It's due to the diagonal cut. There is a very good description on why on the TT forum.
Rear wheel is meant for acceleration and the front is for braking so the load is applied differently. Some riders don't even bother with the direction because they are getting so much better milage anyway.

For you trikers, the TrikeTalk forum has all kinds of tips and tricks. Like this one and lift kits.

 

I went with the rear tire on the front last spring. Just turned over 16k miles and only half worn. Great idea. Harley would not do this for me but j&p did with no problems. I did mount the tire in a reverse direction according to advice that I got from reading this forum. Great people on here.

Gary

 

What brand of tire did you use and what size?

 

I used the stock rear tire that is on all Harley Ultra's. Black wall - nothing fancy.
Don't have the stock number handy.

 

I used a MU90B16 Dunlap Elite 3. There is not much room between the fender and the tire but it does work. There isa lot of info on Trike Talk forum.

Gary

 

What I don't understand is why are the older trikes not having this problem. I talked to a guy last night that just changed his front tire on his 2012 and got 24000 miles. They have the same tire as the 14's. It can't be because I ride more aggressive because I have two friends that ride with me, the both have 2013 trikes and have 15000 miles on their tire and maybe half worn.
Why are the 14's tire life so bad.

 

Maybe they're lying and just bragging.

I had a 2012 and didn't get anywhere near that many miles.

I don't remember what year it was, but Harley came out with a dual compound tire = stickier sides and longer lasting center material.

As was recommended previously - go to the trike talk forum and ask your questions. A lot more informative there.

 

I had one fan go bad already. Only had 400 miles on it. I live in HOTT Florida and it sure doesn't feel like it is riding and cooler.

 

I'm guessing the only reason to turn them off is to play with and try to learn that complicated Nav system In that case, just turn it from Ignition to Accessory and you'll save a lot of power.

 

the 14 TG just got a recall for the hydraulic clutch system. they say it may develop a tear in the primary cup (seal) on the master cylinder piston. so check with your dealer.