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Author Topic: Bias and Radial Tire mix on motorcycles  (Read 4806 times)

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SSTuner

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Bias and Radial Tire mix on motorcycles
« on: March 09, 2016, 05:31:46 AM »

Not sure if this has been discussed before here (search feature on this forum not the greatest).

Why is it OK to have a bias ply tire on front and a radial tire on the rear of a motorcycle?  On my SG and I'm sure others models there are radial/radial, but on my soon to be delivered 2016 CVO Pro Street it has bias/radial.
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Ray
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GregKhougaz

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Re: Bias and Radial Tire mix on motorcycles
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2016, 08:59:34 AM »

This may help:

From Revzilla Tire Guide :

Can I mix radial and bias-ply tires? Can I switch from bias to radials?
Again, we respect a customer’s right to choose, but we only recommend sticking with a manufacturer’s recommended tire construction type.

In general, radial tires offer lower temperatures (leading to longer life), stiffer construction, and the ability to have sidewalls with a lower aspect ratio, resulting in less flex. Bias-ply tires offer a softer, more compliant ride and, typically, a little lower price. Their other main advantage is load-carrying capability. In a given size, you’ll typically see a bias handle more weight. It explains why Harley (a big player in the heavy cruiser market) and certain touring bikes use them.

Interestingly, for some manufacturers, a mix of a bias front and radial rear is the setup from the factory.

From Metzler Catalog :

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING TIRE UPGRADES
Metzeler allows builders and owners to mix radial rear tires and bias ply front
tires when the following conditions are met:
> All Metzeler tires must be used on the proper permissible rim size, see chart
enclosed to verify correct rim size and tire fitment.
> Mixing radial rear tires and bias ply front tires is allowed only when fitting a
stock Harley-Davidson® with the proper custom width wheels for the tire
application. (see application chart) OR when fitted by a custom manufacturer (i.e. American Ironhorse). OR if listed in this fitment chart!
> FITTING RADIAL FRONT TIRES IN COMBINATION WITH BIAS PLY REAR TIRES
IS NEVER ALLOWED!
> Metzeler tubeless tires may be fitted with Metzeler tubes. Metzeler tube type tires should NEVER be put into service without a Metzeler tube.
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SSTuner

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Re: Bias and Radial Tire mix on motorcycles
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2016, 04:53:14 AM »

Thank you for this info.
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Ray
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JKM

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Re: Bias and Radial Tire mix on motorcycles
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2016, 12:26:55 PM »

the 2007-2008 SERK came with radials in the rear and bias in the front from the factory
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