I have been running a 2002 roadking with a california sidecar about 2 years now the best I can get out of a rear motorcycle tire is about 4,500 miles. I don't take the sidecar off because I have another touring bike if I need it.I wonder if there is a tire to get better mileage without doing a lot of modifications.
With proper sidecar alignment you should be able to get up to 6K on your rear HD tires (depending on how agressive a driver you are).
A police tire should last longer. I believe it's a Dunlop 402.
Some HD shops may claim they can only mount it on a police rim but that's hogwash. They're just trying to sell you a new wheel.
Lonnie
You might look at your side car alignment and increase the pusher's tire pressure. How's your driving style? Aggressive driving will reduce tire mileage . Can you get a car tire on it? They usually last longer.
Dave
I tried different alignments !.25 and 1inch it feels the best at about 3/4inch toe end I run 40 pounds air in rear tire but we run with my granddaughter in sidecar she wieghs about 120. I weigh about 200 and my wife about 130.
I've run Dunlops and Metzelers on my '02 FLHT for a full rainy winter, Bremerton Wa shipyards, night shift, 150 miles/day round trip.
Softer Metzelers with lower mileage well worth exceptionaly better handling than were stiffer Dunlops.
The Metzelers are great for the rainy Puget Sound area but the harder tread Dunlops will outrun them even though the Metzeler Marathons have a deeper tread pattern. Softer rubber makes for better hold in the wet. Harder works longer in the hot and dry.
Lonnie
If you really want decent mileage from a rear tire simply convert to a 15" car wheel/tire. Around $1500.00 for complete conversion and 45,000+ mile tire life from a $35.00 tire. I could justify the expense just to shut my husbands mouth up from replacing a tire every 3 months...
i have a 15" car rear wheel on my current 2007 ultra- over 10 k on a 145/15 Michelin tire and it is about half worn...
the regular bike tires i used before made me nervous after 4500 miles or less
to
anyone know who handles the conversion or what 16 inch tire may work
Would a "classic" tire such as an Excelsior 500/525-16 tube-type tire work?
Per http://store.cokertire.com/500-525-16-excelsior-blackwall-tire.html - it is recommended for 3.5" rims with 26" overall diameter vs. 25.7" for the Dunlop MT90B16. But the width is only 4.12" vs. 5.2" for the Dunlop?
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
IT might I will check that out
