Removing rear wheels on Motor Trike Razor for tire replacement

[alwrmcusn]

Specifically what are the steps to removing the rear wheels. My Venture trike (Hannigan) had a center hub cap that was removed in addition to the usual wheel bolts. Does the Motor Trike Razor center cap/hub cap get removed also?

I am asking for my current trike, a 2008 GL1800 with a 2013 Motor Trike Razor conversion.

EDITED: My wife reminded me that the reason I had to remove the center hub cap and nut on the axle was when we replaced the brake rotor, not to replace the tires.

[trike tech]

It would depend on the wheels that are on your bike. If your lug nuts aren't visible & behind the center cap you would need to remove the screw that holds the center cap in order to get to them. That is of course assuming that the wheels on your trike came from Motor Trike, there are several dealers who supply their own wheels & tires that didn't come from MT.

I'd suggest sending a picture of your wheel to tech@motortrike.com to see what wheel you have. If it's one that came from MT shouldn't be an issue in telling you how to remove it. But, if it's one that was done by a dealer you may have to contact the dealer you got the bike from to know what they used for wheels.

[alwrmcusn]

The wheels are standard MT supplied wheels. My questions really are:

1. What is the center/axle nut size and what torque should it be when I put the wheels back on the trike. If I can get that info then I can purchase a socket to fit the axle nut and with the recommended torque I can remove and replace the wheel after the tires are mounted.

My local Motor Trike dealer will not change the rear tires on the trike. I asked why not and he said they build them and they service everything but the tires. Go Figure!

None of the auto shops will change the rear tires on the trike. They must be removed and brought in.

I have called Motor Trike and they assure me that my call and support are priority and that they will call back ASAP. Apparently ASAP has a different meaning in Texas.

So I suppose my only choice is remove them myself and remount them myself. Auto shops will be happy to do the job if I bring in the removed wheels/tires.

JFI: the wheel(s) used is not dependent upon who makes the wheel but on the Motor Trike design specs I believe. Therefore any wheel used must match the lug nut pattern and the axle. Isn't that correct?

[56Elwood]

You also have to be aware of the correct offset (back spacing) of the wheel. Incorrect offset can mean interference between the wheel and the caliper, possible the suspension components too. Motor Trike will certainly have the torque specs available.

[alwrmcusn]

Mark this one solved:

I finally got a tech from Motor Trike who gave me the info I needed.

Seems that only reason the axle nut needs to come off is to replace the rotor. I had to do that on my previous trike but did not recall that being the reason. Old age and forgetfulness I suppose.

Any way I now have the wheels off and in the trunk of the car ready to take up and have the tires installed.

Thank you both for your assistance.

p.s. I should have asked about the offset, because I would be interested in possibly replacing the wheels themselves. Maybe next time.

[jredman]

Mark this one solved:

I finally got a tech from Motor Trike who gave me the info I needed.

Seems that only reason the axle nut needs to come off is to replace the rotor. I had to do that on my previous trike but did not recall that being the reason. Old age and forgetfulness I suppose.

Any way I now have the wheels off and in the trunk of the car ready to take up and have the tires installed.

Thank you both for your assistance.

p.s. I should have asked about the offset, because I would be interested in possibly replacing the wheels themselves. Maybe next time.

I have the Razor as well. Old wheels came of easy. But with new tread the new wheels would not go on. I had to inflate the air ride suspension to about 80 in order to get enough room to squeeze the new tires under the fenders. But mine are 245 R45 17. Monsters.

[alwrmcusn]

I have the Razor as well. Old wheels came of easy. But with new tread the new wheels would not go on. I had to inflate the air ride suspension to about 80 in order to get enough room to squeeze the new tires under the fenders. But mine are 245 R45 17. Monsters.

My Firestone Firehawk tires are also 245/45R17, they went on without too much trouble. Just difficult to single handedly lift the wheel/tire (those must weight 80lbs!) align with the bolts and get 'em slid on. I did not have to adjust the air ride at all.

[jredman]

My Firestone Firehawk tires are also 245/45R17, they went on without too much trouble. Just difficult to single handedly lift the wheel/tire (those must weight 80lbs!) align with the bolts and get 'em slid on. I did not have to adjust the air ride at all.

Super, I agree, those beast are pretty heavy.