I apologize in advance if this topic has been worked to death, but I am unaware of earlier posts on the subject. I have been a member of the USCA for a number of years but this is my first time on the website. My BMW '88 R100RT is the tug for a purpose-built sidecar rig with a Ural car, an R-80 lower-geared rear end, a Parabellum windshield, and a British Unit/Earles-type front fork. I have just installed a sidecar-specific 18" Avon rear tire and am looking for a sidecar-specific front tire with a flatter tread for the front, which currently has a Dunlop 100/90-18 MC 56H on it. Avon doesn't make an 18" sidecar-specific front tire. Metzler and Heidenau both make sidecar-specific tires but I am having trouble finding out which in either make is recommended for the front. Any experience/suggestions?
Use an Avon 18" on the front.
Lonnie
Thanks Lonnie. Does it have to be mounted reversed?
The Avons I have used were 19inch. Metzler makes nan 18 inch.
Both are dedicated sidecar tires, The Avon is a front only type, I don't know if you reverse the Metzler or not.
I have seen BMW with the same model of Metzler on front and back and sidecar, all 18 inch.
You have two good options for this. Metzler makes their block K in a 4:00 18 and Heidenau (www.heidenautiress.com) also makes a tire in the same size, Both flat profile. I have ran the Metzler but not the Heidenau. The Metzler is speed rated to about 80mph, It does not seem to last any longer then other tires but it does give you better braking traction. I spoke with the general manager of Heidenau tires at the BMW national rally a few weeks ago. The seem far more interested in the sidecar market then Metzler ever has.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
866-638-1793
Looking for recommendations for front tire with longevity. Have a dunlop K70 3.25/19 on front of Royal Enfield and at 2800 miles the tread is pretty worn down in center of tire. I attribute this to the K70's soft rubber and extra weight of sidecar during braking. So any ideas for longer lasting front tire for this rig? Not a lot of choices in this size. Thanks, Al
Avon and Metzeler have K Block flat tread sidecar tires. One has an 18" one has 19"one.
Lonnie
I looked at both tires mentioned above, decided to stay with stock tire for now till something else comes up, being; those 2 tires are bias tires not radials. Im not chancing my life or anyone elses , the Goldwing is way to heavy for those tires to be up front. I talked to a Honda dealer about them, he said he would not trust a bias on front. Maybe a lighter bike itll be ok. its easier to change a tire, rather than grow new body skin.
No, the Goldwing is to heavy and these tires are to tall for a Goldwing. There is nothing not safe about bias ply tires, most bike run them. The original question was not asked about a Goldwing, it was asked about a BMW R100RT, Much lighter bike that has room under the fender for these tires. Also on the Goldwing, these are tube type tires, you would be hard pressed to find a tube that has a valve stem that will come out the hole in the Goldwing rim due to its angle. I have seen the block K mounted on a GL1500 with out a tube, (it leaked) and as the tire expands at speed it rubbed the in side of the front fender when at speed. Not a good idea.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
No, the Goldwing is to heavy and these tires are to tall for a Goldwing. There is nothing not safe about bias ply tires, most bike run them. The original question was not asked about a Goldwing, it was asked about a BMW R100RT, Much lighter bike that has room under the fender for these tires. Also on the Goldwing, these are tube type tires, you would be hard pressed to find a tube that has a valve stem that will come out the hole in the Goldwing rim due to its angle. I have seen the block K mounted on a GL1500 with out a tube, (it leaked) and as the tire expands at speed it rubbed the in side of the front fender when at speed. Not a good idea.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
