Rear Tire On Front Of Motorcycle? Top 50 Best Answers

Hey tres, got some additional info on this from www.superbiketyres.com. CAN MOTORCYCLE TIRES BE REPAIRED?Motorcycle tires must be repaired within the limits of British Standard BS159F. Unfortunately, this does not allow repairs on tires with a Z speed rating or higher. Most of today’s 600cc+ sport bikes are all fitted with Z or W class tyres, so these cannot be repaired within UK standards. A temporary repair can be made to take you home or to a local workshop, but the tire would need to be replaced, the use of sealants is not recommended by tire manufacturers and their use will void any tire warranty. ARE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS IMPORTANT ?Yes. The speed rating of a tire depends on the performance of the motorcycle, so the correct rating must be fitted according to the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to do so could and probably would void all warranty or insurance claims. CAN I MIX TIRES? Yes and no. It’s a good idea to keep front and rear tires as a matched pair. All tire manufacturers recommend this, since the performance parameters of different manufacturers are different. For example, you can mix a BT56 front with a BT57 rear axle. These are both Bridgestone tires but with slightly different characteristics, in layman’s terms the 56 is grippier than a 57 and the grippier tire always goes on the front, that’s an OK mix. A Bridgestone rear wheel and a Dunlop front wheel are not a good mix. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE? Always check tire pressure when the tires are cool. Hot air expands in a hot tire and will give you different readings. Always refer to your owner’s manual to determine the correct air pressure, and adjust for two-up riding or sustained high-speed use if your owner’s manual recommends it. CAN A FRONT TIRE BE USED ON THE REAR? Most tires are designed for either front or rear use only. However, some manufacturers produce tires that fit either front or rear, but these have directional arrows on the sidewall for front or rear use. If a tire is only intended for front wheel use, you cannot mount it on the rear and vice versa for rear wheel use. DO NEW TIRES NEED BREAKING IN? Yes. When new tires are fitted they should be driven approximately 100 km without excessive acceleration or braking, they should then be checked for proper seating on the rim and tire pressure. New tires are slippery. Ignore this at your own risk. Unfortunately we have had customers in the past who ignored this advice and fell off their bike within five meters of our workshop entrance. You have been warned!!! CAN I FIT A WIDER TIRE ON MY MOTORCYCLE? This is not a good idea unless recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer or you have changed wheels. Mounting a wider tire on the same rim often distorts the tire’s natural profile and therefore can cause adverse handling problems. Also, a larger tire on the rear wheel of a bike can make steering slower. DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE VALVE IF I CHANGE THE TIRE? Always replace the rubber snap-in valve when worn and when in doubt always replace with the correct type and with an airtight metal valve cap. DO I NEED TO USE THE TIRES RECOMMENDED IN THE HY MANUAL? Some bikes are very sensitive to different tire combinations, however tire manufacturers test their tires on most Superbike models and can usually recommend an adjustment for your particular model. When in doubt, consult your local dealer, not the guy in the pub. SHOULD MY NEW TIRES BE BALANCED? Yes. Although tires are manufactured to very tight tolerances, there is almost always an imbalance between the new tire and the rim. An unbalanced wheel can cause irregular wear and vibration.

No, if the front profile has a sufficient lifespan, it does not need to be replaced with the rear one. However, if it shows physical damage or is more than 5 years old from the motorcycle tire manufacturer’s date, it should be replaced along with the rear tire. Most experienced touring riders replace the front tire every other rear tire change.

Under normal operation and use, the rear tire wears about twice as fast as the front tire. The rear tire transfers all engine power to the road and supports more than half of the bike’s weight, so a faster wear rate is inevitable. When it comes time to replace the rear tire, thoroughly inspect the front tire and only replace if necessary.

Another reason to change fronts before it’s time is to keep both tires of the same make and ideally the same model. It has been reported that mixing manufacturer’s brands can cause strange handling issues. So if you want to switch to another make/model, you should try swapping the tail first and then decide if the handling is ok. If you’re not willing to swap out the front ahead of schedule to get handling back in order.

01 Are my tires worn out?

Tires are considered worn and must be replaced when there is measurable physical wear. When the tread depth reaches 1.6mm (1/16 inch), it is time to replace the tire. Most tires are also equipped with Tread Wear Indicators (TWIs), which are physical indicators of peak wear. Replacement is required when reached (it may also be a statutory requirement). TWIs are typically a block formed into an open tread section that is flush when maximum wear is reached. Some TWIs are symbols for the tire’s outer circumference – when the open tread reaches these symbols, the tire is at maximum wear. TWIs near the center of the tire are reached first, so not all TWIs are reached at the same time.

A word of warning – continuing to drive with tires that have reached their minimum tread depth will likely be imperceptible in normal driving. However, if you find yourself in rainy or wet conditions, the water may not be effectively removed from the tire’s contact patch – which can lead to very dangerous aquaplaning.

When inspecting tires, look for uneven wear. Continued straight line driving on the highway wears down the tire’s centerline, leaving the outer edges looking good. Although the tire can look good on the edges, once TWIs have been achieved in the center, the tire needs to be replaced, period.

“Scalping” is another form of abrasion. It’s a series of oddly placed wear areas around the tire. A tire with significant scalping is considered worn out, especially if you notice additional vibration. Check your suspensions, this is one of the main causes of this tire condition.

Physical damage such as punctures or cuts must be evaluated. A direct puncture, 90 degrees to the tire surface, can be professionally repaired. These are usually caused by screws or nails and the object remains embedded in the tire until repaired. Damage to the sidewalls or any bevel cuts cannot be repaired, the tire must be replaced. If parts of the tread have become detached, the tire is no longer safe to drive on, replace it immediately.

