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I'm shopping online for tires for my 1992 FLHS. Both tires are the same size. They specify 'front' and 'rear' and of course there is a $20 to $50 price difference between the two. Why? Are front tires made differently that rear tires? Because the rear tire has to withstand transferring power from the engine to the pavement? Why can't I just buy 2 of the same tires and put one on the front and one on the rear?
As you mentioned the rear tire has to put down the power, the front just goes along for the ride.
More research and tech in the rear tire.
I wouldn't put a front on the rear, if you put a rear on the front, it has to be installed backwards as the tire is designed to have forces in ONE direction.
The front has to take the braking force, the rear has to take the acceleration force, each tire has the opposite forces applied to them.
As you mentioned the rear tire has to put down the power, the front just goes along for the ride.
More research and tech in the rear tire.
I wouldn't put a front on the rear, if you put a rear on the front, it has to be installed backwards as the tire is designed to have forces in ONE direction.
The front has to take the braking force, the rear has to take the acceleration force, each tire has the opposite forces applied to them.
That's kinda where my brain was going, think I needed to hear someone besides my alter ego say it out loud.
The Michelins I put on my dad's bike were quite a bit different. I thought they sent me two different sizes at first. The rear was a bit shorter and had a wider contact patch. The front was taller and more rounded across the tread.
Avon used to make the Roadrunner Universal that you could mount on front or back. I used them on my Electric Glide, used the same size front and rear, 130/90-16.
I wouldn't use them now. Today's tires are much more advanced.
The profile is different for one thing. For example my Heritage takes the same size front and rear. The front tire is more rounded profile wheras the rear has a flatter profile. I hope I am describing what I mean correctly.
Also, I think tires are the most important thing on a bike that you dont want to **** around with or cheap out on.
Everyone likes to save money especially today with the ridiculous inflation but I think my life is worth more than the thirty dollars that could potentially be saved by not buying the appropriate tire.
Ok so not an HD but for the last 10 or so years I've been running a rear tire on the front of my 1800 Goldwing along with a cartire on the rear.I've ran rears tire on the frt in both directions and can't tell the difference in handling or wear.Definitely never had the carcass come apart.Seriously thinking about doing the same to my 2012 Ultra.Just not sure how well it'll work on the HD.I know it works really,really well on the Wing.
Oh and this is not a money saving venture.It just works and well.
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Front vs Rear tire . . . ?
