First time going to the darkside
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,410
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From: Colorado
How do you decide the direction of the tread? I understand front should be opposite direction from the rear.
Is there some way that I can establish in my mind the correct direction of the tread for each end?
Is there some way that I can establish in my mind the correct direction of the tread for each end?
Banned
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 6,286
From: SoCal
While I cannot speak to the specific car tire in the above post, the BASIC explanation I have heard multiple times, from multiple sources, is that the way manufacturers overlap the layers that make up rear motorcycle tires is opposite to the way they overlap the layers on a front motorcycle tire (with respect to the intended rotation direction).
The premise here is that the rear tire exerts the most force against the road during acceleration, and the front tire exerts the most force against the road during deceleration.
If the layers within the tires were both overlapped in the same direction (with respect to rotation direction during use), then one of the tires configured in this way would have a significantly weaker configuration as it would essentially be getting used 'backwards'.
From all that I've read/heard about the darkside approach is that the intent is to get some longevity out of a rear tire that simply can't happen with a motorcycle-specific tire.
Many who go this route also want a fatter front tire, so they use a rear tire, and they reverse the rotation from what is on the sidewall to obtain the most appropriate orientation of the internal layers.
Personally, I like the idea of it and I have considered doing so every time I need a new rear tire, but the narrow swing arm and belt drive setup on my '07 offers but a single tire size & very limited models/brand to choose from for a darkside rear.
Not to mention that many shops won't mount the car tire on the motorcycle rim and/or won't mount a rear tire backwards on a front rim.
All of that blabbering aside, the car tire should indicate on the sidewall if it is a directional design.
The premise here is that the rear tire exerts the most force against the road during acceleration, and the front tire exerts the most force against the road during deceleration.
If the layers within the tires were both overlapped in the same direction (with respect to rotation direction during use), then one of the tires configured in this way would have a significantly weaker configuration as it would essentially be getting used 'backwards'.
From all that I've read/heard about the darkside approach is that the intent is to get some longevity out of a rear tire that simply can't happen with a motorcycle-specific tire.
Many who go this route also want a fatter front tire, so they use a rear tire, and they reverse the rotation from what is on the sidewall to obtain the most appropriate orientation of the internal layers.
Personally, I like the idea of it and I have considered doing so every time I need a new rear tire, but the narrow swing arm and belt drive setup on my '07 offers but a single tire size & very limited models/brand to choose from for a darkside rear.
Not to mention that many shops won't mount the car tire on the motorcycle rim and/or won't mount a rear tire backwards on a front rim.
All of that blabbering aside, the car tire should indicate on the sidewall if it is a directional design.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
Maybe it’s my feeble little brain but mounting a tire backwards (in regards to rotation) makes little to no sense. A tire (on any vehicle) will see forces in any direction. So putting a rear on the front, but backwards just doesn’t hold water. Pardon the expression. Install them how indicated and roll out.
I am very interested in your experience with that tire so please post your results and opinions as you can. It looks like it would be noisy as all hell but interested to see how it does. The tire I use feels smooth as glass but always open to other options.
I am very interested in your experience with that tire so please post your results and opinions as you can. It looks like it would be noisy as all hell but interested to see how it does. The tire I use feels smooth as glass but always open to other options.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
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Bit aggressive tread design for a two wheeled bike. Good luck. Old saying when in doubt throttle out. Some to research and consider. Good luck
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 598
From: Northeast Louisiana
Maybe it’s my feeble little brain but mounting a tire backwards (in regards to rotation) makes little to no sense. A tire (on any vehicle) will see forces in any direction. So putting a rear on the front, but backwards just doesn’t hold water. Pardon the expression. Install them how indicated and roll out.
I am very interested in your experience with that tire so please post your results and opinions as you can. It looks like it would be noisy as all hell but interested to see how it does. The tire I use feels smooth as glass but always open to other options.
I am very interested in your experience with that tire so please post your results and opinions as you can. It looks like it would be noisy as all hell but interested to see how it does. The tire I use feels smooth as glass but always open to other options.
This backwards opinion comes from the build of the tire and overlap of materials designed for strength in the direction of design.
So they are saying the stopping force on the front tire under heavy breaking goes against the design for forces of a "rear" designed tire as forces are backwards.
But a back tire stops as well and is designed as such.
But they are designed with opposite designs for just this. Rear built for torque in 1 direction and front built in opposite direction.
But, I again personally am not turning a tire around because of rain groove design.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
I’m interested in where your info comes from on how the tire is built. I’ve ran them in the right direction with no ill effect for thousands of miles… I’d be curious to know from some type of source. I know full well why it’s said, forces of braking and all…. I just personally think it’s extremely overthought, these tires are just as “strong” in both directions.
Last edited by 67Shuv; Apr 6, 2024 at 08:35 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2020
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From: Colorado
If the tire was viewed from the front of the motorcycle, I believe that the picture would be as the tire is oriented for the front tire. The rear tire would have the tread in the opposite direction.
To the OP, that tread would seem to be a road gripping design in rain, snow, and heat if the rubber is soft enough. And the noise would sing quite a song on dry pavement. No need for loud pipes.
I honestly did not intend to derail your thread. Happy riding.
To the OP, that tread would seem to be a road gripping design in rain, snow, and heat if the rubber is soft enough. And the noise would sing quite a song on dry pavement. No need for loud pipes.
I honestly did not intend to derail your thread. Happy riding.
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 4,868
From: Colorado
I’m interested in where your info comes from on how the tire is built. I’ve ran them in the right direction with no ill effect for thousands of miles… I’d be curious to know from some type of source. I know full well why it’s said, forces of braking and all…. I just personally think it’s extremely overthought, these tires are just as “strong” in both directions.
Dunlop Motorcycle Wheels & Tires Instruction Sheet
Goodyear
Care & Maintenance |Dunlop Motorcycle Tires- Street & Off-Road Tires
What are Directional Tires? - Les Schwab
Proper Mounting of A Michelin Motorcycle Tire
Avon Tyres
Last edited by Evo-Wes; Apr 6, 2024 at 09:48 AM.