Hitchcocks Forum

All you who own a RE 500cc single sidecar outfit and use Avon Triple Duty 3.5 x 19" or similar tyres - simple question what tyre pressures do you use?

Depends how big your wife is. Seriously, It does depend on the weight you are going to carry. 26 psi all around is a good start.

I use between 26 and 28 psi. That's a 500cc Bullet and Watsonian Manx chair. I'd be interested to know your reason for asking..... handling? tyre wear? braking? -Chris

Personally I would try an Avon SM REAR tyre on the front wheel. I have been using that on our Honda CX500/Velorex 700 because it made the steering a lot lighter and I get good mileage.
I recommended that to man the wrong side of 80 who is still riding a Ural outfit and then next time I same him at a rally I thought he was going to kiss me because of the improvement over the usual tyre.

I forgot there may be problems with front mudguard clearance with an AVON SM rear tyre on the front wheel, But not rocket science to overcome.

Sorry Chris - taken a long time to respond. I have girder front forks and rigid frame so tyre pressures help the ride. I started with 18 psi front and 25 psi back and now have 25 front 30 back (sidecar empty papasmurf but not noticed a great difference so I will try to be more scientific. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

If you have a rigid frame, personally I would get as wide a rear tyre as will fit, and cut the pressure back to 20 in the back tyre, and see how you go.

Last week I was about to order an Avon SM2 rear for the Bullet classic - and fortunately the Avon rep was in the shop. I complained about wear on Roadrider (3000 miles only) and said to boost mileage I had put tyre pressure up to 34 at the rear - big mistake as its optimum setting that minimises centre wear is 29. This information is on the Avon website and it pays to have a look at what the manufacturer recommends. On my 38 rigid Velo pressures are around 19. So 20 is probably a good start but perhaps somewhere early 20s might extend wear whilst still providing a ride quality.

Thank you - very helpful advice. Off topic I know but just been to the plot on the sidecar - 8.30 Wednesday - coolest I have been all day!

Forgive me for being The Devil’s Advocate here but does fitting a rear tyre to a front wheel not render you liable to a nick as the tyre is being used for a purpose for which it was not designed. I seem to remember there is legislation about such stuff. I reckon your insurers would run a mile if you had a claim with the bike in that condition. It’s a little bit like fitting a directional tyre the wrong way round. I hope I’m wrong.