Any thoughts on Ground clearance on the RTL?

Grouchy said:

Excuse my ignorance, I'm going to ask a lot of questions on this forum.
So, in the Goldwing world, running a car tire (dark side, it's called). Dealers will not mount them, nor will car tire dealers.
Is that an issue with the Spyder? I get no one wanting to mount a car tire on a two wheeler, but with 3 wheels and no lean angles I don't think it's a liability issue, unless there are other design consideration im not aware of.

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It's Not called 'dark side' on Spyders, cause Spyder rims are J style, and car tires are J style bead. So they are a proper fit. Kenda tires are labeled "for special motorcycle use only" cause of their cheaper construction to NOT hold weight of a car!

Grouchy said:

Excuse my ignorance, I'm going to ask a lot of questions on this forum.
So, in the Goldwing world, running a car tire (dark side, it's called). Dealers will not mount them, nor will car tire dealers.
Is that an issue with the Spyder? I get no one wanting to mount a car tire on a two wheeler, but with 3 wheels and no lean angles I don't think it's a liability issue, unless there are other design consideration im not aware of.

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There are tons of threads addressing this question. Though debated in an atmosphere of unnecessary drama and confusion. The simple reality is that the Spyder (contrary to the wording molded into the tire) runs on car tires. Yes, so lightly (or poorly) constructed, depending on your point of view, that they would be dangerous if mounted on an actual car. Hence the motorcycle warning sighted above.

So, a good quality, properly sized 'Car' tire is a safe and excellent option to the OEM Kenda's. 10's of thousands have experienced the improved ride and handling produced by installing car tires. But it is not enough for some. Which brings us to 'Each to his own' and a choice left to the consumer.

Grouchy said:

Excuse my ignorance, I'm going to ask a lot of questions on this forum.
So, in the Goldwing world, running a car tire (dark side, it's called). Dealers will not mount them, nor will car tire dealers.
Is that an issue with the Spyder? I get no one wanting to mount a car tire on a two wheeler, but with 3 wheels and no lean angles I don't think it's a liability issue, unless there are other design consideration im not aware of.

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Grouchy,

The Spyder actually runs car tyres, not motorcycle tyres, mounted on a J type (car) wheel rim. There are a huge number of riders running aftermarket car tyres and there has never been a recorded issue with insurance in an accident. However, only you can make the call as to whether you are comfortable with your insurer.

If you take your front tyres into a car tyre shop, they will fit non Kenda tyres as they recognise the rims as car rims (especially if you buy the tyres through them).

There are a gazillion (well, maybe a billion) threads discussing this, with much of the conjecture simply being hot air, but the actuality is that there has never been a recorded insurance issue. But that doesn’t mean there never will be, so the call is up to the individual

Pete

I didn't have any issues with insurance when I was rear ended on the way to OC bikefest and the whole swingarm assembly had to be replaced.

CloverHillCrawler said:

I didn't have any issues with insurance when I was rear ended on the way to OC bikefest and the whole swingarm assembly had to be replaced.

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It is always good to hear these first hand experiences, rather than theoretical waffle, Clover. Thanks for the feedback

Pete