Maybe some of you folks with Trikes can help me out. I have posted about this on TrikeTalk as well. I have a 1999 Interstate with a TriWing conversion. This is a solid axle kit that uses the OEM shocks and two air bags. The shocks are original & the machine has 116,000 +/- miles. My wife has complained the last couple of trips that the ride is getting "bumpy". I have noticed that the inside wheel lifts more easily during hard cornering.
(same corners, same speeds on roads I ride frequently) I have not noted any handling issues (tracking, etc) other than the lifting. Varying the pressure in the air bags does not produce any noticeable difference in the lifting, but does affect the ride quality. The only change I made is rear tires. Original tires were General Altimax RT, 205/65 R15. When it was time for new rear tires, about 11,000 miles ago, I went with a taller tire, hoping to lower the RPMs at road speed. The new tires are Kumho Solus KR21, 205/75 R15. Preload on the shocks is unchanged since the new tires. Discount Tire will give me some trade in on the tires if I want to go back to the original size/brand.
So should I be looking for new shocks? Or should I go back to the original size/brand of tires? Does taller sidewall = stiffer sidewall = rougher ride? Does taller sidewall = stiffer sidewall = less flex causing the wheel to lift sooner? Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions welcome. Stan