02 Tires – age limits

Rubber compounds oxidize over time, resulting in loss of flexibility and increased brittleness. Because of this ongoing process, tires have a finite lifespan, whether they are in use or not. Each tire is marked with a “DOT” code – pay attention to the last 4 digits. This code indicates the week and year of manufacture. The format is “WWYY”, e.g. B. 2419 means that the tire was manufactured in the 24th week of 2019. The countdown starts from this date.

A tire manufactured within a year is considered very new by tire standards. The safety limit for tire age is up to 5 years from the date of manufacture. In other words, the tire’s rubber compounds should be in usable condition by this expiration date.

As the tire ages and is more than 5 years old, there is usually little or no visible evidence of the underlying oxidation process. Very old tires are noticeably shiny, hard and may even have sidewall cracks. These are usually very, very old on ‘barn find’, NOS (New Old Stock) course they should not be put up for sale or used on the road.

WARNING – Never ride a motorcycle with noticeably ruptured tires – tires in this condition can fail catastrophically without warning.

03 Motorcycle tire design

Motorcycle tires are expected to perform well in all road and weather conditions. When you consider that your tires make contact with the road on two small footprints, selection and care becomes a top priority. Buy on the basis of the cheapest price or neglect to replace worn/damaged tires because cost is a foolish decision and very likely a dangerous one as well.

Tread patterns, materials and technology have come a long way in a short space of time. Today’s tires last longer and perform better. Materials, manufacturing, and testing science give riders a wide range of reasonably priced tires to choose from, but you need to know the basics before you buy them.

04 tire applications

There are two general applications for road touring, Touring and Sport Touring. Everyone has their own performance requirements and tires to match. While there isn’t a strict separation between these applications – meaning you can use either tire design on either motorcycle design. Just be aware of the limitations and features before committing to it. A third touring sector – adventure touring with a lot of off-road time – requires a completely different tire design. Adventure travel is not covered here.

Touring – designed for direct long-distance riding with overall heavier total loads and often with a passenger. The focus is on a high mileage compound for longer tire life. Typically constructed from a single composite material that is wear resistant and not as agile or sticky due to these design priorities.

Sport Touring – a mix of road touring with a little sportier driving. Fulfilling these dual requirements is often achieved with two rubber compounds in one tire. The center has a material with higher wear resistance and the sides of the tire have a softer compound for better cornering. They tend to be more expensive per tire and don’t last as long as regular touring tires.

Radial versus Bias Tires – Radial tire construction results in a stiffer sidewall, which ultimately results in less flex. Radials also run cooler and may last longer. Radials can be more expensive. The main advantages of bias tires are greater loading capacity, softer handling and generally lower prices. Rider’s reviews of radial and bias tires don’t seem to point to a clear winner, the overall tire design seems to make the difference.

05 Tire selection process

Before you hit the internet or start phoning around the local stores, I recommend you take the following steps. To illustrate, consider a typical large touring bike that needs a new set of tires.

First, write down the exact tire sizes you need. Make a note of it for quick reference – it will be easy to get off track with all the sizes you will be seeing, so have this information handy.

Second – determine what suits your particular riding style and expected conditions. You can prioritize a durable tire, sporty performance or wet conditions, etc. You should prioritize these qualities before beginning the selection process and ultimately spending your money!

In this case, I’m looking for a good all-round tire for dry and wet conditions that performs decently but doesn’t require sporty bike grip. A tiebreak would be expected lifetime.

Third – research and research more. This will be the hardest part – besides saying goodbye to your money. If you are lucky enough to have friends or acquaintances in the touring scene – ask them for advice and what tires they recommend. If their riding style and machine(s) are exactly the same as you, great! If you are stratified and trust the advice, you can search directly for the best price and service.

Prepare to be bombarded with information… some tips

People who sell the tires will of course rate them and advertise them as the best tires ever!

People leaving base ratings may be justified, but if it appears in isolation then it could just be bad luck or a combination of fairly rare circumstances

Pay attention to the date of the review or post, it’s a waste of time researching tires that are no longer available

Motorcycle touring forums can be a good place for more realistic and honest reviews

Look for independent, verifiable, third-party reviews of manufacturers (any links?)

Price – Compare the well-known and “convenient” sources like Amazon and eBay with dedicated reseller sites, they can differ significantly

Do not mix tire brands on your motorcycle. Manufacturers design their tires to match performance characteristics from front to back

Always replace the tube with a new tire if it was originally equipped with one

06 My tire decision

I would take the MOHOOL SuperM. For good overall performance and tire life. If I’m going on a long tour, the MOHOOL SuperM would be a good choice for peace of mind.

The MOHOOL SuperM Advantage:

• High quality raw materials,

• Extended equipment

• Strict inspection procedures

• Streamlined management team

• Advanced Production Compound (SuperM)

• Use imported natural rubber (STR20), no recycling.

• Service life: 40,000 km or 4 years; Guarantee: 30,000 km or 3 years

07 Installation

The actual cost of fitting a set of tires will vary due to the effort involved in removing and installing the wheels. Of course, when there are saddlebags, fenders, and lots of chrome stuff, it takes longer and costs more.

It’s best to get a quote from your local dealer – always ask for flat rates so you don’t get shocked when you’re presented with a bill of how long it actually took. Flat rates are set based on industry standard times versus the actual time it took to get the job done. If you buy a pair of tires from a shop you may get a quote for fitting them – but be prepared and know what you need and what the applicable prices are to ensure the total price is indeed a quote.

08 self-assembly

The first level of do-it-yourself is to take the wheel(s) off your bike and take it to the shop. Avoiding the labor costs of the shop doing this. And of course you put them back on. You save money and it is much easier to arrange drop-off/pick-up with the shop.

The next DIY level is to do all the work yourself. Of course, this will require more effort on your part and some tools will be needed. If this is your first time doing this, I would recommend just tackling the front wheel and then settling on the rear wheel. The front is more chargeable, easier to remove and reinstall, and it’s usually less of a hassle to remove the bead from the rim to remove it. Give it a try, worst case scenario, bring the wheel and new tire to your workshop and have them finish it. There are lots of great how-to videos out there, or better yet, find someone to walk you through them (most experienced dirt drivers will know this – some classic cars can even change a tire with their bare hands, no tools, no kidding!).

