New front tire recommendations?

[gonzo]

I have a 2005 Ultra with a Motortrike conversion. The front tire is getting a little thin on the center (where else?). Before it's too late, I am going to start looking for a new front. Any recommendations?

[The Wolf]

Yes..Get another tyre (only joking) I use an Avon Cobra at the moment as I could not get hold of a Pilot Activ.
I also have used Dunlop and a ????880 (forgotten name)
Good luck with your choice:yes:

[CRBandit]

Yes..Get another tyre (only joking) I use an Avon Cobra at the moment as I could not get hold of a Pilot Activ.
I also have used Dunlop and a ????880 (forgotten name)
Good luck with your choice:yes:

That would be thew Metzeler ME880.

[The Wolf]

Well done bandit that is exactly the tyre. I found it great in the wet and good grip in the mountains.

[Nauga Mok]

Get the Metzler ME880 in MU85x16 size -- thicker tread, flatter tread profile, & heavier weight rating + 3/8" wider & yes, it will fit -- that breaks down to 3/16" on each side of center.

NM

[sandrooney]

I like the Dunlop E-3 seems to work great on my wife's trike. I have been using the E-3's on my two wheelers for years and really like them.
SR

[gonzo]

OK, now I've heard the tire recommendations. Is that a rear tire in the front? And if so which rotation direction? Thanks for any feedback. I'm getting close...

[Gorilla]

OK, now I've heard the tire recommendations. Is that a rear tire in the front? And if so which rotation direction? Thanks for any feedback. I'm getting close...

Gonzo I just purchased a rear Dunlop for a HD that was the same size as the stock front Dunlop. Had it mounted backward rotation. 3.5K miles in 8 weeks and it still looks new. It handles better also IMO. (07 Road Glide/Champion)

[Tango]

Tires Directional Arrows Explained By Avon Tyres
Published by Cyril Huze August 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Wheels.

"avontyresBefore we can talk about directional arrows you must first understand a bit about tread patterns. There are many different tread patterns but there is one main reason to have any tread and that is to disperse water. (dust, dirt)

A tread pattern can be designed to disperse more water by making it rotate in only one direction. Thus, the need for directional arrows. The arrow tells you which way to mount a tire for maximum water dispersal. Another, less apparent reason for directional arrows is the tread splice.

What is a tread splice? When a tire is manufactured the tread portion of the tire starts out as a long flat strip. This strip is wrapped around the tire and the two ends are cut on an angle so one end overlaps the other rather than having square cut ends.

This overlapping point or splice offers a bigger surface area to bond together, rather than the small surface area provided by square cut ends. (Imagine gluing your fingertips together, as opposed to gluing along the entire length of your fingers laid on top of each other. Like an angled splice, the overlapping fingers result in a much stronger bond).

To further ensure the strength of this bond along the tread splice the directional arrow will show you which way to mount the tire so that when the rider is “on the gas”; the acceleration force on the rear tire is pressing the splice together, rather than peeling it back.

As for braking, 80 % of the braking should take place in the front on most bikes. Therefore, the front tread splice is run in the opposite direction than that of the rear, so when the rider is on the brakes, he’s not peeling the tread splice back.
If you are using a tire that has a directional arrow for rear rotation only and for some reason you want to put it on the front, make sure it is rotating in the opposite direction so you don’t aggravate the tread splice."

[Shriner Jim]

Now, that splains it better than I've seen before.

[John Luciano]

Do they make a Pilot Activ rear tire the same size as the front tire on the the HARLEY ? most of the Rear tire front tire advice is for the Gold Wing ... Glad to see U HD guys are jumping in on the topic. .

[Casper]

Last GW trike I had I went to a Bridgstone BT-45, mounted in correct rotation, befor that I had a Michelin (sp) mounted in reverse....I could tell much difference in mounting, but the BT45 seamed to handle better...as for the HD, 5500 miles on OME tire and still looks good.

[Saltywheels]

Just ordered a MPA for my 03 GL. Presently shod with a Dunlop Elite-3 Radial. Couldda gone a wee bit longer, but with all this Front tire talk...naw..couldn't wait! Looking forward to a better ride!