Front Wheel Backwards?

[Smitty Werben Manjensen]

Can you mount the front WHEEL backwards on a Road King? Reason I ask -- I wanted to mount a rear tire (reversed) on my front wheel, but the shop I asked said they must mount the tire with the direction arrows forward. So, I thought, go ahead and I'll just mount the wheel backwards (with valve stem on the left).

Bad idea, or OK?

 

[427dave]

Sorry can not be done. I thought of that already

 

[Pegasus1300]

Find a new shop to do your mounting. Choose them by asking them up front if they will mount it the way you want it mounted. If necessary give them your reasoning.

Now having said that I don't care which way they mount mine. I have run it both ways and could tell no difference in wear or handling. But that is my experience and my decision after reading years worth of posts for one way or the other.

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

The front wheel can be run either direction if its not a directional wheel. You will have to swap the brake rotors from side to side. Make sure the outboard sides are still outboard when you swap.

 

[Geezzer Glide]

Well to start it don't matter to me how anyone choses to mount their tire as long as it's on their bike and not mine.
My thoughts are that a tire has directional arrows and are made for the front or the rear for a reason so I always mount mine as they were intended to be. But theres always those that seam to think they know more than the professionals. I mean no offence to anyone. It's just a fact.
Also there is a very good reason most reputable shops won't mount a rear tire on the front, or a tire in reverse direction of the rotation arrows, or a car tire on a motorcycle. The reason is liability. If they mount any tire on a motorcycle other than the way it is designed to be mounted by the manufacture and that tire fails and causes an accident and/or injury the shop that installed the tire can be held liable and be sued. Also the shop may be instructed by their insurance carrier to only mount tires in their proper intended manner.
I know there are those that say I would not sue them over that. Most of them say that right up to the time they file the law suit.
Any shop that does mount tires on motorcycles in any manner other that the way they were designed to be mounted is taking a big risk of sooner or later having legal issues over it.
Personally myself I would not go to a shop that would mount a tire the wrong way. If they will mount a tire wrong they will probably do many other things wrong or take short cuts they shouldn't. (like not using loctite or torqueing bolts, that's a big part why wheels and other things fall off going down the road).
Dan

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Well to start it don't matter to me how anyone choses to mount their tire as long as it's on their bike and not mine.
My thoughts are that a tire has directional arrows and are made for the front or the rear for a reason so I always mount mine as they were intended to be. But theres always those that seam to think they know more than the professionals. I mean no offence to anyone. It's just a fact.
Also there is a very good reason most reputable shops won't mount a rear tire on the front, or a tire in reverse direction of the rotation arrows, or a car tire on a motorcycle. The reason is liability. If they mount any tire on a motorcycle other than the way it is designed to be mounted by the manufacture and that tire fails and causes an accident and/or injury the shop that installed the tire can be held liable and be sued. Also the shop may be instructed by their insurance carrier to only mount tires in their proper intended manner.
I know there are those that say I would not sue them over that. Most of them say that right up to the time they file the law suit.
Any shop that does mount tires on motorcycles in any manner other that the way they were designed to be mounted is taking a big risk of sooner or later having legal issues over it.
Personally myself I would not go to a shop that would mount a tire the wrong way. If they will mount a tire wrong they will probably do many other things wrong or take short cuts they shouldn't. (like not using loctite or torqueing bolts, that's a big part why wheels and other things fall off going down the road).
Dan

And your experience is?? I havent read of "one" instance of a tire failure that was run in reverse mounted on the front because of the reverse mounting. I know of one flat due to a screw.

I have 25k miles on a Dunlop D402 MU85 rear tire mounted in reverse on my trike. The tire is half worn and not once have I had a handling issue in wet weather or dry roads.

 

[Geezzer Glide]

"FLTR2008TRIKE , And your experience is??"
Don't need any. Just my opinion and common sense. Last time I checked the government hasn't taken the right away from me yet to have my own opinion.
As I've said I could care less what others do as long as it don't effect me.
But common sense says one should not use anything in any manner that it was not designed to be used. People file law suits every day because they do.
Dan

 

[Livin2Ride]

And your experience is?? I havent read of "one" instance of a tire failure that was run in reverse mounted on the front because of the reverse mounting. I know of one flat due to a screw.

