Went to the darkside

[Casher50]

Three days ago I got new "Dunlop car tires" put on the front of my 2011 RT. So far I like them a lot. I have ridden about 100 miles since the tire change. Steering is more precise and handling is better(holds up better in curves) compared to the original Kenda motorcycle tires. Anyone tried this on your Spyder? What are your results?

[BajaRon]

Car tires are only 'The Dark Side' on motorcycles. You already had a car tire on your Spyder. Your Spyder came with a very thin, light duty car tire from the factory. You just upgraded to a much better car tire.

[Bob Denman]

Ron is right...
The Kendas only say "For motorcycle use only" on them, because the D.O.T. would have a fit if they thought that a "motorcycle" manufacturer was putting automotive tires on their reverse trike.

[SpyderSkeets]

Are there any special requirements/adjustments when you put on non-OEM tires? Or can you just slap the tires on and go?

[Casher50]

Ron is right...
The Kendas only say "For motorcycle use only" on them, because the D.O.T. would have a fit if they thought that a "motorcycle" manufacturer was putting automotive tires on their reverse trike.

I'm glad because I was a bit worried that Nanny might have a problem with the new tires. I fact, I did get a Check DPS error once since the change. It cleared and has not reappeared.

[Highwayman2013]

Are there any special requirements/adjustments when you put on non-OEM tires? Or can you just slap the tires on and go?

Not a problem with similar sizes.

[BajaRon]

Ron is right...
The Kendas only say "For motorcycle use only" on them, because the D.O.T. would have a fit if they thought that a "motorcycle" manufacturer was putting automotive tires on their reverse trike.

Exactly Right!

BRP needed the Spyder to be qualified as a 'Motorcycle' because that exempts the vehicle from a number of DOT requirements. Everyone knows the Spyder is not a motorcycle. But they had to categorize it as something, and it certainly is not a car. The Spyder tire is technically not 'legal' on a motorcycle either. Because it is, in fact, a car tire. That is why they call it 'Going to the Dark Side' when installing a car tire on a motorcycle. Though obviously, no one is enforcing that.

It's all legal maneuvering and CYA labeling to get the best of all worlds. 'A rose by any other name' comes to mind here.

Are there any special requirements/adjustments when you put on non-OEM tires? Or can you just slap the tires on and go?

Despite all the back and forth by owners and the confusing advise plus posturing/labeling by BRP (designed to avoid DOT requirements and red tape). There are no special requirements, adjustment, or etc., when installing a real car tire on a Spyder. You're simply swapping out a very poor quality car tire for a much better quality car tire.

Of course this assumes you're not changing diameters by more than +or-5% or so (which can also be true for any car/truck).

[Roadster Renovations]

We are running Federals on the front of both bykes and the RT has a whopping 40,000 miles on the Michelin Hydroedge on the rear.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

What is needed is for car tire manufacturers to be willing to test and certify their tires as being suitable for highway use on 3 wheel vehicles, which wouldn't require much at all. But then they would need to somehow label the tire something like "Suitable for non-leaning 3 wheel vehicles." The label would meet the NHTSA regulations for tire labeling, dealers would be free from liability for mounting them, and we would all be happy, except of course, Kenda. But then the tire mfr's would then be free to jack up the prices for the specially labeled tires! There is no easy win!