Car tire on motorcycles - an opinion

[cactusjack]

Okay guys, don't shoot me - I am only the messenger here. This is a transcript of a letter in the May 2009 edition of Motorcycle Consumer News and the response from the editor. I am only passing this along for your consideration.

Car Tires On Motorcycles

I would like to know your opinion on using car tires on motorcycles. I vaguely remember reading about it, but I can't remember where. Was it in MCN? If so, what issue? I've checked all my back issues, to no avail. I'm missing March and May 2008. I'd like to research the subject very well before acting on it.

The reply:

We did address this a year or two ago. It is very simple: Just don't do it! Car tires are not designed for the leaning and side loads generated by motorcycles. If you don't believe me, call a few tire manufacturer tech lines or visit the Q&A sections of their web sites. With the exception of sidecars and special sidecar conversions, there is absolutely no safe or proper way to use a car tire on a conventional motorcycle.As Forrest Gump said, "That's all I have to say about that."