Tony,
First off thank you for these Forums, they are a great help.
My question deals with rear tire issues on my wifes Silverwing Scooter with the 12" wheel kit. I've noticed that the rear tire is wearing unevenly, just the center contact area, a no brainer of course as the bike no longer "leans" but rather stays vertical all the time.
Do you know of anyone with these kits doing it , or see an issue, in using a "dark side" (auto tire) replacement when time comes for a change? The bike will never be used in two wheel mode again, she loves the kit, and I know "real" trikes use auto tires in the rear so I do not think it's a big deal but your the pro.
In researching I've found the Sumitomo 165/70TR13 seems to be the unit of choice, it fits the rim and many are using it as a replacement.

Thanks

Ed Rogers

While I have not used a auto tire....I think it sounds like a very logical idea...a very good idea. I have fielded the question many many times and simply don't know.
The advantages are:

-Better tire life (because auto tires are made from a harder rubber compound)
-More contact patch with the road...better traction
-Auto tires are cheaper
-more even tire wear

I cannot think of any disadvantages....

Hope this helps...good luck

Tony Molina
Cycle Stuff
615-535-1186
www.cyclestuff.org

i have used the car tire on my valkyrie, if you go to a valk meeting/rally lots of them use the car tire.

problems--no one in the area would mount it.... had to do it myself. others have had some luck. loved it - valks eat tires. the dealer had it off the valkyrie hours after the trade in. put on a 90 degree valve stem while you have it off. front and rear. i hate trying to add air with the stock stems.

my burgman rear has about 7500 miles - over 3000 with the tow pac, even without topac it got the flat spot.. check out the burgmanusa site. there is a thread about a new tire with a thicker mid section, to help compensate for that. the front has 15,000 miles on it. will change it next.

the car tire makes sense for trikes, side cars cause of the lack of lean. i liked mine. and it was my intention to do the same with the burman if i do not sell the towpac from my bike. (see for sale ad, here and burgmanusa)

good luck mike