84, 85 tecate guff [Archive]

OZQUAD44

11-04-2015, 10:09 AM

Hi guys, it's been a long time since I started a topic on 3ww, so be gentle.....

I'm just in the process of getting my 85 tecate back into life and I was wondering what front tyre people would recommend. Usage will consit mostly of dune riding, with the odd jaunt on hard packed sand. I am looking at the kenda front max, but I was wondering if there were other choices about.

Im planning on running 20x11x10 turf tamers on the rear, I've had two sets of lightly scrubbed TT sitting in the shed for a few years which I have been saving for this build.

P.s. Back in the day, there was an article about the 84, or 85 tecate in dirtwheels, and for the test they had one of the rear tyres on the front. Does anyone know what the back ground to that story was, and why the photo shoot had the rear tyre on the front?

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jb2wheels

11-04-2015, 02:58 PM

I've had 5 first gen Tecates in the past few years and ran stock fronts on all. Tecate fronts seem to last forever and mulitply like rabbits. I have 2 or 3 extras now...

I have a Front Max on my 85 250R and it works fine.

You could try a 22x8x10 GBC Dun Tracker or Kenda Dune Runner for giggles.

I have an 84 project now and I've been thinking about buffing the knobbies off on of my extra fronts for a dune tire.

I wonder if Skat Trak would make a front runner (smooth or mohawk) on a 22x11x10 carcass?

I guess if I had to buy one it would be a Front Max.

onformula1

11-04-2015, 03:42 PM

Skat Trak will make it for you, I have had custom work done may times.

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OZQUAD44

11-04-2015, 05:51 PM

More interested in a knobby type tyre, purely for aesthetic reasons. But having said that I'd still like the thing to carve a nice line, I'd be disappointed if it pushed in the turns. My front tyre still has good tread, I'm just a little concerned about the age of the tyre.

Even though I never had any issues with the the way my 87 tecate turned, I always felt the original tyres had gotten too hard over time an weren't biting in as well as they would have when new.

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roll on 3

11-07-2015, 11:30 AM

The front tire last forever, it just never has contact with the ground.

OZQUAD44

11-07-2015, 11:31 AM

Yes that's most likely true

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OZQUAD44

11-07-2015, 07:03 PM

barnett468

11-07-2015, 07:41 PM

Any one got an answer to this question. Back in the day, there was an article about the 84, or 85 tecate in dirtwheels, and the pictures in the magazine had one of the rear tyres on the front, and the front tyre on the rear. Does anyone know what the back ground to that story was?

I actually dd all the development testing on all "The TECATE...The Most Powerful 3 Wheeler In The Universe!" and I never saw or heard of that . . All the bikes we gave to the magazines were box stock, so if it had different tires on it etc, they did it on their own which would be odd because the whole point of a magazine testing it is to see how it works as a box stock bike . . If they start changing tires or silencers etc, it defeats the purpose of the test.

Also, since there was only one front tire, it would have two different tires on the rear if they did that, therefore it doesn't make any sense to me but I suppose that anything is possible.

I will post some tire info in a little while or you can look at the front tire thread in this forum by phantomtracer.
.

.

OZQUAD44

11-07-2015, 07:49 PM

Barnett, It defiantly happened, I used to have the magazine and it erked me every time I read the article ( and as a tecate tragic, I read the article a lot). I just can't recall if it was dirt wheels or 3 wheelin. Unfortunately my copy of the magazine is long gone.

BTW Being they they did it on an 84/5 model the tyre size, 22x11x10, was the same front to rear, so the only difference was the tread pattern.

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barnett468

11-07-2015, 08:19 PM

.
1986 Tecate tire thread

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/176275-Front-tire-recommendations-for-86-kxt

kenda max 23 x 8 x 11

http://www.pureoffroad.com/kenda_front_max_atv_tires.htm

http://asset.lemansnet.com/edge/k/2/8/K284.png?x=381&y=381&b=ffffff&t=image/jpeg

Cheetah Tires HP577cf 23x8.00-11, coming available this Nov.,$89 each HP577cf 23x8x11

http://www.hpcheetahtires.com/

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222647&d=1444652698

barnett468

11-07-2015, 08:25 PM

.
ok, i see you are looking for 85 tires so these wont help much unless you buy a 86 . . i'll be back in a while when i'm hopefully more coherent.

barnett468

11-07-2015, 09:17 PM

.
heres some potential suspects . . check the ply rating . i would use ply rating 4.

