Trike Front Tire Testimonials and Reviews

[BattleCry1791]

Putting together a custom trike and need some help regarding choice of the front tire.

Now, a few things I have learned from looking at this forum...
1) Regular front tires and wheels don't cut it on most Harley style trikes (which is what mine will be closest to...using a HD Motor and other HD Parts)
2) Hot trick seems to be taking a rear wheel, mounting it backwards on this front...to this end ME's and Avon Venoms seem to be the aftermarket rage.

Specific issues I have:
This is a custom build. Frame and everything. So I'm going a little "off the reservation". 29 x 18.5 rear tires mounted on 15 x 14 S/S wheels (Probably Cragars, if not then maybe ARS). +12 overs on a 65mm inverted Ultima Front end. The frame will be a 2" bagger. Minimum 6 inch stretch (working on the frame specifics still).

So, ideally, I'm looking for a High sidewalled tire, on a S/S looking rim, 16-18 inches, that is wider than your standard front wheel/tire combo....and it has to be able to fit dual discs.

Found that HD sells a Wheel called a Vapor, 18" and S/S...but will it stand up to the wear and tear of this mammoth freakshow trike?

While aesthetics is something that I want to consider, safety and performance beat all....sides, the wheel will be covered by the disc brakes for the most part anyways.

Please, offer your testimonials, reviews, personal experiences, and various "that's crazy", or, "no way is that gonna work". I welcome all comments and suggestions.

 

[2blackbelts]

First of all, never run a motorcycle tire backwards, end of story.

Secondly, I ran huge rear tires on my Rewaco with true 100 spoke corvette wheels, and an Avon Super Venom on the front with very good results.

You'll just have to expect more wear on the front tire. Run a good motorcycle tire on the front, not a car tire. You'll notice much better performance and handling.

2 bb

 

[KRUZR]

Putting together a custom trike and need some help regarding choice of the front tire.

Now, a few things I have learned from looking at this forum...
1) Regular front tires and wheels don't cut it on most Harley style trikes (which is what mine will be closest to...using a HD Motor and other HD Parts)
2) Hot trick seems to be taking a rear wheel, mounting it backwards on this front...to this end ME's and Avon Venoms seem to be the aftermarket rage.

Specific issues I have:
This is a custom build. Frame and everything. So I'm going a little "off the reservation". 29 x 18.5 rear tires mounted on 15 x 14 S/S wheels (Probably Cragars, if not then maybe ARS). +12 overs on a 65mm inverted Ultima Front end. The frame will be a 2" bagger. Minimum 6 inch stretch (working on the frame specifics still).

So, ideally, I'm looking for a High sidewalled tire, on a S/S looking rim, 16-18 inches, that is wider than your standard front wheel/tire combo....and it has to be able to fit dual discs.

Found that HD sells a Wheel called a Vapor, 18" and S/S...but will it stand up to the wear and tear of this mammoth freakshow trike?

While aesthetics is something that I want to consider, safety and performance beat all....sides, the wheel will be covered by the disc brakes for the most part anyways.

Please, offer your testimonials, reviews, personal experiences, and various "that's crazy", or, "no way is that gonna work". I welcome all comments and suggestions.

I converted my Street Glide to a Trike using the California Side Car Conversion Kit and I love how it turned out! Based on everything I have learned about which tire to run on the front, I just had a Dunlap E3 Rear mounted in reverse rotation on my HD 9 Spoke Chrome front wheel. I don't believe anybody is using a rear wheel on the front, there using a rear tire mounted on that front wheel. Several tire manufactures i.e. Mich. & Avon have issued letters stating if a rear tire is used on the front of the Trike it should be reverse rotation. It's due to the way the tires are designed to handle breaking and acceleration forces. Just about 400 miles on my E3 and I think it's fine and a rear tire will last longer on the front and that's why a lot of Trikers are using them. Everything I have mentioned can be verified on this forum. So enjoy the forum and Ride Safe!!