I have 25k miles on a Dunlop D402 MU85 rear tire mounted in reverse on my trike. The tire is half worn and not once have I had a handling issue in wet weather or dry roads.

:10::Agree: I'm also running this set up and getting 2 - 3 times the tire life on the front. At the rate mine are wearing I'll change them due to age vs. wear. The stock front tire was trashed at just under 8000 miles.

 

[GARYD]

Experiences!? Experieces!? How about all the ones on this forum?

I also have a rear tire mounted backwards on the front - after I read all the actual real life experiences on this forum and there are hundreds.
My dealer did what I asked them to do. It's funny that they would do that and NOT install the rear lift kit or the ClutchWiz .

As was said earlier, find a dealer or indy that will do as you "the customer" wants. Good luck - you won't be sorry.

As for doing only what the mfg suggests - check out the tire mfg's (don't remember the name, but someone here will) web site - they say you can do it and Dunlop was asked, but is still researching the application - as far as I know they haven't come to a conclusion yet.

There are a lot of things that are suggested you not do, but millions of people do it anyway with absolutely no problems. Example, some gun mfgs recommend using only the ammo that the gun was designed for - like 357mag. millions also use 38 special ammo with no problems. GMC says use only dexos oil - millions don't = no problems.
Same thing with car tires. I wouldn't do it, but many people have - and guess what? - no problems.
The great thing is if you don't want to do it = you don't have to. ThumbUp

I know there are many examples of other alternative uses for products out there.
Can anyone name some?

 

[Trent]

Saying that a dealer will screw up other stuff if they are willing to mount a front tire backwards is an interesting statement to make. My dealer is a Class A operation and they have the common sense to look at new things with common sense. They now carry a lot of parts in inventory that I have introduced them to, and that some dealers refuse to install.

And those of us who have actually reversed our tires and actually experienced the benefits must not know what we are talking about?? There are more threads about this subject than can be counted, and the few naysayers that pop up never ever have a basis for saying that it is wrong. Disagreeing with this practice is a personal opinion of course, but does not hold much water when the huge number of Trike owners that have actually experienced it have actual proof of the benefits.

Just sayin' that there will always be differences of opinion on some things, but if you do disagree with something, it would be more credible if you had some sort of proof other than "Just my opinion".. Show us your proof... We have ours!!!!

 

[Shriner Jim]

I did it, rear reversed on front. No problems, HIGH mileage. Please don't sue me.

 

[427dave]

Somewhere on this forum there are some articles written by a few tire companies on the reasoning for reversing the tire direction for front mounting. The race tires we used on cars were meant for mounting on the front or rear. They had two direction arrows on them, one for front mounting the other for rear mounting. It has to do with the way the tread is cast.

The dealer here did not want to mount my tire on the front reversed. I just said then I will get the new tire somewhere else. They then installed it the way I wanted. I took copies of these articles I found on this forum to them. I am sorry I have not located these articles or I would have attached them here.

 

[msocko3]

Somewhere on this forum there are some articles written by a few tire companies on the reasoning for reversing the tire direction for front mounting. The race tires we used on cars were meant for mounting on the front or rear. They had two direction arrows on them, one for front mounting the other for rear mounting. It has to do with the way the tread is cast.

The dealer here did not want to mount my tire on the front reversed. I just said then I will get the new tire somewhere else. They then installed it the way I wanted. I took copies of these articles I found on this forum to them. I am sorry I have not located these articles or I would have attached them here.
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Here is the very well written post I believe your talking about http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/19919-What-tire-do-you-use?p=215358&viewfull=1#post215358. I believe these tire professionals know their stuff since they design and build tires, looks like they give the green light along with a pretty good explanation why.

 

[GARYD]

The rear tire is reversed due to the diagonal splice and the forces on it. There is a great article about that somewhere on this forum.ThumbUp

 

[GARYD]

OOPPPPS, just saw msocko3's post. I knew someone would find the article.

I'd still like to see Dunlop's take on the subject since I will only use their tires.

 

[Smitty Werben Manjensen]

Thanks, MSOCKO3. I will use that as argument convincer!

 

[screwball]

What we need is cement tires and rubber roads. I never understood the theory of mounting a rear tire backwards on the front to decrease tire wear. Tires wear out because of weight and friction. Drive aggressively, break hard on crap roads and your tires will wear faster than someone who drives carefully, moderate use of breaks, and easy turning. My wife's tires last a lot longer than mine.