22x11x10 duro desert/x-country hf244

http://www.amazon.com/Duro-HF244-Desert-X-Country-Tire/dp/B000GTYGSC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1446943790&sr=8-4&keywords=22x11x10+atv+tires

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41IjHJgThWL._SY355_.jpg

22x11x10 kenda klaw k533

http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-K533-Klaw-Tire-22X11-10/dp/B008K58BX0/ref=sr_1_163?ie=UTF8&qid=1446943598&sr=8-163&keywords=22x11x10+atv+tires

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41T6pGZi8vL._SY355_.jpg

22x11x10 kenda max a/t k284

http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-K284-Front-Max-Tire/dp/B008K58NME/ref=sr_1_118?ie=UTF8&qid=1446943381&sr=8-118&keywords=22x11x10+atv+tires

http://guideimg.alibaba.com/images/shop/88/11/20/8/kenda-k284-front-max-general-purpose-atv-front-tire-22x8-10_1036818.jpg

22x11x10 kenda max k284

http://www.compacc.com/p/kenda-k284-front-max-tires

http://www.compacc.com/images/product/300/45232_1.jpg

22x11x10 sti tech

http://www.amazon.com/Full-Tech-22x7-10-22x11-10-Tires/dp/B00BV8189C/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1446942935&sr=8-34&keywords=22x11x10+atv+tires

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41t24ObW%2BnL._SY355_.jpg

22x11x10 kenda dominator k300

http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Dominator-K300-ATV-Tire/dp/B005D2CP26/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1446942663&sr=8-29&keywords=22x11x10+atv+tires

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z2RGbt8mL._SY355_.jpg

OZQUAD44

11-07-2015, 10:50 PM

Thanks Barnett, I appreciate your responses, but I have to mention that people have to be a little wary of manufacturer tread designs on tyres, and by that I mean the tread design changes with the tyre size. For example The Dominator comes in a rear and steer type tread, per the pictures above . So when you step up to the wide tyres 11" they are referring to a drive only tyre, which would look goofy on the front of a sport trike.

I have looked at all those tyres on the net, but because no one stocks these types of tyres in Australia I can't check the tread designs in person. That's why I was hoping someone who may have replaced their 85 tecate front might be able to show me what they used.

I am leaning towards the front max as it is the only steer type tyre I've seen fitted pictures of in the 22x11x10 size.

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OZQUAD44

11-07-2015, 11:04 PM

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/mecH--I501wsp-JYXbKsKKVu87LiPFHkJTCoemCiSWSXmKVVM-3PsrShIQ1EQteriK49YImswEa5YzTnRechHndFfrhZVoESt6FJ xHaKQLg=w443-h332-nc

The tyre looks good, but I think it's NLA

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barnett468

11-07-2015, 11:12 PM

.
ok, the duro and all the kendas are front or interchangeable front and rear and are the exact tread pattern you will receive in the 22x11x10

the front sti techs are actually 22x7x10

although the last tire i posted is the exact tread pattern you would receive, i'm guessing it is a 6 ply.

i have been shipping vintage muscle cars to australia for around 25 years and am aware there are several guys in australia that ship parts in upon request . . if you need stuff shipped in, i can see if i know of anyone in your area, otherwise you could check on the internet for someone.
.

OZQUAD44

11-07-2015, 11:14 PM

barnett468

11-07-2015, 11:38 PM

.
The tyre looks good, but I think it's NLA

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/mecH--I501wsp-JYXbKsKKVu87LiPFHkJTCoemCiSWSXmKVVM-3PsrShIQ1EQteriK49YImswEa5YzTnRechHndFfrhZVoESt6FJ xHaKQLg=w443-h332-nc

That looks like a tread that Dunlop would make . . These Dunlops below and the Kenda Max standard front tire I posted above are the closest to that pattern.

KT391

http://www.atvtires.com/media/tires/large/dunlop-kt391-atv-tires.jpg

KT511

http://www.atvtires.com/media/tires/large/dunlop-kt511-atv-tires.jpg

KT311

http://www.atvtires.com/media/tires/large/dunlop-kt331-atv-tires.jpg

KT171

http://www.atvtires.com/media/tires/large/dunlop-kt171-atv-tires.jpg

OZQUAD44

11-07-2015, 11:55 PM

Sorry I was posting those links as you were responding to me. I get what your saying about the duros, and the kenda front max. But I have yet to see any of those other kendas, the 284 or the 300, in a steer tread at the 22x11x10 size. And the claw is not exactly steering material. That's not to say they don't exist, I've just never a seen one.

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OZQUAD44

11-08-2015, 12:08 AM

Jinx.... Posting at the same time again.

Yeah, none of those dunlops come 22x11x10. A 22x9x10 may work I suppose. But that size is rare too

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barnett468

11-08-2015, 02:12 AM

Jinx.... Posting at the same time again.

