Newbie Tire Question

1521 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by englishted, Nov 25, 2004

jsmith24

Discussion Starter · Nov 21, 2004

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Hello again,

I just got this 83 Gl1100 Interstate, and also just picked up one of the Clymer manuals. In the Clymer I saw a section on sidecars and read through just for kicks. It mentions that a standard tire has a "heel" to it so that the bike has more control in banks/leans, while outfitting for a sidecar, one should have a flat rear tire, like you'd have on a trike or car.

Well, I happened to glance at my rear tire today, and it's flat all the way across, not rounded or "heeled" as the front tire is. Should I replace it? The majority of my driving is through the hills and mouhtains of Sevierville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, so there are plenty of curves.

Also, how in the world am I supposed to put air in the rear tire? It seems like I have to be 50% lucky and 50% contortionist!

Thanks,

Jack

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jimchristiansen

· #2 · Nov 21, 2004

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Hi Jack, Absolutely get that tire off! When I was a kid - 35 years ago- I saw a guy go off a Harley that had a square back tire. It wasn't pretty at all.

About the air- You may need a different air chuck for the back tire.

Which brings up a question that I could add here...

I have never used a Michelan tire before and I found these:

Michelin M50 Rear/Front at:

http://www.onoffroad.com

The price is great.

Does anyone have anything to say about this tire?

Thanks, Jim

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Shooter

· #3 · Nov 21, 2004

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As log as you're at the shop mounting new tires, ask the service manager if he'll have a right-angle valve stem installed in the rear wheel. Makes life a whole lot easier on us older riders...

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jsmith24

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 21, 2004

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Thanks for the replies, guys. I thought it was odd that I felt actually "pushed" off the road on a few turns (and I *know* it's not because I'm a bad rider).

Now the big question - opinions on rear tires? I'm not that "sporty" a rider, though on occasion I get a wee spirited.

I'd like something with good rain traction.

Thanks again, guys! I REALLY like the suggestion of a right angle air valve.

Jack

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exavid

· #5 · Nov 23, 2004

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Make the right angle airvalve point to the right so you can reach it with the bike on the sidestand.

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englishted

· #6 · Nov 25, 2004

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A flat car-type tyre is desirable on a sidecar outfit, not just on the back but also on the front as well.

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