Forgive me if this has been discussed before. Due to the fast wear on my rear tire, I am looking for a way to extend the life of my rear tire. Since I have the sidecar and it is never to be removed, I figured a car or truck tire would work on the drive wheel. My logic is that since the bike doesn't lean into corners anymore, I don't need a tire with the side tread for that purpose. Has anyone used a car or truck tire on their bike? What were the results? Is there anything I should be aware of?
You might want to chack the archives.
This subject has been thrashed here for years.
Lonnie
You can also take a look at The Dark Side Forum about running car tires on bikes.
"http://forums.delphiforums.com/DarkSiding/start"
Thanks guys! It looks like I should have done my research. I will have to start searching. Meanwhile, if anyone feels strongly about the subject one way or the other, I'd like to read your opinion.
I have not mounted it yet, but I have a car tire (175/60-16) to mount on my 1500 Goldwing with California Sidecar. When I get it mounted I will post how it is working. Will also be installing new triple tree and Progressive springs. Trouble is the weather is so nice right now I don't want to park the bike long enough to do the work. Bound to be a rainy weekend soon and then I will be more inclined to get to work. LOL Meantime I am enjoying the ride after a long white winter.
KYHarry - 3/2/2010 10:52 AM
Forgive me if this has been discussed before. Due to the fast wear on my rear tire, I am looking for a way to extend the life of my rear tire. Since I have the sidecar and it is never to be removed, I figured a car or truck tire would work on the drive wheel. My logic is that since the bike doesn't lean into corners anymore, I don't need a tire with the side tread for that purpose. Has anyone used a car or truck tire on their bike? What were the results? Is there anything I should be aware of?
Was thinking along the same lines, but have found numerous roadblocks and hoop and rims to jump through, but still the search goes on. Looking to mount a car tire to our Ultra Classic as we will be running the Champion escort full time. And I am having a heck of a time finding a spare tire for the hack 145SR13 . Good luck in your search.
turtleman
Turtleman57..........I had the same issue with the hack tire. Federal makes a 145/80-13 to fit. I am sure there are other manufacturers as well. Layed the new and old tire over and are the same diameter.
As mentioned above, there are car tires that will fit on a Harley rear wheel. The problem is making sure that the belt will clear the tire. As long as the car tire fits the wheel bead and isn't significantly wider, you will be OK.
We've searched far and wide for a car tire that will fit a 16" x 3.5" Harley wheel, Yokahama discontinued the only tire we could find so we ended up getting a custom 15" wheel made. I misplaced the contact info, maybe Claude can help there. The set up was well worth the $1500.00 cost in tire life alone. I was going thru a tire every couple of months (Before ALL U EXPERTS chime in about alignment/Dunlops, etc...) I average over 20, 000 miles a year. Bike rides and handles great and I get over 35,000 miles out of a $40.00 tire. I should have done this along time ago...
Jane1450 - 3/3/2010 6:14 AM
We've searched far and wide for a car tire that will fit a 16" x 3.5" Harley wheel, Yokahama discontinued the only tire we could find so we ended up getting a custom 15" wheel made. I misplaced the contact info, maybe Claude can help there. The set up was well worth the $1500.00 cost in tire life alone. I was going thru a tire every couple of months (Before ALL U EXPERTS chime in about alignment/Dunlops, etc...) I average over 20, 000 miles a year. Bike rides and handles great and I get over 35,000 miles out of a $40.00 tire. I should have done this along time ago...
I won't talk about alignment, Dunlops, etc. I'll just remark that $1,500 is a lot of money for a wheel.
The bottom line for me is that I don't use my rig in dedicated mode and I don't do 20,000 miles a year.
For you, it's probaly a good deal.
I have not tried yet...so I really don't know... but from what I have read...it looks like it's just a machined adaptor and a centerline wheel ($135.) that makes up the conversion...Is there something more?
I know several fine machinests that would make an adaptor for way less money.... What am I missing ???
Joel
jrapose - 3/3/2010 9:28 AM
I have not tried yet...so I really don't know... but from what I have read...it looks like it's just a machined adaptor and a centerline wheel ($135.) that makes up the conversion...Is there something more?
I know several fine machinests that would make an adaptor for way less money.... What am I missing ???
Joel
Exactly. I think it's a fine idea to have a dedicated machine with a special wheel. It really doesn't have to cost that much.
Yes... I have seen several "home made adaptors that look first class....it just does not seem to be that much machine work... Maybe I am wrong...but it sure does not look like brain surgery...
Joel
(Before ALL U EXPERTS chime in about alignment/Dunlops, etc...)??
Wow! Feeling a bit defensive Jane?
You might be referring to Frank Tarzian for the wheel conversion. Claude (Expert) does have his contact information since he doesn't have a website.
Lonnie
Ex (has been) spurt (a drip under pressure) lol
I change tugs too often to afford $1,500. wheels.
