Reverse rotation of a rear tire when mounted to the front?

[quexpress]

Hi!

I'm just about ready to install a Continental Conti-Go rear tire on the front wheel of my Valk.

As often discussed here and on other forums, it is generally suggested by the manufacturers to reverse the direction of the tire when installing a rear tire in the front. Following is an article written by Avon tires:

http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/08/23/tires-directional-arrows-explained-by-avon-tyres/

Their explanation is quite clear. However I'm tempted to leave this tire in its intended rotation direction because I like the thread pattern. I'm under the impression that the "v pattern" will disperse the water very well.



I believe that most here who have installed rear tires in the front have done so in reversed direction. I'd like to hear about the few who have decided to not reverse the direction.

Are you happy with the results?

Thanks!

Normand

[Pete]

I have done it both ways and have not noticed any real difference.

[saab9k]

It is mostly done on trikes, the added weight/force  when braking.

[vanagon40]

I am reluctant to respond because you specifically requested a different response, but I believe if you look at the general “V” pattern, most front tires are the reverse of the rear (and have the narrow point of the "V" up in front).  I know the original Valkyrie tires were reversed “V” patterns.  I have no idea if Gryphon Rider’s theory [link] is correct, but it makes sense to me (and confirms my observations that most motorcycle tires have the point of the “V” pattern pointing up when looking at the front of the bike).

I would add, I have never heard a valid or legitimate explanation or argument for mounting a rear tire in the direction of the arrow when used as a front tire.

I apologize for the non-responsive post.

[Ricky-D]

I don't subscribe to the "reversing" argument, and more importantly, want to
 
point out, that the tread designs of tires are made to help avoid aquaplaning on wet roads

and that you would defeat the water shedding characteristics of the tire by installing the tire backwards.

***

[quexpress]

IMHO I had to keep 2 things in mind:
1. How the water comes off the tire.
2. The direction of the lamination.

I try very hard to avoid riding in the rain because I do not enjoy it. In my case, this water displacement is therefore not a big thing.

I have never heard of a motorcycle tire de-laminating because a rear tire was installed on the front WITHOUT reversing it. IMHO the companies say this for liability purposes.

However, I have nothing to lose by trying it in reverse direction.

I therefore installed it in reverse direction.

Thanks for your input!

Normand

[98valk]

I don't subscribe to the "reversing" argument, and more importantly, want to
 
point out, that the tread designs of tires are made to help avoid aquaplaning on wet roads

and that you would defeat the water shedding characteristics of the tire by installing the tire backwards.

***

Rd,
all I can say is I installed my conti-go in reverse direction as this put the tread design in the same direction as the front metzler I took off.

[quexpress]

I don't subscribe to the "reversing" argument, and more importantly, want to
 
point out, that the tread designs of tires are made to help avoid aquaplaning on wet roads

and that you would defeat the water shedding characteristics of the tire by installing the tire backwards.

***

Rd,
all I can say is I installed my conti-go in reverse direction as this put the tread design in the same direction as the front metzler I took off.

This is what it looks like on my Valk.



Thanks CA!

[98valk]

I don't subscribe to the "reversing" argument, and more importantly, want to
 
point out, that the tread designs of tires are made to help avoid aquaplaning on wet roads

and that you would defeat the water shedding characteristics of the tire by installing the tire backwards.

***

Rd,
all I can say is I installed my conti-go in reverse direction as this put the tread design in the same direction as the front metzler I took off.

This is what it looks like on my Valk.



Thanks CA!

anytime, anyplace
looks fantastic.

wish my forks were that shinny.  :'(

[PhredValk]

I like Dunlop D404 bias rear tires up front. The first went for two years and the second I put on last spring, both in normal direction. I like the water shedding, and have ridden several 7-8 hour days in the rain on my annual pilgrimage to family and friends in Ontario from Alberta. I've read the literature but have yet to hear of any tire de-laminating under stress in any circumstance.
I like the tire, it's great on wet roads and lasts better than 20K miles for about $118.
Fred.

[pancho]

What are the benefits of running a rear tire on the front?    I mean, why do it?

[Karen]

Longer tire wear, rear tires are generally thicker than fronts. Front tires are built to handle braking forces, rears to handle acceleration forces. My Conti Go is backwards on my trike, and I love it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Just ordered a Michelin Pilot Activ rear. I`ll decide which way I`m going to put it on when I look it over

[quexpress]

I've read the literature but have yet to hear of any tire de-laminating under stress in any circumstance.

We are on the same page Fred!
I have reversed it only because I had nothing to lose. However I might try it in the "normal direction" next time.
Thanks!

[quexpress]

Just ordered a Michelin Pilot Activ rear. I`ll decide which way I`m going to put it on when I look it over

Goldwing riders, especially the ones with trikes, like this tire very much. I'm anxious to hear about your results, impressions, etc.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Just ordered a Michelin Pilot Activ rear. I`ll decide which way I`m going to put it on when I look it over

Goldwing riders, especially the ones with trikes, like this tire very much. I'm anxious to hear about your results, impressions, etc.

Yeah that's what got me thinking about this tire. I've probably still got 2k left on the metzler that's on now, but I'll let you know what I think after some time

[98valk]

Just ordered a Michelin Pilot Activ rear. I`ll decide which way I`m going to put it on when I look it over

the miche web site shows terrible wet traction and comfort.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Just ordered a Michelin Pilot Activ rear. I`ll decide which way I`m going to put it on when I look it over

the miche web site shows terrible wet traction and comfort.

I guess I didn't research it so well. The wet traction won't be a problem as it only rains once a year here . What does the bad comfort mean? Stiff, harsh ride? Hopefully it will work out.