Forum

[Graham43]

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?

[papasmurf]

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.

[Chris [Stockport]]

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

[papasmurf]

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.

[papasmurf]

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.

[Graham43]

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.

[papasmurf]

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.

[sofiaspin]

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.

[Graham43]

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!

[Adam]

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.