09 Running in new tires

New tire surfaces are relatively hard and slippery. Their surfaces require a light sanding to be fully functional. To do this, drive around for about 50 to 100 miles as if the road were wet. Be gentle when braking, turning and accelerating. When the tire is fully worn it will look dull in all contact areas.

New tires have different properties even if you replace them with identical units. Take your time getting used to them. Note that bias tires can also have an adjustment period that is not found with radial tires.

Be aware that cold tires can become dangerous when the temperature drops. In cool weather, ride slowly for the first few miles. This applies to all tyres, new or used.

10 Maintenance

You can carry out the most important tire maintenance with us by maintaining the correct tire pressure. Check it regularly – at least weekly, and more often doesn’t hurt. When checking tire pressure, visually inspect the entire surface for embedded objects, cuts, tread separation, buckling, and signs of excessive wear. If the tire uses a tube, make sure the inflation nipple is at a 90 degree angle to the rim. Unless the hose has slipped out of position and unwanted force is applied to the nipple, any further movement could cut the hose off at the filler nipple and result in a quick and dangerous tire loss, also known as a blowout.

If you are going to store your bike or not ride it for several weeks, it is recommended that you lift the bike off the ground so that both tires are off the ground. Use the bike’s center stand, hydraulic floor stands that fit under the frame, or one of the many designs that raise the bike at the axle.

Clean your tires with soap as little as possible, rinse well. When using tire cleaners and conditioners – never apply to the tread that will be in contact with the road.

11 Packing

When you drive, there’s no escaping the fact that you’ll be buying tires quite often. Motorcycles run through tires faster than other vehicles due to their design and performance requirements. Tires and shop time to replace them come cheap, but by maintaining proper air pressure, accurately assessing wear and looking for damage, you can rest assured that your tires will work for you for as long as possible.

Whether you own a motorcycle or are just curious when you look at a motorcycle on the street, you may have noticed that the two wheels on a motorcycle are different sizes. Most of the time you will see bikes with taller and thinner front tires with shorter and wider rear tires.

Some people assume it’s for looks, while other people don’t even notice the size difference. But there’s a reason the wheels on motorcycles are different.

Why do motorcycles have different sized wheels? Most motorcycles have larger front wheels, meaning they are larger in diameter and thinner for easier movement and steering. The rear wheels are shorter in diameter and wider to aid in traction and control of the bike as that is where the power comes from.

You may also have noticed that the occasional motorcycle has smaller front tires and larger rear wheels, but in general most motorcycles have larger front wheels than the rear wheels. There’s a lot that goes into the design of motorcycle wheels, so it’s important that you pay close attention to what you’re doing if you plan to modify them.

Why motorcycle wheels are different sizes

Everyone would assume that motorcycles would run well if they had two wheels of the same size. In fact, this seems to make life a lot easier for most motorcyclists as you would only have to worry about finding a tire size in case one of them goes flat. That would also make it easier to have a spare.

The idea of ​​motorcycles has been around since the late 1800s, but motorcycles only became popular during World War I when production saw a serious surge. This is because an effective and fast way to communicate with the front-line troops was needed. After that, the production of motorcycles became more and more popular.

You will find that most motorcycles made in the early 1900’s had the same tire size. But over time, engineers and manufacturers tested and proven the efficiency and safety of motorcycles, which eventually evolved into the way motorcycles are made today.

However, motorcycles don’t have different sized wheels because it looks nice. They were designed with different sizes for a reason. When people talk about a “bigger” or “larger” front wheel on a motorcycle, they usually mean wheels that are larger (or larger in diameter) than the rear wheel.

The main function of the front wheel is to absorb impact and steer the motorcycle. A larger, thinner front tire helps a lot with this functionality. The thinner the tire, the more sensitive the motorcycle is to turning movements.

You can compare this to putting coins aside; If you lay a penny on its side, it tips over much more easily than a nickel. This is simply because the nickel is wider than the penny. Compare the front tire to the penny.

The reason the front wheel is larger in diameter is to better absorb and handle impact. The larger size gives the bike better stability and handling on potentially rough roads, which ultimately protects the rest of the bike.

The rear wheels on a motorcycle are “smaller”, meaning they are shorter in diameter and usually wider than the front wheels. The power that the motorcycle engine produces is delivered entirely to the rear tire, which essentially moves the motorcycle. The wider the rear tire, the more surface the road touches, which means more traction.

Most of the motorcycle’s weight is on the rear wheel. So the wider wheel also provides a bit of stability to handle the bike and support the weight it holds.

Can I use wheels that deviate from the manufacturer’s recommendations?

Motorcycle modifications are a common activity among motorcycle enthusiasts. Modifications are a great way to make a motorcycle look the way you want it.

There are many different ways to modify motorcycle wheels to make them look different and/or the way you want them to. Such changes include painting the rims or getting different-looking tires. While some modifications to the wheels are fine, you should steer clear of modification if you receive tires that are a different size than the manufacturer’s specs.

Motorcyclists sometimes try using the same size tires on both sides, swapping the tires they already have between the front and rear, or just much larger or smaller tires than the ones that were already on the bike. While it’s possible to get away with these mods, there are several security risks that are likely.

Buying tires that are not in stock can quickly ruin a motorcycle. If you buy larger wheels than originally purchased, those wheels can rub against the frame and wiring. Front tires that are too large can run the same risks.

Buying tires that are too small also poses a safety risk for you and your motorcycle. Smaller tires may not be able to handle the weight and maneuvering of the motorcycle, causing them to burst. A burst tire while driving can be disastrous.

Aside from these risks, buying different sized tires outside of manufacturer recommendations also means you need to buy different sized rims. That’s a pretty expensive mod if you ask me.