My neighbor put spray insulation in all his walls. He bragged about the HUGE savings in utility bills since doing it. His wife tells it that he now NEVER turns the heat above 65* or the AC below 85*. Hmmmm, wonder why his utility bills are so low.....

 

[Trent]

Well,, I got 15k out of my first original front tire. I reversed a rear tire that now has 19k on it and it is about 1/2 worn. Same roads, same air pressure, same orangutan behind the steering wheel driving the same primate way, ... With the tire lasting longer for some reason ????? AND.... rear motorcycle tires have at LEAST 2/32 or more rubber on them than a front tire making for deeper treads, and a slightly flatter surface, resulting in a little more rubber on the asphalt, resulting in noticeable handling characteristics..to some people... maybe not to others..

And the debate goes on and on and on..... But I know what I see with my own eyes..

 

[msocko3]

Another thought on front tires. My dad got 18,000 miles on his original front tire, when we changed it there was more tread left but didn't want to have to deal with it mid riding season, might have had another 5,000 miles of life left. Since changing his original tire he has been only getting 12 - 14,000 miles out of one.

When we shipped his fork legs off to my buddy to rebuild with Traxion AK20's he made the comment the fork oil was sludge and the only front suspension he had was his front tire. I'm thinking he might see tire life improve now his suspension is going to be doing what it is supposed to. We shall see, there is a nice shinny new front tire on for this season.

Another thought is HD's recommended fork oil changes of 50,000 miles, his had 46,000 and the oil was toast. I think 50k is way too long.

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Another thought is HD's recommended fork oil changes of 50,000 miles, his had 46,000 and the oil was toast. I think 50k is way too long.

:Agree:
I change mine every 30k miles and run a heavier weight fork oil. I found the SE fork oil was only 15wt. I run Spectro 40wt to dampen the front end dive.

Another thought on front tire wear is how much front brake is being used to stop. The added force of just the weight of the trike as a rider brakes, I think scrubs the front tire harder. More front end dive as you brake forces more weight forward onto the front tire. Add a passenger and the wear of the front tire is faster. JMHO

 

[Livin2Ride]

:Agree:
I change mine every 30k miles and run a heavier weight fork oil. I found the SE fork oil was only 15wt. I run Spectro 40wt to dampen the front end dive.

Another thought on front tire wear is how much front brake is being used to stop. The added force of just the weight of the trike as a rider brakes, I think scrubs the front tire harder. More front end dive as you brake forces more weight forward onto the front tire. Add a passenger and the wear of the front tire is faster. JMHO

Just to add to your thought try adding a trailer behind you, you'll find that front brake is the only friend you have besides downshifting. My own feelings are that the rear tire on the front added to the handling, once you try it and see the amount of tire you have contacting the road it seems possible. All I know is I made the change and I'm not going back.

 

[screwball]

Well,, I got 15k out of my first original front tire. I reversed a rear tire that now has 19k on it and it is about 1/2 worn. Same roads, same air pressure, same orangutan behind the steering wheel driving the same primate way, ... With the tire lasting longer for some reason ????? AND.... rear motorcycle tires have at LEAST 2/32 or more rubber on them than a front tire making for deeper treads, and a slightly flatter surface, resulting in a little more rubber on the asphalt, resulting in noticeable handling characteristics..to some people... maybe not to others..

And the debate goes on and on and on..... But I know what I see with my own eyes..

Was the rear tire the same Make, Manufacturer, lot count, and compound composition as the original front tire?? A Dunlop front tire will last longer than a Metzler, but the ride is crappy.

 

[Trent]

Was the rear tire the same Make, Manufacturer, lot count, and compound composition as the original front tire?? A Dunlop front tire will last longer than a Metzler, but the ride is crappy.

It is a Dunlop,,,dunno about compound composition.. Just a rear motorcycle tire that was the widest one we could get to fit... No complaints from me about the ride.

 

[Sloufoot]

It is a Dunlop,,,dunno about compound composition.. Just a rear motorcycle tire that was the widest one we could get to fit... No complaints from me about the ride.

