I recently purchased a Stella w/ a cozy sidecar. The Stella is a replica of a 1960's Vespa. My problem is i went through my back tire in less then 1,000 miles on the scooter and now have to replace the tire on my sidecar at 1,200. Both tires are heavily worn in the center and less on the sides of the tire. I think I have some setup problem, but my dealer seems to think I don't. I wanted to see what type of tire wear is "normal" on a sidecar set up, and what heavy wear in the center indicates. Any information will help. Thanks.
Heavy wear in the center would cause me to think over-inflated. Try dropping the pressure down a little.
Does the "heavy wear" on both tires have distinct scrubbing evidence?
Does there appear to be an uneven wear pattern on one side or the other of the center groove or grooves of the tires?
If this is apparent, you have a major alignment problem along with the overinflation. Usually this is caused by excessive toe-in or a toed out condition.
The direction (left or right) of rounded edges on the treads or a "feathered edge on the other side of the grooves will indicate which direction the car is being pushed or pulled.
Lonnie
I have 8800 on a pair of Metzlers 880's that my mechanic said looked like they could go another 8500 at 8500. Doubt that, but 10K or more is doable. Will be going to straight auto tire for the rear and another Metz for the front with they do wear out. Until then, 42 lbs front and rear and off we go.
The thread is re; Scooter combo
Stella/Cozy rig.
Don't think that is Metzeler 880 material.
Until I got all of my alignment issues sorted out, and it took years, tire wear was awful. Getting a thousand miles out of a tire is most difinitely an alignment problem. I have found that the best tire for my use is the Metzeler block K sidecar tire. It has a flat profile offering more surface area contact with the road. I have what I feel is perfect alignment or at least as good as I will ever get it and tire wear is even on both the bike and the sidecar. With that said, I get six to seven thousand miles out of a tire. The sidecar lasts a bit longer than the rear on the cycle. Sometimes I can be a little over zealous with my cornering which is a thrill but does contribute to tire wear. The low mileage compared to a solo bike is just one of those concessions to having a sidecar. When I set up my rig, I had no one to help me and knew no one who had a sidecar. It was all trial and error which to some degree is what anyone setting up a sidecar will go through. I do not think that there is a perfect setting that will work with every rig. Handling and tire wear are the key factors in determining whether alignment is correct. If you are riding and struggling to keep the machine tracking straight down the road, there is probably an alignment issue. Other factors enter in including the crest of the road and the torque of the engine especially if it is a horizontal twin like my Beemer. The weight of the sidecar and whether there is a passenger also affect the handling. Setup is all about comprimise. In my experience if you can ride straight down the road using only fingertip pressure on the bars, you are most likely alligned properly. I have only my R75/5 Bender Florin rig to reference as I have no experience with any other rig. But I do have over thirty years experience with the above. Good luck and keep tweaking.
I just ordered my first Ural today and of course very interested in all of this... specially tire wear! I ride a GS1100 (BMW) and ordered the Ural with the TILT option... would'nt that option "make" less tire wear as one has the ability to change the tracking at any speed and any camber?
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/gallery/1204831/1/56374414
After 47 years of solo riding... I have 6 weeks to do a lot of reading and years to come of more learning!!!... when will this stop!!!
Be well... Ara