 

[CyberVet65]

I run a Michelin Pilot Active backwards on the front. I have a little over 8000 miles and it does not show a lot of wear. Running sport bike tires backwards on the front of a trike allows for a lot more wear on the tread. I rode to D.C, last year and it handled fine.
Chet

 

[don graham]

I also run a rear MC tire on the front of my Goldwing with a CSC kit on it. My dealer says they do it all the time. Just make sure to reverse it. The tire manufacturer says to do this as the way the casings are glued. Simply put it has to do with the rear tire is designed for the torque when you start. You don't have that on the front, but you do have the braking. I only have about 4K on mine so far, but there's no wear at all and I have driven it in the rain with no problems. I have a friend with one on his and he has over 20K on it and still lots to go. We're using the Bridgestone Battleaxe 45 or BT45.
Make sure you get a tire that is the same size as you would be normally using.

 

[trikertroy]

A quick question about your freekshow..Will you be useing a telescopic set of forks or something that really works well on a radical trike(like a leading link)?

Is the freekshow going to be real long? and What rear end style?

 

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

I run A MPA rear tire mounted in reverse at 40 psi on my Champion.
Just put a new one on late last year.
I had 26,000 miles on it and it still looked brand new.

 

[Memnoch451]

I have to jump on the band wagon with the rest of the guys... I have no problem running a rear tire backwards on the front of a Gold Wing. I would say about Half the GL riders I know do this as well with no adverse effect that I am aware of in many years.

 

[2blackbelts]

First of all, I will admit I am not the guru of trikes by any means. However, I owned a small bike mfg. company in the 90's, and we built about 150 bikes a year.

I worked with Avon and Dunlap, and never, did they ever say to, or approve of running a tire in the reverse it was mfg, at least for two wheelers. This is totally against what the Federal DOT says in regard to tire mounting and usage as it relates to motorcycle mfgs. I also can't believe a dealer would mount a tire this way to be run.

Maybe things have changed and tires are better, regulations have relaxed, etc. Or maybe I'm just being too fuddy duddy about it. I just wonder what the liability issue is if a dealer mounts the tire "incorrectly" and you have a blowout or problem. If it works for ya, don't change it.

2blackbelts

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

First of all, I will admit I am not the guru of trikes by any means. However, I owned a small bike mfg. company in the 90's, and we built about 150 bikes a year.

I worked with Avon and Dunlap, and never, did they ever say to, or approve of running a tire in the reverse it was mfg, at least for two wheelers. This is totally against what the Federal DOT says in regard to tire mounting and usage as it relates to motorcycle mfgs. I also can't believe a dealer would mount a tire this way to be run.

Maybe things have changed and tires are better, regulations have relaxed, etc. Or maybe I'm just being too fuddy duddy about it. I just wonder what the liability issue is if a dealer mounts the tire "incorrectly" and you have a blowout or problem. If it works for ya, don't change it.

2blackbelts

Here is a article for your reading pleasure >>> Tires Directional Arrows Explained By Avon Tyres at Cyril Huze Post

I also run a rear Dunlop MU85 in reverse direction on my trike. 10k miles and not one issue. The tire hardly shows any wear at this point. I should be able to get close to 30k miles at the rate its wearing.

 

[2blackbelts]

Thanks so much for the info.

I just had my 2003 Roadhawk dropped off by the shippers literally an hour ago, and the front tire is totally shot.

I will probably go with the flow, and run it as you do.

Thanks again.

2 bb
dr. gary

 

[JG122]

Here is a article for your reading pleasure >>> Tires Directional Arrows Explained By Avon Tyres at Cyril Huze Post.

great link, thank you for posting

one thing though, and correct me if I'm reading it wrong -- the supposition from that article is that all the front tire does is "brake" (i.e. the force the splices are seeing will always be from one direction), which is true... the front tire will never be the source of acceleration forces.

but it also supposes that all the rear tire does is "accelerate" (i.e. the force the splices are seeing will always be from the other direction), which isn't necessarily true -- in fact, many who ride old-school choppers only have a rear brake, so the rear tire does both braking & accelerating...