Yeah, none of those dunlops come 22x11x10. A 22x9x10 may work I suppose. But that size is rare too

yes, i knew they didn't come in that size unfortunately . . i only posted them to show the similarity in tread design.

where in oz are you?

barnett468

11-08-2015, 02:43 AM

.
.........https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/mecH--I501wsp-JYXbKsKKVu87LiPFHkJTCoemCiSWSXmKVVM-3PsrShIQ1EQteriK49YImswEa5YzTnRechHndFfrhZVoESt6FJ xHaKQLg=w443-h332-nc

If you can use a 22x9x10 then how about one that looks exactly the same? . . it is also a 4 ply.

http://www.amazon.com/DI-K167A-KT761-TIRE-FRONT-BLACK-22x9x10/dp/B00JDQ1KW4/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1446964006&sr=1-5&refinements=p_4%3ADuro

.................................................. ......http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjczWDE4NQ==/z/f0gAAOSwI-BWKSGz/$_35.JPG

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA1MFg3MTg=/z/fasAAOSw3ydVvENa/$_57.JPG
.

OZQUAD44

11-09-2015, 09:05 AM

jb2wheels

11-09-2015, 09:55 AM

I like the fatter tire so I vote Front Max.

But I ride dunes 99% of the time so I like the flotation of the big tire.
The Tecate is too much work for trail riding.

OZQUAD44

11-09-2015, 10:03 AM

Most the riding I will be doing is on sand, do you think the front max is the better tyre for that application?

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OZQUAD44

11-09-2015, 10:08 AM

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/09/84b1b6cef4d5d977e1d13b3bbbdd1d1c.jpg

My parts I had on Order arrived today

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OZQUAD44

11-09-2015, 12:41 PM

I actually dd all the development testing on all "The TECATE...The Most Powerful 3 Wheeler In The Universe!" and I never saw or heard of that . . All the bikes we gave to the magazines were box stock, so if it had different tires on it etc, they did it on their own which would be odd because the whole point of a magazine testing it is to see how it works as a box stock bike . . If they start changing tires or silencers etc, it defeats the purpose of the test.

Also, since there was only one front tire, it would have two different tires on the rear if they did that, therefore it doesn't make any sense to me but I suppose that anything is possible.

I will post some tire info in a little while or you can look at the front tire thread in this forum by phantomtracer.
.

.

Barnett, the magazine was dirtwheels, October 1983. First test kxt250. Back tyre on the front, front tyre on the right rear. See the picture enclosed

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/09/80379e25959674e540c2df03682e1c2e.jpg

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jb2wheels

11-09-2015, 02:09 PM

Great picture of the wrong tires! Figures - it was "Dirt Wheels" - I remember they were a distant #2 behind "3Wheeling" back then.
Although it probably doesn't matter and they all used the same OEM provided trikes for testing.

Where did you get the new Maiers - ORI? ZMP? other? Were they expensive to have shipped?

Most the riding I will be doing is on sand, do you think the front max is the better tyre for that application?

A longish "answer" with a lot of opinions.

I'm cheap so I think the best tire for what I'm doing is the one I already own so I think the old stock tire is the best ;)
I think the Front Max is the only viable option in the 22x11x10 size. If you have to buy a tire
I think the size and weight (ply rating 2-4-6 etc) are more important. I prefer the 2PR if possible.
I think the Front Max spits up a lot of sand - the bottom of my 85 250R is very clean.
I think front tires don't matter too much.
My 350X has an ancient Nankang on it and it works fine in the sand.
My 200Xs (2) had Cheng Shins on them and they worked fine in the sand.
My multiple Tecates (all 85) had stock fronts in various stages of wear and all worked fine in the sand.
I can't tell a difference. I just ride them.
I want to try a smoothie in the sand just for giggles to see how it performs. Mostly more less sandblasting of my trikes. Since I counted 4 fronts in my back yard this weekend I'm going to buff one myself.

OZQUAD44

11-09-2015, 02:22 PM

Re dirt wheels, yep 3 wheelin was a far superior magazine back in the day. They said nothing about the mix up in the article, and it always did my head in. Like we're they that daft that they didn't even notice?

I used to cherish every issue, which in Australia cost a lot back then. I've still got a stack of my 80s dirt wheels and 3 wheelin magazines.

Shipping for the plastics was around $160USD, from ZM performance. They arrived right on the dot, and are great quality. I need to buy a new tank now that the fenders are nice and new.

