same ol front tire question

[David H.]

Just purchased a 1998 ultra classic with champion kit. Everyone recommended a pilot activ rear tire for the front on my vtx trike. What is recommended for front tire on the harley trike? I've heard to just use the stock front tire used on the 2 wheeler. Yes or No?

 

[JJHog]

Most go with the stock front tire. There are some out there that have bought a rear tire of the front tire size and reversed the rear tire on installation, claiming that they are able to get more mile out of the rear tire mounted in reverse.

 

[Gorilla]

I purchased a Dunlop rear tire for a touring (07 Road King) Mounted it on the front rim in the reverse direction on my 2007 Road Glide with a Champion conversion. I had 30k plus miles on it when I sold the trike. The tire still had about 5k wear left.

 

[boots]

I purchased a Dunlop rear tire for a touring (07 Road King) Mounted it on the front rim in the reverse direction on my 2007 Road Glide with a Champion conversion. I had 30k plus miles on it when I sold the trike. The tire still had about 5k wear left.

Seems that the rear tires have a deeper center tread than the stock front tire thus giving longer life.
Tried it on Gold Wing trike with great success.

 

[saab9k]

Most go with the stock front tire. There are some out there that have bought a rear tire of the front tire size and reversed the rear tire on installation, claiming that they are able to get more mile out of the rear tire mounted in reverse.

The rear tire is build directional for aggressive take off with a high performance Honda Valkyrie. On a trike installation it is suppose to help with braking with added weight of a trike.

 

[David H.]

Thanks to all who answered my front tire question. Guess I'll try a rear tire. Whether it helps or not it doesn't look like I can go wrong.

 

[Gorilla]

You can not go wrong. It works.

 

[dafoot2]

Mounted a commander II rear in reverse on my 2010 triglide. Have about 1000 miles on it so far, and liking it. Had the first opportunity to ride in a downpour last week. Tried to ride slightly aggressive to test the limits. Tire worked good no issues. Dry riding have no issues. I would go with this tire again. Not sure on mileage but tire still looks good.

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Im running a Dunlop MU85 rear tire in reverse. I have 15k miles on it with no handling issue at all. The tire should last through to 25k miles of wear easily.

 

[427dave]

I put a rear tire from a 2007 on the front of my Triglide. The original tire lasted 20,000 miles and needed replacement. I just hit a deer and the fender cut up the front tire so it is being replaced. I had 20,000 miles on it and it still looked like new. The dealer gave me crap about mounting the tire in reverse rotation. I told them 3 times to install it backwards. NO he put it on as if it were a rear and said Harley does not want them mounted backwards. I ended up telling him I didn't give a crap what Harley wanted, take it off and mount it the way I had told you. Course then he says it will take another hour. They did not have my repairs done properly so they still have the trike...

 

[Lakeman]

The two HD dealers I deal with will not mount a non stock size tire on a bike or trike.

 

[427dave]

Rear tire from 2007 is the same size as 2011 front. 90B16

 

[Geezzer Glide]

I answer to mounting a rear tire on the front in the reverse direction. Most reputable dealers or independent shops will not mount a rear tire on the front or mount a tire in the reverse direction due to liability issues.
If they were to do so and the tire would fail they can be held liable and sued for mounting the tire improperly.
If a shop does they are wide open to be sued should something happen.
If one mounts the tire him self then it's all on him.
I know there are some that will say that won't happen but remember this has become a sue happy country anymore. Now days people will sue others over anything.
Fart in a room and some idiots attorney would probably find some EPA regulation that would allow him to sue you for air pollution and some Judge would allow it and find in his favor.
Dan