Why motorcycle tires have opposite tread patterns

When you buy a new set of motorcycle tires, you will find that apart from their size, they differ from each other in their tread pattern. This is common and quite normal with motorcycle wheels. The question is why does the tread look different and why do they run in opposite directions?

For motorcycle tires, the front and rear wheels and the direction of travel are specified. You cannot simply mount motorcycle tires on the rim and assume that they are directional interchangeable. Motorcycle tires are built in a specific way with a tread to go in a specific direction.

The front and rear wheels of a motorcycle experience different forces. As previously mentioned, the rear wheels take care of acceleration and power, while the front wheel takes care of steering and impact. The treads on these various wheels were made the way they are precisely for these reasons.

The tread on the rear wheel is designed in a pattern to repel water. This in turn keeps more traction on the road in wet conditions and prevents aquaplaning.

The treads on the front wheels of motorcycles serve a similar function, but for a different reason. The tread pattern has also been designed to repel water as the front tire absorbs the most pressure and force when the bike is braking. Shedding water during this time is important as the front tire needs as much traction as possible to ensure the bike stops when you need it.

Do I have to replace both tires if one fails?

We know it’s important to have the right tire type and size for your motorcycle. Keeping them in sync is vital to both the life of your motorcycle and your safety.

But what if one tire fails while the other is perfectly fine? Luckily there are no serious repercussions from changing one bike while keeping the other as long as the other is in decent condition.

Some may think that when you go out you have to replace both because the amount of tread worn has to be the same. While that may be true for cars, it’s not as important for motorcycles as only two wheels are involved instead of four.

It is also not a big problem if you buy a different brand of tire than the tire that will remain on your motorcycle. Again, make sure you buy the correct tire size that is compatible with your motorcycle.

related questions

What should you do with the tires when storing a motorcycle? If motorcycle tires are not stored properly, they can quickly become flat and brittle without use. Be sure to move the bike a few inches every few weeks and maintain tire pressure or raise the tires. For more information I’ve written about this, click here.

How often should I check my motorcycle’s tire pressure? You should check your motorcycle tire pressure every time you ride your motorcycle. If you forget it before driving, you should check the tire pressure at least every 1-2 weeks during the driving season.

The advantages of tire rotation

Rotating tires are a proven strategy to maximize tire life and tire wear.

The vehicle manufacturer has a custom guide for the optimal rotation pattern and frequency. The rotation pattern depends on whether you have symmetric, asymmetric, or directional tires. Unless there are special considerations, we recommend rotating the wheels between front and rear on a regular basis.

From a time point of view, an excellent opportunity is the seasonal change between summer and winter tires. Alternatively, a tire change at mileage intervals of between 5,000 km and 10,000 km is also effective.

However, if you notice signs of uneven tire wear, consider changing them even more frequently. And ask your friendly neighborhood tire shop to check them out for wheel misalignment or other mechanical problems. You can make the necessary corrections.

Full-size spare tires of the same size and build as the regular tires should also be part of your tire rotation. However, do not forget to check and adjust the inflation pressure of the spare wheel before installing it.

Speaking of air pressure: Again, you should adjust the air pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the new wheel position, as the specific pressures for front tires and rear tires can be different.

Rotated tires can also affect the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) if your car is equipped with it. Consult the user manual or a qualified service technician to make the correct settings and recalibrate the system.

Can you mix different tire brands and tread patterns on your vehicle?

First and foremost, our recommendation is to fit the same tires on all wheel positions on your vehicle.

However, should mixing be unavoidable due to lack of availability or budget constraints, it is possible to mix tire brands and tread patterns – but only as long as drivers fit a pair of tires with the same tread pattern and brands on the same axle. That means fitting a pair of identical tires on the rear axle or a pair of identical tires on the front axle.

It may also be possible to mix tires with different load ratings and speed ratings if the load ratings and speed ratings are higher than the minimum threshold recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (additional load vs. standard load). In these cases, mount the higher rated tires on the rear axle.

When you buy a new bike and start assembling it, you might be tempted to put the tire backwards. Most companies make directional tires to provide ideal performance. However, some cyclists like to experiment with their bikes and it is not uncommon to put the tires backwards.

When using road bike tires, the direction of the tire makes no difference in performance. However, when using mountain bike tires on rough terrain, backing up the bike tires affects the tire’s longevity, grip, and speed.

In this article, let’s look at the different aspects of bike tires and what could happen if you put them backwards.

What are the consequences of putting a tire backwards and driving it?

As you know by now, the difference made by tire direction is only apparent on mountain bikes or gravel bikes. You won’t feel any difference on road bikes or commuter bikes.

The difference that tire direction makes on mountain bikes is significant. Therefore, you need to be aware of the things that are affected by the tire’s direction of rotation. Let’s take a look at some of the most important of these factors below.

durability

Of course, when a tire is made, companies have a specific direction in mind in which it will then be misused. Therefore, the durability statements and guarantees are determined according to the expected direction of use. The tires are also reinforced depending on the direction of travel.

If you drive the tire in reverse, you risk compromising the tire’s durability by abusing it in the reverse direction. The buttons are at a higher risk of being damaged if used in a direction in which they should not be used.

Therefore, you can risk shortening a tire’s lifespan by at least two years if you constantly use it in difficult terrain.

Resistance

When making directional knobs on a tire, the company allows the tire to withstand a specific direction. However, if you place it backwards, the resistance may vary. As a result, you have less resistance when going uphill and better braking when going downhill.

In most cases, the ideal resistance is a subjective issue. Not everyone likes the same level of resistance. So much so that it’s possible for some people not to want strong resistance, while others find the lack of resistance risky.

Handle

Much like drag, a tire’s directional knobs have a major impact on the grip of the overall tire. While this doesn’t make much of a difference in a general situation, when riding in wet terrain you’ll appreciate a little extra grip on the tires.