The wider tire most likely has a better flex in the sidewalls & surface of the tire.
Trent, didn't you change to a non standard tire on the rear also? I have heard the Michelin tires have a much better ride also. And it seems they aren't afraid of running theirs in reverse.:cxtv:

 

[Trent]

The wider tire most likely has a better flex in the sidewalls & surface of the tire.
Trent, didn't you change to a non standard tire on the rear also? I have heard the Michelin tires have a much better ride also. And it seems they aren't afraid of running theirs in reverse.:cxtv:

Yep Sloufoot... Here is what I have on my TG right now.

Front: Dunlop D402 MT90 B16 M/C 74H This tire also says Harley Davidson on the sidewall.

Rear: Toyo Eclipse P205/65 R 15 92T.. This is an automobile tire and I run 24 lbs in them.

I cannot fit my little finger between the side of the front tire and the fender,, Could not, and would not go any wider. I could have gone with the wider P205/60 on the rear, but the 65 was just a little more narrow and since I was at a car tire store {Les Schwab} with just the wheels, I went with the 65's cuz I knew they would fit. The guy's at Les Schwab are great. They are not allowed to install motorcycle tires, but the Boss there said he was gonna have to talk to the higher ups about rear tires for Trikes,,, because to him they are no different than a car.
Out west, Les Schwab stores are like dog poop,,, they are everywhere... So if I ever have a problem, which I never will, since I am so over-tired {is that a word?] for what I need, that it is easy to get help with it.

I have a post on here somewhere about the differences I experienced switching to auto tires on the rear. I highly, and without reservation, recommend it.

Isn't this called going to the dark side or is that just on two- wheeled bikes?

 

[screwball]

Wife and I have 'Himmmmed and Hawwwwwwd about having the rear fenders radiused and putting some HUGE (meaning very wide) tires on the rear. We put a set of Dick Sepic off roads on a Volkswagen many moons ago and really liked the look. Problem is, my trike is 5 years old with 40,000+ miles and the rears are barely worn. I hate tossing perfectly good tires, but at the rate they are wearing I'll be on my 2nd or 3rd trike before they wear out.

 

[msocko3]

Wife and I have 'Himmmmed and Hawwwwwwd about having the rear fenders radiused and putting some HUGE (meaning very wide) tires on the rear. We put a set of Dick Sepic off roads on a Volkswagen many moons ago and really liked the look. Problem is, my trike is 5 years old with 40,000+ miles and the rears are barely worn. I hate tossing perfectly good tires, but at the rate they are wearing I'll be on my 2nd or 3rd trike before they wear out.

No doubt it would look pretty cool, final drive gearing might be an issue since you and your wife do ride them farther than the corner bar.

 

[Sloufoot]

Wife and I have 'Himmmmed and Hawwwwwwd about having the rear fenders radiused and putting some HUGE (meaning very wide) tires on the rear. We put a set of Dick Sepic off roads on a Volkswagen many moons ago and really liked the look. Problem is, my trike is 5 years old with 40,000+ miles and the rears are barely worn. I hate tossing perfectly good tires, but at the rate they are wearing I'll be on my 2nd or 3rd trike before they wear out.

I love the look of those wide skins on the rear of trikes, but if you ever happened to hit a water puddle you might be sideways in an instant ! Just a big water ski without any weight on it.

 

[Lakeman]

I use two dealers, Columbia, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC and neither one will mount even a different size tire than the size that came on the bike. I assume they would if you had a different size wheel. I would not feel comfortable running a rear tire backwards on the front of my trike. I know a lot will disagree with this but to each his own. I will be watching though.

 

[GARYD]

What we need is cement tires and rubber roads. I never understood the theory of mounting a rear tire backwards on the front to decrease tire wear. Tires wear out because of weight and friction. Drive aggressively, break hard on crap roads and your tires will wear faster than someone who drives carefully, moderate use of breaks, and easy turning. My wife's tires last a lot longer than mine.


My neighbor put spray insulation in all his walls. He bragged about the HUGE savings in utility bills since doing it. His wife tells it that he now NEVER turns the heat above 65* or the AC below 85*. Hmmmm, wonder why his utility bills are so low.....

It doesn't decrease tire wear, but the rear tire has more rubber then a front tire so it can run a lot further before replacement. That's the reason people do the switch and since it doesn't hurt anything else - why not?? ThumbUp

Besides you don't HAVE TO reverse the tire if you don't want to, but it helps with the way the tire is spliced together.