 

[Shimpy]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>JG122</strong>
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<div class="message">great link, thank you for posting <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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it also supposes that <u>all</u> the rear tire does is "accelerate" (i.e. the force the splices are seeing will always be from the other direction), which isn't necessarily true -- in fact, many who ride old-school choppers only have a rear brake, so the rear tire does both braking & accelerating...</div>

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</div>Exactly. Racers diving into corners are I'm pretty sure using rear, or both brakes. I'd be afraid to run on a tire that is so fagile that would come apart that easy because you used your brakes.

 

[BattleCry1791]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>trikertroy</strong>
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<div class="message">A quick question about your freekshow..Will you be useing a telescopic set of forks or something that really works well on a radical trike(like a leading link)?<br />
<br />
Is the freekshow going to be real long? and What rear end style?</div>

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</div>Answers in order of asked<br />
1) The front end is a beefy 65mm diameter (normal Harley dressed touring bikes are 41mm) inverted piece by Ultima. It's 12" over the normal length for a whopping 42 (ish) inches from top tree to 1"axle. And it has zero rake (comes in 0 and 5 degree).<br />
From everything I've read the inverted forks are a much more stable platform than regular forks and hands down better than springer/link front ends.<br />
<br />
2) Well, I've been doing some CAD work ups since I'm st the stage where I can get a frame. One of the main issues with building this freekshow is handling and stability, so you HAVE to get the rake/trail right. But I'm a " plug it in and see how it works kinda guy, so I created the CAD based on how I WANT the Freekshow to look, and see what need to change to make it workable in the real world.<br />
So, without having crunched one number regarding trail/rake (I've got to run the numbers this week)...the wheel base from center axle to center axle is JUST SHY.....of 8 feet. eyeballing it, the rake's prolly somewhere in the 45-48 degree range, which likely will not stand. And the 36" backbone (that's from knuckle to SEAT) prolly won't either. "U-turn?!?! what is this 'U-turn' you speak of?" Cuz I'm not making one unless it's in a cornfield, on the moon (will need less gravity).

Luckily, Ultima makes a manual reverse kit for Harley 5-speeds. <br />
<br />
3) After looking for months and months, and making several calls around the nation, reading reviews and testimonials, me an pops settled on the Paughco the USA All Steel rear end slip diff with the Dana 44 gears. It's a few drachmas more than the most baseline of rear ends, the made in China DNA. <br />
There are tons of shops that make great rear ends and I have yet to see very many owner based complaints on any product out there (the DNA had the most, all of it regarding issues with the pumpkin, but mostly cosmetic). And this makes sense since a rear end is nothing new, in fact it's a concept that actually PREDATES Automobiles...you'd think we have that down. <br />
Reasons I went with Paughco:<br />
1) Steel- I live in Ohio, we salt our roads. I'm not building a performance piece, I'm building a tank. Remember when we used to build everything out of steel? I can't tell you the last time I saw a Fiero or a MR2 Toyota on the road, but three years ago my daily driver was a 1970 Chevy C-10 (and was for two years). Word.

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2) Paughco is a larger customer that will cover their warranty and likely won't completely screw me over as if I was dealing with a local custom shop.<br />
3) I tend to view this project as four parts....the front end, the frame, the swing arm, and the rear end. If man can build a tunnel under the atlantic from France to the UK by STARTING ON BOTH SIDES AND MEET IN THE MIDDLE...then surely myself and pops can finish the rear end, the frame, the front end, and then have a swing arm designed to bring it all together.<br />
<br />
<br />
And thanks to everyone that has posted regarding tires and front wheels...so all of you guys are running true front wheels for MC's and not the upgraded stuff from HD or anyone else? Hmmm, this opens up my choices quite a bit. sides, I can always switch out the front wheels if need be.<br />
<br />
However, keep it coming, I've still yet to see anything that sez "OH OH!...THAT WAY!" for direction regarding saif front tire combo