The only reason mountain bike tires are knobby while road bike tires aren’t is to provide extra grip. If you mount the tire backwards, you may have to pay the cost with compromised grip. However, grip preference is also very subjective.

speed and power

The speed provided by the tires is highly dependent on the propulsion that the tire can provide due to traction, grip and resistance. The maximum achievable propulsive power can be increased by at least 20% by moving the tire backwards.

Speed ​​and propulsion are highly dependent on the terrain you are on. If you are on snowy terrain, the tires are most likely made to propel you in the snow. Therefore, putting them backwards is counterproductive.

Is it safe to mount a bike tire backwards?

Whether you want to ride your bike with the tires facing backwards or forwards is your personal decision. Because the backwards versus forwards debate has been going on for so long that there is no clear answer to this question.

The direction your tires are placed on a bike makes only a small difference in performance. However, if you are a very attentive driver, you will notice the difference for the first few kilometers, after which you will get used to the changed performance.

There is no doubt that the performance of a mountain bike is greatly influenced by the quality of the tyre. However, the direction makes only a small difference.

The biggest differences in performance you will feel are in the wear, grip and resistance offered by the bike tire. The other differences are so subtle you’ll forget them after a while.

When riding smooth and effortless terrain, the direction of your bike tires makes little to no difference. The real test, however, comes off-road or when driving in impassable and wet terrain.

Does it make sense to put the tire backwards?

The reason we’ve taken you through the different types of bike tires is because you need to know the differences in tread. This will have a significant impact on your bike’s performance when the tires are rotated backwards.

If tires have no tread, the direction in which they are mounted on the bike does not matter. When driving on level ground, you don’t have to worry about tire direction either.

Below are the situations when you should care about the direction of your bike tire and when you shouldn’t care.

Situations where you should consider the direction of your bike’s tires

You are off-road.

You use gravel or a mountain bike.

The manufacturer is adamant on a specific tire direction application.

The warranty will be voided if the tire is driven backwards.

You are on rocky or wet terrain.

You have to curve and slide a lot.

Situations where you shouldn’t consider the direction of your bike’s tires

You are on a smooth and efficient path.

They use street or commuter tires that are smooth and have no tread patterns.

They have bi-directional tires.

You will not accelerate.

How can you tell if your bicycle tires are mounted the wrong way around?

When companies make gravel bike tires, they generally put directional arrows on mountain bike tires. These arrows will help you understand which way you should mount your bike tire.

However, the direction you ultimately decide to use your tires in is not a deal maker or breaker.

If you’re new to mountain biking and can’t find the directional arrows on the tires, it’s best to take a look at the tire sidewalls. If you still cannot find the arrows, the tire is either compatible with both directions, or you should consult an expert in your area.

How can you verify the correct direction for correct installation?

You can also check the right direction by following a simple trick. Simply place the tire over the frame, making sure the tire label lines up with the valve. This should be on the right-hand side to ensure different running directions for the front and rear tires.

If the tires have a V-shaped tread pattern, the V should face forward. This is the direction that gives you the maximum grip, resistance and wear.

We recommend that you only worry about the direction of your tires if you are a heavy cyclist using a mountain bike. The direction of the tire doesn’t matter when riding a commuter or road bike as there are no treads or knobs.

How do bidirectional bike tires differ?

In some cases, no matter what you do, you won’t be able to find the directional arrows on the tire walls. If you consult an expert in such a case, they can either find the arrows for you or tell you that your tire is bi-directional.

Bi-directional tires work in a similar way regardless of the direction in which they are deployed. They generally don’t have the V-shaped tread pattern seen on most mountain bike tires. Instead, they have buttons that point in almost every direction, seemingly at random.

Therefore, a similar profile, speed, grip and resistance in all directions is possible.

Twisted Garage Do motorcycle tires have to match? July 25th

Ask that question to a dozen motorcyclists and you’re bound to get a dozen different answers. The tricky part is that there is probably some truth in all of them. Aside from what tires are best for my bike, one of the questions we get asked the most is “Do I have to replace tires in pairs and can I mix and match front and rear tires of different brands and types?”

Should You Mix Street Motorcycle Tires?

Okay, so for road wheels, a motorcycle tire manufacturer will say it’s definitely not to be mixed. Some people might think this is a sales tactic, but here’s the thing, tires are engineered in pairs, not individually. They are designed to be used together right from the start. This means that traction and driving characteristics are determined by a simultaneous test. That means it’s pretty important to replace both at the same time. If you have more wear on one and less wear on the other, it can be unpredictable. If you mix and match brands you still have the same problem even if the tires are brand new.

Can you mix and match off-road motorcycle tires?

What about off-road? Before you dirt bike guys reach for your keyboard, we definitely acknowledge that off-road is a different matter. Mixing and matching is commonplace there, usually by riders looking for the best combination of traction and handling for their particular terrain. Also, things like accurate treads and tread patterns aren’t quite as influential as the bike is always breaking and gaining traction. This means that the main recommendation here is to avoid going front to back to “different” such as: B. an aggressive lug at the rear and a road-hugging tire at the front. Each offers a very different type of traction over different terrain, which means your bike’s handling can change quite dramatically, something we all try to avoid.

Does this make sense? are we far away Watch the video below and leave us a comment with your thoughts! Do you know where to buy Twisted Throttle motorcycle tires? If you’re not sure of your size, select the Bike Shop feature or call us at 1-855-255-5550 and we’ll take you square (or should we say rounded) away!

When it comes to bikes, there are tough and badass. Upgrading your motorcycle to wide, fat tires can greatly increase its toughness factor and give you solid road credibility.

Fat wide tires have come a long way in recent years. 150mm tires are no longer considered the worst of the big ones. Now 330mm tires are at the top of the fat tire food chain.

Upgrading the look of your bike isn’t the only reason to convert your bike to fat tires. Read on to discover the benefits of wide tires.

