I'm off to Hannigan for a new car install on 8/17. This will be my first sidecar experience. I've got the yellow book, have been lurking here for a few weeks, bought Dave Hough lunch at the RA to get everything from him I could, and have picked the brains of every sidecarist I've encountered. After I get it home from KY (about a 900 mile learning tour, my wife and I are leaving for Spokane and the finisher banquet of the Iron Butt Rally on Sept. 4. So, 5-6K miles will pile up pretty quickly so I have already made a service and tire replacement appointment in Eugene, OR where our son goes to school. The ME 880 on the front is new and the rear should be good for the ride out but I'm thinking replacement of one or both will be necessary when I get to the left coast. What are the options for the LT? At the national BMW rallies this year, I noticed two LTs running Metzler Lasertechs. Why this tire? Is it a better choice than the ME880 for sidecar use? I also saw an LT running a CT on the rear (rim change but I don't know details. . .) and the front was a Michelin Pilot Active 17" 130-70 mounted in reverse rotation. What's that all about? Anyone have suggestions for a shop or two between NY and Spokane where I can get sidecar help if necessary? For the Oregon appointment, should I order up replacement ME880s or have something else in place?
Wayne Edkin
Blossvale, NY
'05 K1200LT
You will have a nice stable rig there which shoudlprovide you will many many miles of enjoyment. Talk to Dave Keese about wheels and tires when you get to Hannigan. I am sure he will be up on what to do for the front tire. Oh and Tell him hello from claude:-)
