Dumb Tire Question

[SilvrT]

Other than size, what would differentiate a front tire from a rear tire??

 

For example, a 130/90-16 tire ... what would make it be a front versus a rear?

[V7Goose]

Mostly it is the tread pattern that is different. The construction of the belts is changed also, which requires you to reverse the tire rotation direction if you mount a rear on the front.

Goose

[flb_78]

The construction of the belts is changed also, which requires you to reverse the tire rotation direction if you mount a rear on the front.

Goose

 

I hear this all the time on forums, but I can't ever recall reading it from a tire manufacturer, particularly in a bias ply tire. I know that in semitruck tires, that Bridgestone taught us that the steer, drive, and trailer carcasses were all the same, the only difference was in the tread pattern that is attached to the carcass.

 

But then again, I haven't done a lot of research into bias ply motorcycle tire technology either.

 

The only reason that I know of to change the direction of rotation is so that the tread pattern rotates in the proper direction for the wheel position.

[straycatt]

Mostly it is the tread pattern that is different.

 

 

Often, not even that.

 

The Dunlop E3 tread pattern front and rear are identical. The front tread pattern is just reversed from the rear. This is also true for the Metz ME880 and others as well.

[V7Goose]

Often, not even that.

 

The Dunlop E3 tread pattern front and rear are identical. The front tread pattern is just reversed from the rear. This is also true for the Metz ME880 and others as well.

This is not true.

 

Here is a picture of a band new E3 rear tire next to a mounted E3 front tire. Although the tread patterns are similar, as most tire brands are (front compared with rear), they are absolutely not the same.

[ATTACH]40919[/ATTACH]

 

Goose

Edited January 30, 2010 by V7Goose
Correct my misstatement that pictures were available on Dunlop website

[straycatt]

This is not true.

 

 

I stand corrected on the E3's, however the Metz are identical. I had them on my Spirit and was amazed that they were the same.

 

I went out and took a pic of my E3's too, but I'll have to look for a pic of the Metzler's.

[V7Goose]

I hear this all the time on forums, but I can't ever recall reading it from a tire manufacturer, particularly in a bias ply tire. I know that in semitruck tires, that Bridgestone taught us that the steer, drive, and trailer carcasses were all the same, the only difference was in the tread pattern that is attached to the carcass.

 

But then again, I haven't done a lot of research into bias ply motorcycle tire technology either.

 

The only reason that I know of to change the direction of rotation is so that the tread pattern rotates in the proper direction for the wheel position.

You may have never read it, but a little research would have quickly shown how wrong that statement is. Every manufacturer seems to have a slightly different take on it, but here are a couple:

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_faq.asp?id=7#faq

http://www.us.pirelli.com/web/motorcycle/tyres/tyres-technology/fitting/tyre_mounting.page

 

As far as I am concerned, the fact that the manufactures actually put directional arrows on the tires is pretty danged strong evidence that the direction is IMPORTANT. In addition, the fact that they create different tread patterns for front and rear tires strongly indicates (to ME, at least), that there is a real technical reason to mount the tires where the manufacturers intend.

Goose

[flb_78]

The tread direction is different from front tires to rear. I understand this. I also realize that usually the tread patterns are opposite of each other so if one was to choose to run a rear tire on the front, they would need to flip the direction of rotation so that the pattern would be similar to a front tire.

 

also, which part is bad information that Im sharing?

Edited January 30, 2010 by flb_78

[Greener]

Modern motorcycle tires are designed for the torque produced by acceleration (rear) and braking (front). To reverse the intended installation position will cause rapid degeneration of tire life and performance (not to mention safety).

[V7Goose]

also, which part is bad information that Im sharing?

Your "bad information" is the implication of your original post is that rotation arrows are not important and that the tire manufacturers do not state you need to reverse the tire rotation if you mount a tire on the opposite wheel from which it is intended.

Goose

[flb_78]

Your "bad information" is the implication of your original post is that rotation arrows are not important and that the tire manufacturers do not state you need to reverse the tire rotation if you mount a tire on the opposite wheel from which it is intended.

Goose

 

I never said that the arrows weren't important. I said that if you use a rear tire in the front, the tire rotation should be reversed so that it matches the tread design of a front tire. Of course the tire manufactures do not state this because they do not recommend running a rear tire on the front wheel to begin with.

[SilvrT]

Well guys.... seems I opened up an interesting topic for discussion here. I now am considerably more educated...thanks!

[tsigwing]

I never said that the arrows weren't important. I said that if you use a rear tire in the front, the tire rotation should be reversed so that it matches the tread design of a front tire. Of course the tire manufactures do not state this because they do not recommend running a rear tire on the front wheel to begin with.

 

If you read what goose posted SOME manufacturers DO state to reverse the mounting if you put a rear tire on the front.

[V7Goose]

Several years ago I was very interested in one of the Continental tires for my RSV - I particularly liked their claim of a dual rubber compound for extra mileage. The problem was that they did not make that tire in 150/80-16 for the front, so I wrote them an email asking for recommendations. They specifically told me to buy the 150/80-16 REAR tire and reverse it.

 

Now here is the interesting part - this tire has a very different front tread pattern than rear pattern, so I challenged them on their response and asked them to explain why they made a different front tire pattern in this series for all other bikes, but said it wasn't important for the RSV? I specifically asked them to detail the handling differences one might expect on the same bike if they changed the "proper" front tire for the same size rear tire mounted backwards. They declined to answer that email and any of my correspondence after that! And I see now that they STILL do not make a 150/80-16 front tire in that series, and VERY ODD TO ME, all other tires sizes they sell in that series are specifically labeled as front or rear EXCEPT the 150/80-16. That tire has the tread pattern of all their rear tires, but it is the ONLY one that is listed as universal fit for both front and rear.

 

That story doesn't prove anything, but it certainly made me distrust Continental and decide to never use their product! They had a chance to answer my questions on the technical merits of their recommendation, but when caught in a questionable stance, they simply decided to run and hide, then change the documentation so you couldn't try to catch them on that same point again. You may read it as proof that it is OK to always take a rear tire and reverse it to mount in the front, or at least "OK" so long as the manufacturer doesn't want to make the correct size front tire for your bike!!!! I personally think it shows a disingenuous company that should not be trusted.

Goose

[SilvrT]

Did a bit of digging/comparing and another thing I've found is that, for example, a 130/90-16 Front tire will have a smaller tread depth than the same sized Rear tire.

[eagleeye]

Not a dumb question at all.

FLB is correct in that if you reverse the rear tire, the tread pattern will then match the direction of the front.

Reversing the rear and putting it on the front is simply a matter of opinion, or what you feel like doing, and as you know, opinions are like, well, you know, and we all have one. (or more)

I stood at a HD dealer down the street a couple years ago and took the same size HD tire, Dunlop 402 MT90B-16 front and rear and stood them next to each other and the tread patter was reversed. Then I took the rear and reversed it and they now were going in the same direction.

But to answer you question, that same tire, same size, it is the tread depth that is the difference.

Front? 5/32", and rear 9/32".

 

And if you are someone who cares about the width of a WW, the rear is wider. (in that tire)

 

Steve