Choose your poison

You can mount wide/fat tires on the front axle, the rear of your bike, or both ends. Each option offers its own advantages and disadvantages.

Riders who opt for wide front tires are better able to negotiate corners. Motorcyclists who like to live on the edge mostly choose this option as this configuration can make their bike a bit jumpy. However, the bike is still responsive around corners.

Wide rear tires provide better alignment, with the downside that they tend to push forward through corners instead of taking them with agility.

Upgrading your motorcycle to fat wide tires both front and rear gives you the best of both worlds and offers specific advantages and disadvantages of wide tires.

The pros and cons of converting your motorcycle to fat wide tyres

Every motorcycle setup has advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you can expect when you convert your motorcycle to fat tires.

Benefits of Fat Tires

Fat tires excel at absorbing bumps in the road, giving you a smoother, more powerful ride.

A wide tire on the back of your bike ensures safety when riding in wet, rainy conditions as it protects against skidding.

Fat tires are perfectly equipped to deal with powerful motorcycle engines and control power transmission.

Disadvantages of fat tires

Your bike will not handle fat tires as well as standard tires.

The flat shape of wide tires makes it difficult to lean and corner when riding a bike.

4 reasons why you should upgrade to wide/fat tires on both ends of your motorcycle

Better traction as there is more surface contact with the ground. More protection against slipping when wet. Healthier absorption of bumps in the road resulting in a smoother ride. Particularly effective handling of larger engines thanks to better power distribution.

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You leave other bikes in the dust when you use FLEXPAY to upgrade your bike to fat tires.

Before we get into the benefits, you must first understand the function of each wheel on your motorcycle.

Let’s look at some of the key benefits of having a larger wheel on your motorcycle.

This indifference to wheel sizes is not a design flaw. They are a well thought out piece of motorcycle engineering to ensure they give you an even better riding experience.

In some cases you will find that the front tire is smaller and the rear tire is larger. In other cases, the front tire has a larger diameter than the rear tire.

If you pay attention to details, you may have noticed that the two wheels on motorcycles are usually different sizes.

The front wheels play the role of absorbing shock and steering your motorcycle. However, making the front wheel larger in diameter and thinner in width will greatly help improve functionality.

When it comes to the rear wheel, you’ll find that it’s often shorter and wider than the front wheel. This too has its own advantages…

All of the power generated by a motorcycle is directed to the rear tire and acts as the driving force behind your motorcycle.

The larger diameter gives your bike better stability and grip when riding on rough roads. Needless to say, this will help protect the rest of your bike and make it last longer.

That means the thinner the front wheel looks, the more sensitive it is to cornering – improving your bike’s steering performance. A larger front wheel diameter allows it to better absorb and handle bumps.

By making the rear tire wider you simply increase the surface area in contact with the road. This results in more traction, resulting in improved grip and handling. The wider tires also significantly reduce slippage when driving in wet, rainy conditions.

Wider rear tires also offer you a smoother and more comfortable ride. The increased surface area of ​​a tire in contact with the road increases the room for absorption along the small bumps and gravel, making your long-distance journeys more comfortable than ever.

Since most of your motorcycle’s weight is on the rear wheel, a wider rear wheel also contributes to better stability when handling your motorcycle and allows it to support the weight it supports.

First of all, a wider rear tire on your bike improves the looks. The tire flows with the style of a beastie-style bike or a chopper-style bike. It makes your bike sturdier and more pleasing to the eye. A wider tire on the rear wheel will make eyeballs spin!

Can impeller sizes other than those recommended by the manufacturer be used?

If you want to make changes to your motorcycle tires, you may be wondering if it is necessary to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended tire sizes.

We do not recommend using tire sizes other than those recommended by the manufacturer. Most motorcyclists have broken the rules before and fitted their bikes with the same size tires (both front and rear) or swapped front and rear tires or even replaced the stock wheels with smaller or larger tyres.

While they could get away with these changes, it’s worth noting that such changes can ruin your bike.

For example, if you fit your bike with larger tires than the manufacturer recommends, they will end up rubbing against your bike’s frame and wiring.

And if you fit it with smaller than stock tires, they may not handle the weight and maneuverability of your bike as well. They can burst and pose a safety hazard to you and your motorcycle.

Perhaps the only tire modification to consider is swapping out the rear tire for a wider one. In this case, however, you should make sure that you also change the rim size so that it can accommodate the new tires perfectly.

Using tires that are wider than the rim can result in reduced contact travel and a rounded bead profile. Some bikers may try to compensate for the larger tire width on a normal rim by reducing the air pressure. This can also lead to reduced stability, which poses a safety risk for the driver.

If you want to enjoy the best handling, stability and safety experience, simply use the right rim width for the new tire.

And don’t forget to use the best motorcycle wheel chocks so you can work safely on your motorcycle when changing tires. Your safety comes first!

Regardless of what type of vehicle you have, front to rear mismatched tires can sometimes cause handling issues. Admittedly, this really doesn’t happen that often, and having different tires on a car isn’t usually a problem. However, if the front tires are more responsive to the road (more powerful), it will cause the vehicle to “oversteer”.

Here’s how it works: If the front tires react faster to the road when the front tires have finished their turn, the rear tires still do. With slight oversteer, the car just feels unstable and the driver has to make a lot of corrections. This is because when the rear tires catch up with the front tires it causes the vehicle to spin more than the driver originally intended, hence the term ‘oversteer’. On the other hand, if the oversteer is extreme, the driver will take correction after correction and may even fall due to an inability to steer properly. Additionally, with any amount of oversteer, the vehicle is likely to skid if the driver has to hit the brakes or suddenly swerve, and of course that’s very serious.

