Valkyrie trike question

[Mike in AR]

I asked this question over the weekend, thought I would ask again. I recently bought a Valk trike that has a Michelin pilot 150/70/17 on the front. My brother also has a Valk trike, with 150/80/17 on front. We went on a short ride, and the difference in my odometer and his was about 2.5 miles (we only went approximately 40 miles. Mine showed more mileage than his.) My question is, what brand and size of tire have others used on the front of their Valk trikes? Seems like if I keep using this tire, my ride is gonna show more mileage than it actually has on it. TIA

Mike in Ar

[John Schmidt]

The circumference of the 150/80 is nearly 3 3/4" larger than the 150/70. That means it will turn the speedo drive less resulting in fewer miles.  Revs per mile for the 150/80 is 762.53, revs for the 150/70 is 798.18. The tire your brother has...150/80/17 is the stock size for the Valk.

[Mike in AR]

John, I understand the difference in the tire size makes. I'm just wondering what others are using, and if I used, say a Dunlop E III 150/80/17, how would it affect the handling of the trike? Since I would be steering, instead of leaning, how would the E III respond in a curve or turn? I guess what I'm trying to ask, is there one size and brand that is better than the rest when it comes to a trike?

[John Schmidt]

At first I'd get either a 6 deg. or even an 8 deg. set of triple trees to kick that front tire out for better handling with a trike. Then go with the larger tire which should make it steer easier with less strain on both you and the front end of the trike. Overall handling should improve noticeably then.

[larryh0841]

I have two Valkyrie Interstate trikes and use stock size Metzler 880 tires on them.  Do not  use radials.  Trikes tend to push the front tire on curves and the radial sidewall is more flexible than the bias ply tires so they are not as stable on turns.  I also use Daryl's 8 degree triple trees on both of them.  I had a 6 degree setup on one of them but, when I built the second one I tried Daryl's 8 degree on his advise.  There was so much improvement that I replaced the 6 on the other trike with and 8 from Daryl.  Do not use the E III.  I had one on the last bike that I converted and took it off.  It is nearly new.  If there is anyone that wants it they can have it.  I live in Michigan.
                                                               Larry

[Mike in AR]

Larryh0841, thank you. This trike has a 6 degree triple tree, which I have no problem with. Have you tried anything besides the Metzler 880, or the E III? I believe the Metzler 880 is what my brother is running on his. It sounds like you really enjoy them.


Mike in Ar

[The emperor has no clothes]

I know a lot of the GW trike guys run the Michelin Pilot Activ rear on the front. I'm using it on my 2 wheel I/S and like it well, but have no experience with trikes.

[Mike in AR]

Does it not affect your odometer on the I/S? It has the odometer on my trike, also an I/S. It shows that I have traveled farther than I actually have. That is the same tire I have on the front of the trike.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Does it not affect your odometer on the I/S? It has the odometer on my trike, also an I/S. It shows that I have traveled farther than I actually have. That is the same tire I have on the front of the trike.

I know it is slightly smaller in diameter than a stock tire. But to be honest I've never accurately measured the difference in mph or miles traveled. Maybe I should but I've never been concerned about it.

[LBValk]

I have a roadsmith trike/2000IS.  It came with Kumho KH16  P215/55R16  91H  M + S rear tires.  Need new ones, any suggestions?  These did not last as long as I would think a rear tire on a trike should last, 38,000.