Yamaha RSV & RSTD Front tire on Trike

[kj5ix]

Being new to the RSV world, and having done many conversions, but haven't heard back from any of the ones converted except to say WOW why did I wait!! Which is good.

Now if it was a Goldwing I know which tire works good, better, and best.

However for the Venture, I don't have a clue ( Yet ) The tires on the bike when I got it were new, so it will be a while ( I hope ) before I need another. It is a Continental Conti.

What I am asking is: What tire on the front of the Venture is considerer the best for the Trike. Is there size change Etc:
There isn't too much found in the search.

[kj5ix]

It seems that no one has thought of this. <br />
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I was told once that a thiner front tire would improve the handling at slower speeds ( also true for the two wheeler ) however I haven't actually heard from any one that has tried front tire change outs. I know there is considerable difference between the feel of the Venture with rake, and the GW raked. The RSV seems stiff to me, but the tire I have is really huge in width, and also new. I guess I really shouldn't think too much about it until I wear out this tire.

[Papa Zook]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>kj5ix</strong>
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<div class="message">It seems that no one has thought of this. <br />
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I was told once that a thiner front tire would improve the handling at slower speeds ( also true for the two wheeler ) however I haven't actually heard from any one that has tried front tire change outs. I know there is considerable difference between the feel of the Venture with rake, and the GW raked. The RSV seems stiff to me, but the tire I have is really huge in width, and also new. I guess I really shouldn't think too much about it until I wear out this tire.</div>

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</div>I don't think there are many Road Star Venture trike owners here to chime in on that one George. Well there are at least three: denis, jonsey (TriWings) and monkie (Hannigan).

[John Luciano]

not an expert but I don't see Y the same theory would not work on your trike ( beautiful BTW ) . I don't know what size tire is on the front but lets just say for argument sake say it is a 140X80x 21 . See if you can find that same size in a rear tire that is BIAS ply.

[kj5ix]

What is on there now is a 150X80 Continental sport touring Uni-tire ( meaning Front Or Rear ) It is a Wide jewel too that is the biggest problem I think it is almost as wide as a car tire,,,,, It handled good on the highway, not all that herd to steer, but get into a few turns and it will ware you out quick. The last two that I built felt a lot better than mine <img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" /> but I only rode them for 25 to 40 miles too. I rode this one for about 500 before adding the rake, and you talk about giving ya a work out..... There is a little discussion on a Venture Board about people using a 130X80 (or 90 ) on the front. A narrower tire may be the thing. This tire was new when I got the bike, and is wearing well, so it may be a while before I can really find out if a 130 will help.<br />
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To help explain a Uni-tire: Remember in the old days they were marked with two rotational arrows. People forget that in the Honda World, and argue back and forth about running a rear tire in reverse. Here are the markings on my tire.<br />
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<img src="http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo265/kj5ix/Tech%20Tips/triearrows.jpg" border="0" alt="" />

[Papa Zook]

Thats interesting. Ive never seen that on a tire before now. I guess that puts the reverse rotation debate to an end.

[kj5ix]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Bazooka</strong>
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<div class="message">Thats interesting. Ive never seen that on a tire before now. I guess that puts the reverse rotation debate to an end.</div>

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</div>Pretty much: I have been trying to tell people this for a while now <img src="images/smilies/mad.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Mad" class="inlineimg" /> but they get all analytical about the tread pattern, design for this direction that direction. Way in the past most if not all motorcycle tires were marked like the one I have on there now....... <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /> well you know!!!!<br />
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What do you want to bet the debate goes on! <img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" />

[duane43344]

I`m sure the debate/argument will continue..lol..thats people nature lol. But I as well have never seen a uni-tire. Very cool.

[kj5ix]

I guess most that have been ridding sense the first dirt road didn't do any of their own maintenance, and just rode, or they would remember that the tires were Unidirectional,,, Most are still, but not marked or advertised. Its a MONEY thing ya see!!!! Why have three or four style of tires when you can divide them up into front rear, and sale them for more.......<br />
I'm on that box again <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />

[Papa Zook]

I still think those rain grooves are cut into the tire for a reason and probably work better in the direction they were designed for. What does the groove pattern look like on that unidirectional George? Is it noticeably different than the standard threads?

[kj5ix]

Not really, they point down ward like any other front tire. I still have the rear, I will have to give it a look again. I had the same question on the MPA. I will look for the pictures I posted way back in 07...

[kj5ix]

You can see the similarities in the tread direction of a ME-880 front tire and a Pilot Activ on in reverse.

[Dragon Keeper]

A quick $.02 worth on front tires...I'm running a Tri-Wing kit on an '03 RSMV. Before adding E-Z-Steer I got about 11,000 out of a Bridgestone front tire. When it was raked I put on a new one...6000 miles later it was toast....Now I've got a Dunlap rear tire(mounted in reverse of course) and after 13,000 miles it's beginning to cup..Next service (3000 miles from now) I'll get a new Dunlap..Had not handling problems with the tires..and I've done a few miles with it..Rain or shine I have no problems.

[Jonesy]

I got a dunlop thin tire on mine, no easy steer, and don't think I'll put it on. Around 9k miles, which is fine with me, I'll put a new one on in the spring and start over again.

[Cougar]

that would be (4) Cougar RSV Hannigan:woohoo:
Oh and I run Michelin Commanders on the front, doing pretty well.

[rusty1018]

Hi, I'm about to change my front tire for the first time and would appreciate any information, good or bad. Thanks

[berngren]

Mr. Rusty - I don't know if you are running a back tire in the front. If not - you should. You would get better mileage from a back tire in the front. Look for the front tire measurement (150/80-16) in a back tire size. I bought the Dunlop Cruisermax in whitewall and I have about 11K on them and they not even 1/2 worn. <br />
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It's a hard compound - but it's the best for me to use because of the hot climate here in Texas. Soft compound wears out to fast in heat. Since you're in Utah - you shouldn't have that problem with heat. <br />
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You may have a problem finding the front size for the rear - but they are out there. Just be patient and you'll find it.

The biggest problem you'll have is the manufacturer you may want to buy. (Metzler, Dunlop, Michelin, etc...) Not all of them have the front tire size for the rear. Anyway - I hope this help you some. If you have any question just send me a PM. I'll be glad to answer any question you may have.

[Cougar]

(150/80-16) back tire size Michelin Commander II for my front, (reversed)
I had a Dunlop 404 and it cupped right a way and it sucked.
So far awesome ! Love it.
running 42 lbs in the front.

[bongobobny]

I'm on my second season using a rear Dunlop E-3 and still have plenty to go...

[Lightnen]

Thought I might as well throw my 2c's in as well. I installed a Pireli MT rear tire {reversed} last April and so fare I have 11 1/2 K's on it and my Hannigan loves them twistees .<br />
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Lightnen