No matter how severe the oversteer, the normal fix is ​​to just rotate the tires and leave them there. This will fix the problem. On most cars, the worst consequence of oversteer caused by mismatched tires is not being able to rotate the tires. However, if you have a car with different tire sizes front to rear, having tires that work together properly becomes much more important since you can’t rotate them. The obvious solution to this is to ensure that all four tires are the same make and model. However, sometimes this is simply not possible, so an alternative solution is to make the rear tires perform better than the front tyres. Then the rear reacts faster. Here it is important to be very careful, especially when buying only two tires on vehicles with different tires at the front and rear. Of course, experienced tire professionals can help.

As a side note, air pressure can also be a problem or a solution when it comes to oversteer. For many European vehicles and most pickups, the vehicle manufacturer prescribes more air pressure at the rear. Most people believe this is just for carrying capacity. Whether car or truck, more air in the rear tires also has the advantage that the rear of the vehicle becomes more stable. Therefore, introducing more air into the rear often stabilizes an otherwise “squirrel-like” driving vehicle. Also, we recommend never under-inflating the rear tires of a pickup truck. You can find out more about this in our article “Air pressure”.

Back to tires 101

Tire rotation is the process of changing the position of the tires on your vehicle, often done by swapping the front and rear car tires. Ideally, tires should be changed at intervals of 6000 miles for cars and approximately 4000 miles for 4x4s unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

It is important to note that this is only recommended for vehicles where all tires are the same size and non-directional. If at any time you want to fit two new tires, fit the new ones on the rear axle.

Post by Ch00paKabrA » Apr 15, 2015 10:08 pm

The reason these rims are listed as rear rims is that they are for a full size dirt bike and would fit the 19″ rim in the rear and a 21″ rim in the front. There are 19″ front rims, but they are 1.4″ wide and fit the big wheel 85cc 2-stroke or 125 4-stroke. I believe they are call play bike rims. The rims you bought are excellent and I ride them as well as many others. There is an M/C rim thread with all the information you need. The rims you bought are for 125cc 2-stroke or 250 4-stroke. Very strong rims. The rear rims for a 2250cc 2-stroke/450cc 4-stroke are 2.15 inches wide. Regardless, you won’t have any trouble riding them both front and rear. As for the ugly color, don’t paint it. Soak them in. The rubber coating is very durable and lasts longer than paint. Also, you must use shims with 13g spokes, so get stainless steel shims. Lowe’s sells them. The normal steel washers rust out pretty quickly. Here is a link to the thread you may find very helpful.

In the days before the factory wheelset, rims were produced without being specifically designed for front or rear wheels. It’s still the case with most standard bikes for general use. The only difference was the number of spoke holes.

But many rear wheel rims today are no longer symmetrical, meaning the right side is different from the left. This is mainly due to the fact that with 11 or even 12-speed cassettes, the wheel dish is very asymmetrical and the angle at which the spokes meet the rim means that the spokes exert a lot of tension on the rim. This is counteracted by positioning the spoke holes differently for the drive or non-drive side.

Although 36 holes was, and still is, the normal number on most bicycles, one could build wheels with 32 or 28 spokes, which are mostly used on front wheels, primarily for weight saving or aerodynamics.

Today, many rims are specialized and designed for front or rear wheels, mostly for aerodynamic or load-bearing properties and often with different spoke counts. Although with the advent of disc brakes, the number of spokes on many front wheels has increased. Disc brakes put about the same load on the front wheel as the drive does on the rear wheel.

But if you use one of the many “standard” rims that are still in production, you can build a rear or front wheel with either rim.

Side note: Front wheels used to be built with thinner, often double butted spokes (1.5-1.2-1.5mm), while rear wheels had thicker (2mm) straight spokes.

Fitting aftermarket tires is a common way to modify and personalize motorcycles. You can give a bike a whole new look as well as a performance gain if you choose the right kit. New tires look good on scooters, sport bikes, cruisers, and basically all types of bikes.

That said, new tires are one thing, but different sized tires are quite another thing. Before changing the tire size of your motorcycle, there are a few important points to consider. Factors such as contact patch, tire clearance, tire grip and unsprung weight all play a part in how well a tire would perform on your bike.

Can I fit wider or narrower tires on my motorcycle?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is also yes, but you have to be aware of a few things and you have to know what you are doing.

Tire size is always a balance between acceleration and cornering grip. For this reason, manufacturers equip motorcycles with a specific tire size. The size of the stock tires was carefully weighed against the bike’s capabilities, as well as weight and other factors. However, this does not mean that there is no room to change the tire size. It just means you have to think carefully about how you approach the changes.

Now smaller displacement bikes can handle slimmer tires, while larger bikes are, to a point, better equipped for wider tires. Changing tire size affects unsprung weight, which refers to the components of a motorcycle that are not supported by the suspension system. The brakes, wheels and tires make up the unsprung weight, and any changes to them affect handling and cornering ability, positive or negative.

It’s worth noting that different size bikes have different sized rims. With wider tires on a rim designed to fit a narrower tire, the geometry of the tire changes to fit the rim. This results in a rounder tire profile and a smaller footprint than ideal. Wider tires are also heavier, so they can have a negative impact on performance and fuel economy on smaller bikes.

While wider tires tend to work better for larger bikes, it should be said that not all bikes can handle wider tires on a smaller rim, no matter the size. However, when properly fitted, the larger footprint of wider tires can improve road holding, dissipate more heat and use more tread, resulting in improved handling and longer tire life.

With narrower tires on a larger rim, the contact patch sits closer to the centerline. Slimmer tires reduce weight, which can be good for handling and performance, but they can’t handle as much power. Running a significantly narrower tire than the bike is designed for can be good for a while, but the sheer force of grip on the road can wear out the tread very quickly.

When changing tires, you also need to consider the bike’s width and diameter clearances. If the tire size you’re looking at hits the frame, swingarm, or other component, that’s automatically a no-go. Only fit tires that can comfortably clear any part of your bike. The dimensions for these parts are usually included in the owner’s manual, or you can look them up online.

