Front tire wear after installing a trike kit

[Cecil K5LO]

Okay, I have looked for this subject in the search and have not found anything which helps. After installing a Hannigan kit on my 2009 LT, I have found that the front tire, a Metzler 880, is showing abnormal wear. After about 6,000 miles, it is wearing right down the center of the tire. The treads are almost gone. Of course, the sidewalls will not wear because there is no leaning. I have heard that some have retrofitted a flat profile car tire on the front. Seems to me that this could be a bit tricky. I would appreciate any input on this subject. Thank you all.

 

[pcombe]

I run a rear tire (the exact same size as my original front tire) turned (backward rotation) on the front of my trike.

I don't need side flex and the rear tire is made of much harder rubber. It handles just fine in all weather and road circumstances and I have 25,000 miles on it.

I am just now thinking of changing it out.

I get a bit stiffer ride on the front end but not nearly so bad as to get me to do things differently, I am running a Dunlop elite.

 

[Cecil K5LO]

Why backwards???

Okay, thanks for that. But, why mount the rear tire backwards. I have read this off an on and have never had an explanation as to why the rear tire should be mounted in reverse.

 

[Recycledteen]

The belts are installed opposite on the tire body due to the directional torque of the rear tire(driving force) being opposite of the front tire(braking force). Therefore you will be using the rear tire as a braking force only which is why you put it on backwards.

 

[Cecil K5LO]

Now that is the best explanation that I have ever heard. Makes perfect sense. Thank you.