 

[jfingalls]

My two cents worth of discussion on the front tire rotation is this: We (the Forum) have a pole that will identify any issues with the front tire ever separating when run in the proper rotational directions. Interestingly, no one can step up and say they have experienced the problem first hand. As the article from Avon states, tire rotation is set for two reasons; to channel the water away from the tire during wet riding and to prevent the tire splice from being aggrivated by the forces during stopping. Well, we have never heard from the person who lost steering control during heavy rain due to hydroplaning of the tire which is exactly what will happen if mounted in reverse (perhaps due to the fact that he/she did not know what was really happening during the skid). If you want to always feel safe riding, your vote should be to mount it in the proper rotational directional. Hydroplaning is a far more serious problem when you experience it; and it always happens at the wrong time of your ride (when driving in heavy rain). Also, when I had my Activ mounted on the front, the dealer said (even if I asked him to) he would refuse to mount it in the incorrect rotation direction fearing the liability that it could engender.

 

[skuuter]

.....and the "Tire Saga" continues.....

 

[ti-rouge]

anyway when you look at tire,,,did they say on the tire ,,,front wheel drive or rear wheel drive,,,no drive ,,, etc...

live is shorth,,,,, you may died before the tire!!!!!

oups i hope not!!!!:GL1800::AGGHH:

 

[BattleCry1791]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>jfingalls</strong>
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<div class="message">My two cents worth of discussion on the front tire rotation is this: We (the Forum) have a poll that will identify any issues with the front tire ever separating when run in the proper rotational directions. Interestingly, no one can step up and say they have experienced the problem first hand. As the article from Avon states, tire rotation is set for two reasons; to channel the water away from the tire during wet riding and to prevent the tire splice from being aggrivated by the forces during stopping. Well, we have never heard from the person who lost steering control during heavy rain due to hydroplaning of the tire which is exactly what will happen if mounted in reverse (perhaps due to the fact that he/she did not know what was really happening during the skid). If you want to always feel safe riding, your vote should be to mount it in the proper rotational directional. Hydroplaning is a far more serious problem when you experience it; and it always happens at the wrong time of your ride (when driving in heavy rain). Also, when I had my Activ mounted on the front, the dealer said (even if I asked him to) he would refuse to mount it in the incorrect rotation direction fearing the liability that it could engender.</div>

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</div>Well just WONDERFUL, the one thing I had hammered out regarding the front wheel....now contested, with a safety caveat, no less.<br />
<br />
sigh

 

[leo3wheel]

Just returned from 13 day trip to Key West. Have an Avon Venom rear tire reverse-mounted on the front of our trike. Tire performed great, even on twisty roads at 70mph. After 4,000 miles, there is no perceiveable wear. Very happy with this tire.......

 

[2blackbelts]

Sorry guys and gals, I must be the biggest wuss. I ordered a new front tire for the Roadhawk, and ordered a FRONT tire from Michelin. I still just can't run a tire opposite of it's intended direction.<br />
<br />
I called the HD dealer, and their service department said they would not mount the rotation backwards for a customer if asked.<br />
<br />
Oh well, whatever floats your boat.<br />
<br />
2 bb

 

[Nana]

Honestly guys, I don't think I have seen any difference in the reports of wear/tear or handling whether the tire is installed per forward or reversed rotation. What DOES seem to make a difference is the use of a rear motorcycle tire on the front wheel of a trike. Either way they mount the rear tire, our members report much longer tire life and excellent, even improved, handling over the use of a stock front motorcycle tire.

 

[BattleCry1791]

Honestly guys, I don't think I have seen any difference in the reports of wear/tear or handling whether the tire is installed per forward or reversed rotation. What DOES seem to make a difference is the use of a rear motorcycle tire on the front wheel of a trike. Either way they mount the rear tire, our members report much longer tire life and excellent, even improved, handling over the use of a stock front motorcycle tire.

