If you have any questions read this again.<br />
If you do not feel comfortable with any of the above statements, mount the OEM TIRE AND CHANGE IT EVERY 7,000 miles...

 

[Teal]

oh boy here we go.
bunch of pages on topic Calgary go check with search,,, good luck.

 

[Bill Reber]

Amen the end my friend !

 

[Dray]

I replaced a Pilot II on the front of my 03 gl trike with a bias ply Battle Axe and I am very pleased with the improvement in ride an handling. IMO
the only way to fly.

Dray

 

[ben721364]

What is the rationalization for mounting the front tire backwards?

I think it is on the order of an 'old wives' tale. I have done it both ways on trikes with no noticeable difference. The important thing (IMO) is to select the proper rear tire for the front application.

 

[oldbear]

Well, I finally and had a MPA mounted on the front of my Goldwing Trike. The dealer was reluctant to mount it in reverse direction but I insisted. I also installed balancing beads in the front tire. Dealers said that mounting tire in reverse will interfere the weather dispersion when driving. A friend of mine said he thought it was against state law to mount a tire in reverse direction on any motorized vehicle. I have not heard that one yet. I am going to the Wing Ding in July. This will give me a chance to discover if all I have read about this tire and mounting options are true.

I put one on my Roadsmth at time of conversion and 5k later am VERY pleased with it.