Another Tire Question

[leo3wheel]

Will be traveling to Florida Keys at the end of March, 3,000 miles roundtrip. Have a '09 RSV Hannigan trike with 7,500 miles on it. Wondering if I need to replace the front tire before trip.

The new OEM Bridgestone tire had a thread depth of 9/32". Our front tire now has thread depths of 6/32" center and 4/32" sides. Appears front tire was being run underinflated. Always used Hannigan recommendation, 35 psi front and 28 psi rear. Based on the wear, believe I need to up the front pressure. If I up the front pressure, wonder if original tire will last for my trip? Center is only down 3/32" from the new depth. Hate to throw tire away before its time is up, and weather will be milder when I return from my trip.

Ordered a new AM42 rear tire for front and Ride-On balancer/sealant. These should arrive in a few days. Do you feel the tire replacement is necessary before my trip?

Thanks!

[Memnoch451]

It never hurts to have a good tire on any thing. It's like this..to me:

I don't want to be stranded for anything that I could have prevented. For me that's tires, battery, oil, lights, stupidity or laziness!

Just my .08 cents

[leo3wheel]

It never hurts to have a good tire on any thing. It's like this..to me:

I don't want to be stranded for anything that I could have prevented. For me that's tires, battery, oil, lights, stupidity or laziness!

Just my .08 cents

Thanks for your feedback. Using a new Avon with Ride-On will certainly give me peace of mind. Last thing I want is to waste vacation time getting a tire fixed. Have a feeling the Avon Venom tire is going to give a much nicer ride.

Bugs me that I could possibly make the trip with no trouble, but it is not certain. If I was driving locally, I could get a lot more mileage out of that tire.

Learned a lot from talking with others and surfing the Web. Our trike never felt right on twisties, and I'm starting to learn why. Don't believe the Hannigan tire pressure recommendations are correct for performance. Will up the front pressure from 35 psi to 42 psi if the front tire allows. Going to raise the rear tires to 32 psi on the left and 34 psi on the right. Raising the tire pressures should improve wear and gas mileage. Putting a higher psi on the right rear tire will help correct for the road crown. Ordered a new Avon Venom AM42 rear tire for the front. According to Avon and based on feedback from many, many trikers, will most likely mount rear tire backwards on front to reduce strain on tire belts. Will use Ride-On balancer/tire sealant in new AM42 to reduce chance of punctues, to keep tire balanced, to keep tire cooler and to provide smoother ride. To help with lean of our trike, raised the front fork pressures from 0 psi to 4 psi. This helped a lot with lean on highway ramps. Would also like to stiffen up the rear trike shocks. Hopefully, these improvements will improve the ride, gas mileage and tire wear on our trike.

Guess I've talked myself into changing the front tire...........

[kj5ix]

Raising the rear air pressure that high will increase the center ware on the tires.

[leo3wheel]

Raising the rear air pressure that high will increase the center ware on the tires.

What do you recommend? Thanks!

[rmrc51]

Just for some added information, I keep my rear tires as 20 lbs and the front at 40. I selected these pressures after reading many posts on this subject.

Just for your reference, here's a couple of threads from some GoldWing forums you might find interesting;

Rear Tire pressure on a Goldwing trike

Trike rear tire pressure - Honda Goldwing Forums : Goldwing Owners Forum

[leo3wheel]

Thanks Rich!

Checked tires this morning. Maximum cold tire pressure is 41 psi front and 44 psi back. Hannigan recommends 35 psi front and 28 psi back.
35 psi is too low for front, 40 psi may be better. Found just the opposite with the rear tires. Rear tires show slight wear in middle, and
both tires wearing same. The rears need to be softer. Going to try 40 psi front, 24 psi left rear and 26 psi right rear. Difference in rear
is to compensate for crown of road.

[Veritas44]

Listen to George/kj5ix or call at Hannigan 270-753-4256 ext 224 or 225 about this.

This issue is far from a "which accessory/tire/light should I install" et al type where opinions and advice do not have such dire consequential ramifications. Hannigan does not mind I assure you.

To set the record straight and clear... Feel free to post this forum quote everywhere without fear of getting somone hurt or killed...

Hannigan Motorsports Official Policy regarding Tire Pressures (psi)
per Jim Gooch-Chief Trike Tech HMS
Front: 38-41 psi
Rear: 26-30 psi

Any questions and/or discussion regarding that, please feel free to call the number and extensions above.

[leo3wheel]

Had a nice conversation with John at Hannigan. He cleared up several concerns I had. Guess I'm all set. Anxiously awaiting our new tire.

[leo3wheel]

Had dealer mount a new Avon Venom rear tire on the front of our trike in reverse direction. Trike runs well, so it is a done deal.

[greenSEtrike]

I ride a 2004 GL 1800/Champion trike. I run 40psi in the front and 22 in the rear tires. Tires show very little wear.

[leo3wheel]

Someone pointed out to me that Michelin makes a rear tire that fits the front of the RSV and is $35 cheaper than the Avon Venom I just had installed. Like the looks of the Michelin Commander 2 rear tire and considering using it next time. Hopefully, our Avon Venom will last for a while.

Michelin Commander 2 Tires Rear - Compacc

[berngren]

Leo, both tires are good. I believe most of the goldwing owners use the Michelin MPA back tire for the front. I was reading one goldwing rider got 45k miles on it.

I do like the tire you just installed. I like the tread design. It is great for water. Good luck with them. I do hope you enjoy your trip to the Keys. See you in the Valley in June or in NJ if I got to NY.

[leo3wheel]

Bernie, Could not find a Michelin MPA for the RSV. Went riding two up yesterday, and trike handled great. Takes the Parkway ramps and curves faster than it ever did, and trike feels secure.

Excited about my trip to the Keys. Hope I still have the stamina to go 3,000 miles in 1.5 weeks. If I need more time, I will separate from the group and stretch out my vacation. Time will tell. Looking forward to seeing you this summer! Jeannette will join me for the Valley rally. Maybe we will be able to take in parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Should be a fun year.

Happy triking...........

[leo3wheel]

Just returned from a 4,000 mile trip. Took a look at the Avon Venom Am42 on the front of our trike. It has 8,000 miles on it and no cracks. Tire started with 11/32" tread depth, and still 9/32" at tire center. That's 1/32" wear every 4,000 miles. I like it!

[berngren]

That's good wear Leo - Avon Venom are excellent tires. Is it a front or rear tire you are using?

[Rosy]

Leo,
How is your front tire balanced?
I have beads in mine to keep it balanced and reduce cupping.
Thanks Leo.

Regards,

Rosy
From NH

[Deacon Don]

I have a Roadstar 1700 with a Champion kit. Avon Venom on front and Goodyears on back, What is a good pressure f & b for steering and comfort ?

[John Luciano]

20 rear 40 front....

[Deacon Don]

thanks