Ah, there's the forest amongst all them trees.

Now, how big are you guys going? I keep hearing brands, but no numbers. My front end can fit anything a wide glide can (and larger). Keep it coming.

 

[leo3wheel]

Ah, there's the forest amongst all them trees.

Now, how big are you guys going? I keep hearing brands, but no numbers. My front end can fit anything a wide glide can (and larger). Keep it coming.

The rear tire mounted on the front of our RSV trike is the same size as the original front tire, but load rating went from 71 to 77 and tread depth went from 9/32" to 11/32". Tire size is 150/80HB-16.

 

[BattleCry1791]

The rear tire mounted on the front of our RSV trike is the same size as the original front tire, but load rating went from 71 to 77 and tread depth went from 9/32" to 11/32". Tire size is 150/80HB-16.

Hmmmmmmmm....I'd like to take a moment to revisit something I touched on in the OP:

29 x 18.50 Hoosier Pro Street Radials mounted on 15 x 14 (Cragar) rims.

A 150/80...seems a little to conventional for this project.
don't worry about the front fender...that's going to be custom no matter how I mess with it. Looking for Width and sidewall.

so, who's the buckaroo with the largest front tire on the block? (Mind you If I could I'd throw a 250 on there, but it just ain't gonna fit)

 

[ea81slush]

Well I ask another question of the OP. Will you ever consider white wall tyres?. I'm in Oz and things are a little different over here with regulation. My experience is limited with my VW style trike and during this ownership period I've had Bridgestone then Michelin front tires (16 inch x 3 inch rim. 150/80 r16). Never got more than 6000 mls from them.

Then changed to a hot rod tyre 600-16. A massive 3 inches more diameter. white walled each side by Firestone. And a few surprises. Firstly the rim being only 3 inches wide allows for "crowning" of the tyre when inflated. This curvature of the tyre tread results in a roundish shape enough to simulate a round motorcycle tyre- enough for a lot of tread to remain on the road during hard cornering. You feel bumps less.

The tread amount on the road at all times is about twice as much as the motorcycle tyres it replaced. This is evident with the heavier steering, the only negative in my view. Grip is outstanding in all weather conditions even on wet roads. Far less prone to aquaplaning which is more common on the VW style trikes with their light front end (downforce on my front tire to the road is 25lb)

Another negative is you have to wear the tire in a little. Until then you feel like it has a slippery surface which it does until 200 miles are covered which led to a little initial disappointment so be aware. And wear? It has done 3000mls only and looks new, deeper tread than MC tires. I think it will last a long time.

Finally, it give an appearance of a laid back look, large front tire smaller diameter rear tires. In my view it enhances the chopper look. As you are at the design stage the option of wheel size can be decided on now. Then you wont need to raise your guard like I had to to allow for this larger tire. Just my views and yes, mine is a Harley rim.

 

[BattleCry1791]

That's a very impressive looking rig you have there.

As far as white walls go, I've always thought of those tires as something that belonged on classic, classy rides, be they 2, 3, or 4 wheeled.

Indians, Hornets, Woodys, Rolls Royces....those MCs and Autos that needed that little bit of something extra back in the day that helped to define it's status as a classy, upper crust, high end part of the market.

Then came the ratrod, with its demand for a skinny white wall, so that way it harkens back to the classic, but in no way presents itself as classy.

The Freekshow trike, in no way, is to be either. Sticking with all black and an MC tire. I'll need the easier performance of the MC tire given the bizarre and overly long length of the front forks.

But as I said, I'll take all suggestions because nothing has made me had that epiphony where I go...oh, THAT's the direction I want to go in.

 

[kanetruck]

One way to break in tire as in tread is to scuff it with sandpaper not supercoarse and it will not be as slick on the road and you can tell when you ride the 1st time. Was told it was from racing.

k.