Been a while and now I got a tire question

[RobTheHillbilly]

I know it's been a while since I've been on here and that comes from having too much work to do and the wife having some health problems. But all is good now she is getting back in shape and work has slowed some what for me now so I can back to riding and visiting on here more.
My question is, and if it has been asked before point me in the right direction, what type of front tire will give me the best wear and the most miles? I currently have a Spitfire on my 86 SE-i Motortrike and it has lasted about 8000 miles. I know that isn't a lot of miles but I run about 40 - 42 psi since I don't have a rake kit. I just noticed yesterday that it is down to the wear bars in the center. I was looking at getting an Dunlop E III but after reading a few threads I don't know if that would be the right choice. I have also seen a few threads on using a rear tire on the front. Got too much info rolling around in this empty head and need help getting it all sorted out.

[Gold Rush]

Hey Rob.

I can't say I've seen anything about tires on an '86 before but I can't believe there would be any difference between that and newer trikes.

Most guys run either the Michelin Pilot Activ (MPA) or Bridgestone Battleax (BT-45) with 40 lbs of air. Both are rear bias-ply tires and run really well as front tires on trikes.

There are different schools of thought regarding mounting in reverse rotation or not. I do and have had good performance this way. Several of the tire manufactures actually recommend reverse rotation.

[John Luciano]

Neither tire you mention will be better wear.. I agree with Gold Rush. What size tire do you have on the front?

[RobTheHillbilly]

It's a 130/90x16. I was looking to get one that is a harder compound, because I'm running a higher air pressure, so it will last longer. 8000 miles don't seem like a lot to me even though I know a trike will be harder on a front tire than a 2 wheeler.

[Gold Rush]

It's a 130/90x16. I was looking to get one that is a harder compound, because I'm running a higher air pressure, so it will last longer. 8000 miles don't seem like a lot to me even though I know a trike will be harder on a front tire than a 2 wheeler.

Bummer... I don't think the MPA or BT-45 come in that size. I'd suggest you look for a good rear bias ply in your correct size and try that.

Let us know how it all works out. There may be others in your same situation.

[mhgoldwing]

First, agree with the MPA or BT-45 suggestion; or whatever rear bias ply you can find that will fit. The rear tires have a broader, flatter profile that a normal front.

I see you live in Bluff City, Tn. If you are constantly riding the twisties your tire mileage will decrease dramatically as our do here in northen Arkansas. We're lucky to get 11-15K out of a front because we are constantly "scrubbing" them on the twisties. The guys riding flat lands or long sweepers will double the mileage.

[RobTheHillbilly]

Thanks you all for the help and advice. I am looking at the BT-45 and it looks like a good tire. As Gold Rush said about the rotation, would it be better to run it backwards?

mhgoldwing, I put up a short video of mostly what I like to ride. We have US421, The Snake, here but after riding it a few times with no rake on the trike it makes me want to speak with an Austrian accent ( you know....Ahnold "I'll be back"). 489 curves is a lot of back and forth on the old shoulders and elbows.

[Gold Rush]

Hey Rob.

You mentioned in your original post that you are running a Spitfire. Do you know if that is designed as a front or rear tire? I found this source for a rear and from what I see it might be OK. The only thing I see that's iffy is the tread pattern would not shed water very well in reverse rotation so I'd mount it straight. Here's the link... http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

[Lunchbox1983]

You want to put a rear motorcycle tire on the front of a trike. Mount it forward or reverse the wear will not matter. The Piolt tire is a good one but be sure it is a rear tire, you should get 25,000 miles on a trike on flat land.

[Gold Rush]

Am I missing something or is everyone ignoring the fact that nobody seems to sell a 130/90x16 BT-45 or MPA? Why are we continuing to discuss this option for Rob when it is NOT an option.

The key factory you need to be looking at Rob is that it's a rear bias ply tire, is the correct size, has the speed and composition rating you need. Unless someone has a better idea I really think that Spitfire rear tire I gave you the link to is a good bet. It's a dual composition tire with good speed rating, bias construction and you can get it in the correct size to replace the OEM tire on you '86 Wing.

[RobTheHillbilly]

What I have on there now is a Spitfire 11F 130/90x16 67H. I am glad you all told me about running a rear tire on the front.


Gold Rush, I found the BT-45V @ Rockymountainatvmc.com.

[Gold Rush]

I stand corrected and must eat crow. Seems the &quot;Big Guys&quot; don't always offer all that is really available. <img src="images/smilies/trike 1 smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Trike1" class="inlineimg" /> <img src="images/smilies/trike 1 smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Trike1" class="inlineimg" /> <img src="images/smilies/shrug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Shrug" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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Rob, I like the BT45 but others say the MPA is better. Have you found it in the correct size yet? <br />
<br />
You won't go wrong with the BT45 for sure...

[don graham]

I'm running the BT45 on my 07. My dealer said he always installs them with the reverse rotation. They seem to ride very well. I know one guy on a 2 wheeler that has 30K on his BT45 on the front.

[RobTheHillbilly]

Well DANG IT! I was all ready to order the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 V from Rockymountainatvmc.com and they are out of stock till June 4. So I checked Jakewilson.com and guess what.......................out of stock till June 4. But when they get back in stock it's free shipping.

I really do appreciate all the help, I had never thought about using a rear tire on the front. Learn something new every day.......

[don graham]

I ordered mine from a company called jwgraham.com .

[RobTheHillbilly]

I ordered mine from a company called jwgraham.com .

That takes me to a jewelry web site, unless they sell tires on the side