Perhaps someone can help.
Is it possible, or recommended, to use a car tire on the rear wheel of a bike used for a sidecar outfit.
I have been informed that this isn't wise but do know of even solo riders using car tires on the rear wheel. Particularly when they have had heavy use of the rear wheel. Tires wearing out quickly. I once had a car tire on a BMW R60s which had a stieb sidecar on. This bike had steel rims and spokes so may have had a different type of rim to hold the tire.
This is holding me back in changing over to a side car outfit again. The persons who adviced not using this type of tire on the back recommended that I should have the wheel changed- at a cost of $1800! If this is true then it puts the sidecar idea way out of my reach.
In the 50-60s the tires then where far more like car tires anyway and using them with rig made little difference to wear.
There are numerous folks that have car tires on their bikes. The question might easier to answer if we knew more information about your particular combination. I've got an 08 1300 VTX with an EZ-Steer triple tree and an Escort sidecar, it's a dedicated sidecar rig, and won't be separated, I've heard that there are some Harley's that can't take a car tire without modifying the belt drive and/or swingarm, for example. There some very good folks on the forum, but they will need to have that type of information to intelligently answer your questions, there is also other things that will make a difference, ie sidecar manufacturer, will it be a dedicated sidecar, or will you be wanting to modify the forks to make steering easier.
Do your homework and these guys will light up your brain with the help they can give.
Doc
The biggest issue seems to be the difference in diameter between a car tire and a bike tire. Yes, 15" wheels are not 15", generally, motorcycle wheels are larger than car wheels of the same nominal size [gee, I hope I got that right]. Here's the best I know, if your motorcycle wheel is 16" or larger AND you have adequate side clearance you can probably mount a car tire. If you have 15" wheels or smaller, chances are you won't be able to mount the car tire on your wheel without damaging the bead on the tire.
So, what bike and what size wheels? Mags or spokes?
Thanks ever so much for the replies.
The bike I wish to use is the Yamaha xjr 1300, which isn't imported to the USA , more's the pity . Great bike with an engine that pulls like a train. Very similar to the Honda GB 1300. The tyre size is 180/55 x17. and on the usual modern alloy rim. I now have to find a tyre that will fit. Any suggestions?
The sidecar I propose to use is the EZS kompak
extreme10 - 6/5/2013 5:00 AM
... Yamaha xjr 1300... tyre size is 180/55 x17....
The sidecar I propose to use is the EZS kompakHey extreme10, there may be some guidance here: http://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=124275
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
... tyre size is 180/55 x17.... 
The FJR was sold in the USA, we have one in here now that we are just finishing up building into a bike that will be driven while seated in a wheel chair in the sidecar. We put a car tire on the rear rim no problem at all.
195 45 17
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
What a forum this is . so much help. . Thanks to all for your help. When I do eventually get the rig together I will certainly post it here.
Thanks again .
Below is a couple of links for information. They call it "Darkside" riding. I use a car tire on my Honda GL1800, both as a two wheel only and now with my sidecar rig. Also as you look at tire pressure recommendations, keep in mind that some tires are Runflat tires, others are regular tires. Generally you can use less air pressure in the runflates, plus if you get a flat you should be able to get somewhere to repair it if needed. On some bikes the clearance is so tight when mounting you might have to let the air out first. I have deflate the tire when mounting on my Goldwing. I let a local tire dealer mount the tire (I carry the wheel & tire in to the dealer), but if you want it balance you might have to then take it to your motorcycle dealer.
http://darkside.nwff.info/?p=tires
http://mcdarksiders.forumotion.com/
