Tires on Trikes

I have seen different comments about using dark side tires. Maybe Gary can answer my question since he has a trike. The trike rear tires are dark side tires, so would it be a good idea to put one on the front? Could this even possibily increase the front tire contact patch? Thanks

wis-rider wrote:

The trike rear tires are dark side tires, so would it be a good idea to put one on the front? Could this even possibily increase the front tire contact patch?

Stallion ( http://www.thoroughbred-motorsports.com
) uses a M205160R16 which is a car tire ... so it can be done.

I am not aware of anyone testing a true Darkside tire on the front ... so it would be an experiment.

It seems the consensus at Trike-Talk.com is to use a good motorcycle REAR tire mounted backwards on the front, rather than a car tire. I suspect that it is because of rim differences. Also, a bias ply on the front, coupled with radials on the two rear is no problem.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/technical/3731-rear-tire-coming-apart-mounted-front-read-1st-post.html

is an interesting thread.

Bridgestone Battalax B45 and Michelen Pilot Activ seem to be popular choices.

:flower:

I am sure car tire would work on front, as Car Tires are used on sidecar outfits....with special rims (EML for one). That is non leaning trike.
Probably nobody makes special rim for SilverWing
Need for special rims=beads on MC tires are different than car tires

I did see a car tire on the front of a scoot at the STO this past weekend. Was not a trike, but did have a dark side tire on a regular scoot wheel. I asked the rider about it and he told me he had no problems at all. I think it was a Burgman. Almost positive it was not a Swing, but honestly, I would not be too alarmed to do the darkside on the front at least for a trial run. I have a new tire with about 1K miles. When time comes for new tire (and I live that long), I will consider the car tire. I have no handling problem with what I have. The only reason I would consider doing the darkside thing is the mileage.

I did ask him who installed the tire for him and he told me it was his shop where he gets all his work done. I don't think it was a Honda dealer. The dealer where I get my work done WILL NOT do it for me. But, Heck, they won't install ANY non stock item. I can get the tire installed when the time comes.

BTW Bill, that Stallion sure looks like a three wheel CAR not a motorcycle. Nice.