Radial vs Bias?

[Ferris Leets]

Is there any difference in wear or handling.  I find more bias tires available.  Not a question about mixing them.

[sandy]

The Valks were made to have radials. If you go with bias tires, you'll have reduced handling and you won't like it very much.

[Ricky-D]

Well, lets see.  Riders pump their tires up as high pressure as they can so they start to feel like you're riding a rock.

High pressure in radial tires is self defeating.

The mileage difference is a function of weight, rubber compound, and riding style.

There are no radial specific or bias specific motorcycles sorry to say.

Radial tires are a benefit on automobiles due to the fact they all ride on four tires.

There is so much hype about radial and bias that the truth eludes most when it comes to applications to motorcycles.

Some seem to take an almost religious view about tires, just the same about oil brands and metal polishes.

Best thing is to find out yourself by trying them out yourself.  Then you will know.

If you are an average rider like myself there will be no danger using or mixing tire types on your bike. Read the forum. There are already people doing the very same thing.  They're still posting so I guess they are still alive!

***

[Larry]

I just went from a radial front to a bias rear tire mounted up front, there is a radial GYTT CT on the back. I found my Dunlop D404 to be just as stable as my Avon was. The ride actually seems softer, perhaps due to 11/32 of tread vs the 6 or so the Avon had on it at the same tire pressure. Thats my 2c.

[Momz]

Why not just put "Mud and Snow truck tires on it?
Discount Tire has several currently on sale that will fit your bike.

[Larry]

Well, the season is getting on and around here the snow could fly anytime, perhaps something with a bit more grip than a regular all season would be a good idea? Besides putting sandbags in the saddlebags for traction would justify a truck type tire to handle the extra weight. 

[DFragn]

You can mix Bias & Radial on a bike. But the bias must be on the front only.

Bias traction, probably not quite as good as radials at Honda recommended psi's. But, many here are pumping such high psi's into there radials, as mentioned, they have not only extremely hardened the tire but also reduced the contact patches and they're probably riding much like a bias ply would in regard to traction and they're dragging hard parts.

Pirelli produces bias MC sport touring tires they claim ride just about as well as radials.