I have read a bit about using an automobile rear tire on sidecar rigs. I would really like to try one on my rig. My current rear tire is a Bridgestone 160/80-16 G702 touring. My main concern is getting an automobile tire with proper clearance for my Goldwing.
I would really appreciate any help with the exact tires which would fit my rig without any clearance problems.
Thanks!
Paul Grant
Paul, I've run car tire on my Valkyrie I/S for about 40,000 before I put the sidecar on. Check out mcdarkside.com Should give you a lot of info. I got tired of spending $200 or more each year for rear tire.
Good luck. Paul Reinbold, Kirkwood NY
Paul; I also have a 1990 GL1500 and I am running a car tire on the rear. I am using a Federal Formoza 175/60-R15. It was a little snug to go in, but fits fine once bolted up. Can get them from Tires-Easy.com http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&Cookie=nextag_Federal&details=Ordern&typ=R-139954&ranzahl=4&nichtweiter=1 Hope this helps.
You can use 500/525-16 from coker. Fits good. It is 0.25" biger diameter then standart, but no problems. Will need inner tube.
Hey Paul
I installed a comtrac 175x75x16 van tire on my Roadstar rig .....
the comtrac has a stronger sidewall than a car tire .... several members of Roadstar clinic are using the same tire on solo bikes with good results ...
you can`t believe the traction and stability it gives to a sidecar rig ....
Mike...
wingit11 - 9/28/2010 9:47 PM
Paul; I also have a 1990 GL1500 and I am running a car tire on the rear. I am using a Federal Formoza 175/60-R15. It was a little snug to go in, but fits fine once bolted up. Can get them from Tires-Easy.com http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&Cookie=nextag_Federal&details=Ordern&typ=R-139954&ranzahl=4&nichtweiter=1 Hope this helps.
I just looked at my post again and saw that there is an error on the tire size. It should be 175/60-R16 not 15". Not sure where my head was at. LOL
Thanks for the reference. I ordered the tire and it has been shipped. I have a few questions:
-Did you use a tube and if you did what size?
-Did you have to realign the car or notice any tracking issues after the change?
-Do you remember if there was a direction arrow on the tire?
Thanks, again,
Paul
Most auto tires don't have, or need directional arrows. Only a few highly special use tires have them.
Lonnie
shakyone - 10/8/2010 12:34 PM
Thanks for the reference. I ordered the tire and it has been shipped. I have a few questions:
-Did you use a tube and if you did what size?
-Did you have to realign the car or notice any tracking issues after the change?
-Do you remember if there was a direction arrow on the tire?Thanks, again,
Paul
In answer to your questions.......
1. No I did not use a tube.
2. I was doing a complete realignment anyway because at the same time I replaced the triple tree with a modified one as well as all 3 new tires and I was not happy with the setup from the previous owner. The only issue I found was I tried to run max air pressure in the rear tire and it acted kind of squirmy. Reduced the pressure to about 36 PSI and is much better. Probably not a bad idea to go through your setup anyway as the rear tire is a little smaller in diameter from stock.
3. Like Lonnie said.........There is no directional arrow on most car tires. You will only find direction on high end performance tires and they will be referred to as unidirectional.
Hope this helps
Larry
