spacesaver spares

To post a pic, you can simply copy and paste.  Or you can upload a pic using the "Attach Files" tool at the bottom of the thread.  But you need a few more posts under your belt before the forum software will allow it.

I've never used a donut tire.  The only guy I know who's tried it is CCJon.  The #1 drawback is the lack of tread depth, like 3/32 or 4/32 even when new.  Drawback #2 is that they are stiff as hell since they take like thousand PSI (well, OK, 60psi).  But if your suspension is OK, well then stiff is good on a sidecar rig, isn't it?  They tend to get rated with a high load index of 1500 lbs or more, so obviously the carcass is tough enough for sidecar use.  Spare tires don't get a UTQG code, so I don't know about traction or mileage expectations, but that's something you can discover through usage.

The one thing that worries me is the lack of a temperature rating.  Most spares are marked not to exceed 55mph or so, and I'm thinking the reason for this might be because they don't dissipate heat very well, so are subject to overheating, or degradation from repeated overheatings.  But this is just conjecture on my part.  I really don't know.  But that's not a minor consideration.

Mounting difficulties and bead sealing will be trial and error.  Do some experimenting then let us know what you find out.

That said, I wouldn't suggest experimenting on a 1500-lb Goldwing rig doing 500 mile days at speeds approaching light.  But for your rig staying under 60 mph and staying under 1000 lbs loaded with passengers and gear, it certainly is an interesting proposition.

Thanks for the thoughts,

I will be giving these the test. I'd like to hear from CCJon and get his impressions and if he felt his experience was a positive one. I knew I couldn't be the only one to have thought of this.

I don't know how to spend a PM, if you talk with him, please send him toward this thread

Posted by: @sidecars-ally

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Thanks for the thoughts,

I will be giving these the test. I'd like to hear from CCJon and get his impressions and if he felt his experience was a positive one. I knew I couldn't be the only one to have thought of this.

I don't know how to spend a PM, if you talk with him, please send him toward this thread

 

Our PM setup is getting a rework.  While it is getting a chassis tweak, and shock upgrade you can reach members through a post by "at-ting them".  So for instance to get your attention I would go something to the affect Hi Dean (@sidecars-ally)....  For Jan's attention you would @jan-2.  This string is right below our user name. 

Since I've just done this, it should send an email to both of you that you've been mentioned in this post, and Jan can reply to your question on Space Saver tires. 

Hope it works out for you.

Thanks to everyone calling my attention to this thread.

I experimented with the space-saver tires of a KLR sidecar setup. I built that sidecar with an aluminum cargo box to haul all the camping, food prep, extra fuel, tools, clothes, etc for a ride around South America.

Actually, I mounted two space-saver tires on two different KLR rigs.  Sold the first KLR with a used car tire donut as I decided that KLR was not reliable enough for SA. SO said just buy a new bike and stop trying to get that old red thing to run right. In reality, I think she was tired of hearing me cuss / swear / yell at that worn out piece of junk.

As soon as I bought the new KLR, I mounted a new space saver tire. I knew that it would be the perfect high mileage rear tire for a KLR rig, no high speeds, no heavy loads, good traction on both pavement and gravel roads, would be long lasting and replacements could be found worldwide.

It had no adverse handling issues.

Had no problems mounting the tire with hand tools and a liberal application of tire lube.  The first space saver tire was found on Craigslist for $25.  I forget the exact tire size used. The second tire was bought new, as now I knew they would fit the KLR rim and tire clearance was not a problem.

Side note: whenever I had a clearance issue putting a rear wheel with a car tire back on a bike, deflate the tire so you can wedge it in. Then reinflate the tire once it is on the axle.

Put on 1600 miles on the new rig before riding it to Miami, FL. to be shipped to Bogota, Colombia. Riding mainly interstate highways at 60-65 mph. Had no problems with the rig or the tires.

Unfortunately, I had a non-riding accident in Florida that terminated all plans for South America. The KLR rig was trailed back to Texas. After several months, I decided that my future riding plans would be long-distance pavement in North America, so I sold the KLR rig.

When sold at 3000 miles +/-, the space saver tire showed no sign of wear. 

Yes, the tread is not deep on a space saver, but you are not going to be chewing up rubber with a 650 cc sidecar rig. No burn-outs, no rock climbing, no excessive loads.

Would I mount another space-saver tire on a 650cc sidecar rig? Absolutely with no hesitation. It costs less than an MC tire, gets more miles than an MC tire, has better traction and can be found almost anywhere.

Want to give it a try and save money? Look for a used space-saver tire. When I say used, I mean they are mounted on a steel rim, which you can resell on Craigslist after dismounting the tire, but was never actually used on a car.

Hope this helps you decide which way you want to go.

CCjon

Well, there ya go Dean!  Great info from CCjon.  Now don't leave us hanging.  If you go this route, come back and post up a reply to this thread to tell us your experience.

Thanks for the follow up.

I appreciate the help and insight, I knew I couldn't be the first person to think of this.

The tub is at the seamstress getting fitted for the tent, and the chassis got mounted to the bike yesterday. Once it's all together and painted I'll try to post some photos.

Dean, be glad to offer any answers and suggestions on making your set up an ideal sidecar rig.

CCjon