So you can change your bike’s tire size – that is, if you weigh the pros and cons and do the necessary research to determine the right fit. For best results, consult your motorcycle and tire manufacturer to determine which tires are compatible with your stock rims and bike.

When you buy a new bike and start assembling it, you might be tempted to put the tire backwards. Most companies make directional tires to provide ideal performance. However, some cyclists like to experiment with their bikes and it is not uncommon to put the tires backwards.

When using road bike tires, the direction of the tire makes no difference in performance. However, when using mountain bike tires on rough terrain, backing up the bike tires affects the tire’s longevity, grip, and speed.

In this article, let’s look at the different aspects of bike tires and what could happen if you put them backwards.

What are the consequences of putting a tire backwards and driving it?

As you know by now, the difference made by tire direction is only apparent on mountain bikes or gravel bikes. You won’t feel any difference on road bikes or commuter bikes.

The difference that tire direction makes on mountain bikes is significant. Therefore, you need to be aware of the things that are affected by the tire’s direction of rotation. Let’s take a look at some of the most important of these factors below.

durability

Of course, when a tire is made, companies have a specific direction in mind in which it will then be misused. Therefore, the durability statements and guarantees are determined according to the expected direction of use. The tires are also reinforced depending on the direction of travel.

If you drive the tire in reverse, you risk compromising the tire’s durability by abusing it in the reverse direction. The buttons are at a higher risk of being damaged if used in a direction in which they should not be used.

Therefore, you can risk shortening a tire’s lifespan by at least two years if you constantly use it in difficult terrain.

Resistance

When making directional knobs on a tire, the company allows the tire to withstand a specific direction. However, if you place it backwards, the resistance may vary. As a result, you have less resistance when going uphill and better braking when going downhill.

In most cases, the ideal resistance is a subjective issue. Not everyone likes the same level of resistance. So much so that it’s possible for some people not to want strong resistance, while others find the lack of resistance risky.

Handle

Much like drag, a tire’s directional knobs have a major impact on the grip of the overall tire. While this doesn’t make much of a difference in a general situation, when riding in wet terrain you’ll appreciate a little extra grip on the tires.

The only reason mountain bike tires are knobby while road bike tires aren’t is to provide extra grip. If you mount the tire backwards, you may have to pay the cost with compromised grip. However, grip preference is also very subjective.

speed and power

The speed provided by the tires is highly dependent on the propulsion that the tire can provide due to traction, grip and resistance. The maximum achievable propulsive power can be increased by at least 20% by moving the tire backwards.

Speed ​​and propulsion are highly dependent on the terrain you are on. If you are on snowy terrain, the tires are most likely made to propel you in the snow. Therefore, putting them backwards is counterproductive.

Is it safe to mount a bike tire backwards?

Whether you want to ride your bike with the tires facing backwards or forwards is your personal decision. Because the backwards versus forwards debate has been going on for so long that there is no clear answer to this question.

The direction your tires are placed on a bike makes only a small difference in performance. However, if you are a very attentive driver, you will notice the difference for the first few kilometers, after which you will get used to the changed performance.

There is no doubt that the performance of a mountain bike is greatly influenced by the quality of the tyre. However, the direction makes only a small difference.

The biggest differences in performance you will feel are in the wear, grip and resistance offered by the bike tire. The other differences are so subtle you’ll forget them after a while.

When riding smooth and effortless terrain, the direction of your bike tires makes little to no difference. The real test, however, comes off-road or when driving in impassable and wet terrain.

Does it make sense to put the tire backwards?

The reason we’ve taken you through the different types of bike tires is because you need to know the differences in tread. This will have a significant impact on your bike’s performance when the tires are rotated backwards.

If tires have no tread, the direction in which they are mounted on the bike does not matter. When driving on level ground, you don’t have to worry about tire direction either.

Below are the situations when you should care about the direction of your bike tire and when you shouldn’t care.

Situations where you should consider the direction of your bike’s tires

You are off-road.

You use gravel or a mountain bike.

The manufacturer is adamant on a specific tire direction application.

The warranty will be voided if the tire is driven backwards.

You are on rocky or wet terrain.

You have to curve and slide a lot.

Situations where you shouldn’t consider the direction of your bike’s tires

You are on a smooth and efficient path.

They use street or commuter tires that are smooth and have no tread patterns.

They have bi-directional tires.

You will not accelerate.

How can you tell if your bicycle tires are mounted the wrong way around?

When companies make gravel bike tires, they generally put directional arrows on mountain bike tires. These arrows will help you understand which way you should mount your bike tire.

However, the direction you ultimately decide to use your tires in is not a deal maker or breaker.

If you’re new to mountain biking and can’t find the directional arrows on the tires, it’s best to take a look at the tire sidewalls. If you still cannot find the arrows, the tire is either compatible with both directions, or you should consult an expert in your area.

How can you verify the correct direction for correct installation?

You can also check the right direction by following a simple trick. Simply place the tire over the frame, making sure the tire label lines up with the valve. This should be on the right-hand side to ensure different running directions for the front and rear tires.

If the tires have a V-shaped tread pattern, the V should face forward. This is the direction that gives you the maximum grip, resistance and wear.

We recommend that you only worry about the direction of your tires if you are a heavy cyclist using a mountain bike. The direction of the tire doesn’t matter when riding a commuter or road bike as there are no treads or knobs.

How do bidirectional bike tires differ?

In some cases, no matter what you do, you won’t be able to find the directional arrows on the tire walls. If you consult an expert in such a case, they can either find the arrows for you or tell you that your tire is bi-directional.

Bi-directional tires work in a similar way regardless of the direction in which they are deployed. They generally don’t have the V-shaped tread pattern seen on most mountain bike tires. Instead, they have buttons that point in almost every direction, seemingly at random.

Therefore, a similar profile, speed, grip and resistance in all directions is possible.