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Using Michelin Pilot Activ 130/70-18 as a front tire
We have a 2012 GW1800 California Sidecar Trike with 7500 miles. The front tire was almost bald. A friend and posts supported installing a Michelin Pilot Activ 130/70-18 as a front tire. After researching the subject and reading many posts and comments I decided to order the Pilot Activ. I picked the trike up today after having the new tire installed. All I can say is a much better ride and easier steering. For the cost versus some other options I'd highly recommend this tire.
Bill
It's the "rear" tire that you used with deeper tread I guess. It'll last a long time, but it may develop a low speed (35-40 or so) buzz like feeling in the handle bars.
I have one only half worn hanging up downstairs now. It wore like iron, and it rode like iron too. I replaced it with a Avon AV-71 Cobra Trike Radial intended for front tire on trikes (discontinued now, it is NO more ….. it was replaced in the line up by Avon AV-91 Cobra Chrome Trike Radial, also sized 130/70 R 18). I like it much better myself.
Make Courtesy Your "Code of the Road" too!
I'll watch for the buzz, might have to drive faster!Originally Posted by CrystalPistol
LOL
May not affect you so much, but I ride a few back roads & state roads with small towns or communities to slow one down a might and the Skyline Drive (SL=35) and Blue Ridge Parkway (SL=35 & 45) a lot. Not a stgranger to higher speeds or interstate, just not my favorite roads. If I lived in Texas for example, where speed limits on many two lane roads are 65-70, & even 75 in places, it'd be a non issue.
The buzz was partly my reason to change (once had a Michelin M-50 too, it never buzzed), but I do like the ride / feel / cornering response of the Avon.
Make Courtesy Your "Code of the Road" too!
My first inclination was to purchase the Avon Trike tire. Being poor (cheap) I decided for the cost I'd try the Michelin tire. If it works all is good if it doesn't I guess I'll have a have worn tire hanging in my garage or I'll make you a heck of a deal and you can have a pair of them to hang up!
Bill
You are not cheap. I installed a Dunlop D404, Rear Tire as a Front Tire. Now that is being cheap. Actually this is my second one. The first one gave me over 18,000 trouble-free miles. I checked the air pressure frequently, kept it about 39 to 40lb.
Ride safe
I got almost 18K out of my MPA. It was a rear tire on the front. Got talked into the Avon Trike tire. Hate it. Hate it etc etc.
When it wears out on its own or from being underinflated. Ill look for another MPA or equivalent.
The MPA had a much softer nicer ride. Stuck like glue in the rains here. Cant say the same for the Avon.
If it were me (it's not), rather than increase the risk of a blowout and the possible harm to me (we have curves here) or mine or others by purposefully running it underinflated, I'd just bite the bullet and swap it off now.
Make Courtesy Your "Code of the Road" too!
That stupid Im not but thanks for your concern.
By the way absolutely no curved roads in So Florida. All straight as an arrow North to South or East to West
Had you read any of the Avon tire posts in the last 2 years or so. A few started by myself. You would have known my feelings on the Avon tire.
I think most have been brainwashed because it says Trike on it.
BTW I do run it at 36psi and its still stinks worse at 40.
A Battle Axe or MPA is a much better riding and handling tire for my needs here in all the rains.
Safe Rides to you …… later ……
Make Courtesy Your "Code of the Road" too!
Jay, same here, I'm no fan of the Avon Trike Tire even though I put over ten thousand miles on the thing and paid the high dollar. I just changed back to the BT45 (rear) before the wear bars. Maybe we are a majority of two here on that 'cause I read of great satisfaction on the Avon Trike tire, I just don't see it. Different strokes as they say.
I don't get it myself. But I liked the ride of the MPA a ton over the stiffness and to me bouncing of the Avon at 40+ psi.. I run mine at 36psi. After 2 + years or so its barely any better to me.
My biggest complaint since my 99 Valkerie has been Hondas front end. It only took them 20 years to finally redesign it. To what I consider a "normal" front end. My Yamaha RoadStars front end is a ton smoother then the GWs. But since a new front ends not in the picture any time soon or ever.
A Battle Axe might just be the solution for me. I don't believe they still make the MPA. But then I haven't looked at a rear for the font of the Wing in a few years.
I run a Kenda rear on the front of my R* with a light truck tire on the rear. Double Dark for the past 25 years or so.
I get new tires for the Yamaha every 25-30K miles. Much better then every 7500-8k.
I just wanted to report in after putting 500 miles on my Michelin rear tire up front. So far no buzz! I like the ride, steering and handling. So for me so far it is a win-win.
Bill
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