Tire Obsession!

[MadMatt]

I have a little wobble after 60mph, was told its my tires. So Ive been looking and it seems the majority of GW 1500 users recommend the Bridgestone Battlax, My problem is I think Im MONK because I really want raised white letters and Id like the brand to match i.e. All Bridgestone or all Dunlop etc. I have 130/7018 Dunlop Elite II on the front and 235/60R15's Kelly MT's on the back now. I may have to bite the bullet and just get the plain black letters, But maybe someone with the same style bike has a better suggestion. Also very confused about the difference between Bias Ply and radial. I just want a smooth stable ride that looks great and is safe. p.s. Not even sure what my bike really is to begin with the vin tells me its a 1996 Honda 1500 Goldwing but I dont know the version or the conversion brand, any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks

[Lee H. Mann]

Matt, Welcome to Trike Talk from West Virginia.

You have a MotorTrike Conversion with linked suspension.

Check your tire pressures. (20psi rear)(38psi front)

See if the wobble fades away.

If the wobble persists check the front tire for uneven wear or cupping and check rear suspension.

Grab the right handlebar and move it briskly back and forth an inch or two each way to see if there is any play in the suspension linkage.

The linked suspension consists of heim joints and rods, sometimes these joints will get worn and cause a side to side wobble. If their is noise present (clicking or popping) try to identify where it is coming from.

You have coil-over shocks and airbags in the rear, make sure the airbags are inflated (35psi).

You can regulate the air pressure in the airbags for the best ride and handling.

[CrystalPistol]

PRETTY TRIKE!

Yep, Motor Trike …. and it doesn't take a lot of slack in heim joints to feel a slight sway like low tires would do. Place a hand horizontally from rear fender opening at top with tips of fingers against the tire, then nudge the trike fender with your leg against the fender, any play and you'll feel it as the slack lets the trike move left to right while the tire stays still. Likely hear a clicking too. Doesn't take a lot of force.

Heim joints can often be greased through zerks … but if badly worn, it's too late.

Jamb nuts can loosen over time letting threaded rod ends to rock or move in threads.

There are directions in MT books on service, inspection, & adjustments needed.

I too liked RWL tires on my trike, loved the one's on it, but RWL just aren't so popular anymore. Might take a look at the Cooper Cobra Radial GT & the B F Goodrich Radial T/As. On the front, I tried those bias ply MC rear tires, settled on Avon Cobra Trike Radial for the best steering.

[MadMatt]

I am going to start going thru it next week, Ill probably just want to replace everything thats questionable. So do I need to get my suspension parts from Motor Trike, or do you suggest someplace else? Ive completely restored 6 or 7 bikes in my lifetime, Complete rebuilds mind you. But I feel like I know nothing when it comes to trikes, Thanks for all the help!

[Lee H. Mann]

I am going to start going thru it next week, Ill probably just want to replace everything thats questionable. So do I need to get my suspension parts from Motor Trike, or do you suggest someplace else? Ive completely restored 6 or 7 bikes in my lifetime, Complete rebuilds mind you. But I feel like I know nothing when it comes to trikes, Thanks for all the help!

You can find quality heim joints on-line. You have 2 different sizes I believe, 1/2" and 3/8".

They are fine threaded and in both right and left hand thread.

Usually the arm that connects to the top of the rear axle is the culprit.

You also have washers or spacers that need to be reinstalled too.

[MadMatt]

So I guess I have to decide Radial or Bias ply?

[Lee H. Mann]

Radial is all most people use today on the rear.

It provides better traction and smoother ride.

[MadMatt]

You can find quality heim joints on-line. You have 2 different sizes I believe, 1/2" and 3/8".

They are fine threaded and in both right and left hand thread.

Usually the arm that connects to the top of the rear axle is the culprit.

You also have washers or spacers that need to be reinstalled too.

[MadMatt]

Looks like I have the original shocks on a 1996 Motor Trike, Think maybe I should replace them while i have it apart? If so what shocks are recommended, any other suggestions are greatly appreciated