Trikes: Anyone running a car tire on the front?

[Karen]

I have a Motor Trike kit on a '99 Interstate with the original triple tree (and standard rake), and am thinking that I could get a lot more miles using a CT in front, since the trike doesn't lean and all the wear is on the center of the tire. First concern is how much harder would it be to turn, given the drastic increase in the size of the contact patch? Second, what about fitting a CT inside the front fender, given the change in tire profile? Thanks for any thoughts, experiences, opinions, cautions.

[Fudd]

I think the common solution is to mount a motorcycle "rear tire" in reverse rotation direction on the front.  In stead of 6/32ths tread depth, you will start with 11/32ths.  This directly equates to much longer tire mileage.

A 130/90/17 is the closest (height wise) to the stock tire, giving an accurate speedo reading.

[Chiefy]

I think the common solution is to mount a motorcycle "rear tire" in reverse rotation direction on the front.  In stead of 6/32ths tread depth, you will start with 11/32ths.  This directly equates to much longer tire mileage.

A 130/90/17 is the closest (height wise) to the stock tire, giving an accurate speedo reading.

   For sure.

2 reasons to mount in reverse rotation:

A) The splice where the tire is put together can come apart with reverse forces.  The splice on a rear tire is made so that acceleration forces don't pull it apart.  Front tires are made the opposite way, so the splice doesn't come apart during heavy braking.  If you reverse the rotation of a rear tire in front, the splice won't come apart in heavy braking.

B) The rear tire reversed in front throws water straight back.  Forward rotation throws water to the sides, possibly causing the rears to hydroplane. 

[Karen]

Wow, thanks for that info, Fudd & Chiefy, I meant to ask about the speedo accuracy, but forgot. That makes absolutely beautiful common sense. Thanks again!

[Karen]

After looking on line, I have questions about bias vs radial, and the difference in load rating from my Avon which is 72, and the replacements, which seem to run around 68. Should I be concerned? TIA for your help. Any particular brands to consider (saw some whitewalls...) ?

[Chiefy]

After looking on line, I have questions about bias vs radial, and the difference in load rating from my Avon which is 72, and the replacements, which seem to run around 68. Should I be concerned? TIA for your help. Any particular brands to consider (saw some whitewalls...) ?

Not sure what to tell you about load rating.  NO RADIALS IN FRONT.  The sidewalls do the hula too much in corners.

AFAIK, the hands down favorite amongst trikers is an MPA (Michelin Pilot Activ) rear tire on the front, rotation reversed.

www.triketalk.com  Great discussion board for trikers.

[Ricky-D]

With regard to your original post: If you can find a car tire that will fit I would suggest to go with it.

I doubt you can find any bias ply car tires anymore - seems like they are all radial. However if you can find a bias ply car tire, that would be the ticket for your trike. Since the front tire on a trike pushes through the turns rather than leaning through the turn. A radial tire will feel a little mushy in the turns unless you have very high pressure in the tire.

A motorcycle tire designed for the rear is perfectly fine for the front of your trike. It certainly would give you more useful miles that a specifically designed m/c tire for the front of a motorcycle.

The tread pattern should be considered when anticipating running the tire in reverse condition. A tread that is designed to get water out from under the tire in wet road conditions may do just the opposite when installed to run in reverse. 

The advantages of a (tread) design to help eliminate aquaplaning far outweigh any unrealized potential advantages in the context of manufacturing processes, tire ply association, and lamination practices when the discussion gets centered on the benefits of running a directional specific rear m/c tire in reverse.

***

[98valk]

CT on front of a hack, done all of the time. google hacks or search hacks here. 

http://www.advrider.com/forums/index.php

[Karen]

Wow! You guys rock, thanks for all the inputs and resources. I signed up on triketalk, and there is a thread about how Avon is considering producing a front tire specifically for trikes. that would certainly do it for me; I love my old Venoms and new Cobras, no complaints about handling, just how long they last. Going to do more research on that board to see what else I can find. Thanks again, CA, Ricky and Chiefy, and Fudd, for all the great info!

[3W-lonerider]

Karen..first of all do not go with an MPA on the front of the valk trike..i'm running one right now and will not run another one..
 Is it holding up well, yes it is..but it is much smaller in diameter than a valk tire and will throw your speedo way off.
 I have ran a dunlop k491 elite 2 which is no longer made on the front and a bridgestone BT-45, both bias ply tires..
The bias ply will handle better and make steering alittle easier.
I have searched over the last 5 years for a car tire that would fit the front of my valk..to this day i have found none.
 When i need a new front tire next year i will be going back to the bridestone BT-45.

[Karen]

Thanks, Rick, did some reading about the MPA, and thought it looked good, but had that question as to if it came in a compatible 17 size. Thanks for your thoughts, I'll take a look at the Bridgestone. My Avon will get me through the winter, maybe by then Avon will have come out with some real trike tires (dreaming again). Hope you and Debbie are well, and that she's still enjoying both her Rogues (you & the SUV)

[Fudd]

I've had no complaints with my Kenda K671 Cruiser S/T.  Still looks like new after 5k miles.

[da prez]

Thru Hemmings Motors, I found Coker classic bias ply tires. I did no further research.
             
                                                                                             da prez

[Bad On 3]

Hi i have had a trike from 1999 --goldwings and now my BEAST   99 interstate  i run a mich rear tire in reverse and it lasts 40,000 miles  i dont think you need anymore miles than that  --i run my tire pressure at 33-35 and it rides like a dream !!!  if you run the tire at a high pressure on a trike it hits HARD --i ride with alot of trikes and some run only 30    order the tire the same size as the the oem and your spedo will not change 

[Karen]

Thanks again, guys, I'll be going over this during the winter!