I can't wait to get my 85 tecate going, I'm really curious to see what It's like. I've got an 85 ATC250R, until recently had an 87 tecate, and have spent a little time in the saddle on a couple of 85 Tri z's. So I've ridden the big three, but I'm guessing the 85 tecate with its high mount radiator, and fat front tyre is a different beast and I can't wait.

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cochran

11-09-2015, 02:27 PM

I have the Duro KT761. Looks great on the front. I would highly recommend it.

OZQUAD44

11-09-2015, 02:30 PM

I have the Duro KT761. Looks great on the front. I would highly recommend it.

Are you able to post some pictures of your bike with the duros on? Does the narrow tyre on the wide rim ever cause you any dramas?

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jb2wheels

11-09-2015, 02:58 PM

I can't wait to get my 85 tecate going, I'm really curious to see what It's like. I've got an 85 ATC250R,

I had my 85s (350X, 250R, T3) at the dunes a few weeks back. Riding the Tecates always makes me appreciate the R more.

To be fair, I bought the T3 on the way to the dunes and the suspension was complete trash - no/minimal damping on either end, leaky fork seals, etc.
Also chain and sprockets should have been in the dumpster, well worn rear tires, and the brake pads soaked on both ends (fork oil front, I think brake fluid rear).
I sealed up the exhaust leaks (at the cylinder and the pipe/DG silencer merge), verified it had an air filter, and tightened the shifter up while waiting for the rain to stop.
I rode it like I stole it off and on for 3 days. It ran great. Started easy, no smoke, etc. Totally reliable. Very impressive.

And, being green and only having three wheels is an attention grabber anywhere it goes. Especially parked next to a friends NICE '84 T3. It's rare to see a pair of them together anywhere other than a planned group ride.

barnett468

11-09-2015, 04:24 PM

Most the riding I will be doing is on sand, do you think the front max is the better tyre for that application?

I would use the A/T max I posted which has the straight lugs

barnett468

11-09-2015, 04:31 PM

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/09/d260e84e74466f4017b3fab291c312d7.jpg

Here's another picture I found online, so what do people think? Front max in 22x11x10, or something like this fitted to a wider rim?

that is definitely not the same tire as the one that was on the other tectate whose photo has mysteriously disappeared.

the duro is the exact same tread as the other tecate was.

barnett468

11-09-2015, 04:34 PM

Most the riding I will be doing is on sand, do you think the front max is the better tyre for that application?

The a/t max i posted is . . Also, a few people here have it and ride in the sand and love it.

OZQUAD44

11-09-2015, 07:25 PM

that is definitely not the same tire as the one that was on the other tectate whose photo has mysteriously disappeared.

the duro is the exact same tread as the other tecate was.

Barnett, Yes post 21 and post 22 are different tyres, but along the same theme. That being relatively narrow tyres 9 inch wide, fitted to a 10 inch wide rim. Both look good IMO, and I was curious about how people found them in practice.

I acknowledge that the front max, or the stock tyre are going to be the best application in the sand given the flotation they would provide. I've decided to run the stock tyre up front for my first outing in the dunes and Se how she goes.

I am interested to hear from you about the dirt wheels article, did you have a read of post 26, do you recall why dirt wheels ran the rear tyre on the front of the kxt for that test.

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Red Rider

11-09-2015, 08:04 PM

...why dirt wheels ran the rear tyre on the front of the kxt for that test.According to the parts fiche, the 84 Tecate uses the same wheel at all 3 corners, yet a slightly different tire up front. If Dirt Wheels didn't mention switching the tires around, my guess is, that's the way Kawasaki delivered it to them, and it was assembled wrong.

barnett468

11-09-2015, 08:25 PM

I am interested to hear from you about the dirt wheels article, did you have a read of post 26, do you recall why dirt wheels ran the rear tyre on the front of the kxt for that test.

Holy crap...just saw it...somebody's retarded.

http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/l/laughing/graphics-laughing-867787.gif

onformula1

11-09-2015, 09:23 PM

Barnett, the magazine was dirtwheels, October 1983. First test kxt250. Back tyre on the front, front tyre on the right rear. See the picture enclosed

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/09/80379e25959674e540c2df03682e1c2e.jpg

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Kawasaki, let the good times roll! :lol:

barnett468

11-09-2015, 09:39 PM

.
From the same Magazine.

"Part of the Tecates fine handling comes from the unique tire/wheel arrangement.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=210825&d=1424753104

Het Barn...why didn't you think of that?

http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/l/laughing/graphics-laughing-867787.gif

barnett468

11-09-2015, 09:56 PM

.
Here's another one of their astute observations.

"The front end feels just a little heavy in the steering..."

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=210827&d=1424753131

Gee...I wonder why that is retard!

http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/l/laughing/graphics-laughing-867787.gif