i was talking to a tire dealer today and the question came up of running a rear tire on the front of a bike.he told me that if you reversed the rotation,you could run it on the front.has anyone tried,or heard of this?

 

why would you reverse it?

 

Exactly. They are directional. I don't get it

 

The reason for using a rear tyre reversed up front is that the rear tyre applies greater forces into itself while accelerating, the front does so when braking.

There was a time back in the 70s IIRC when some tyres could be used that way, but most if not all manufacturers these days make dedicated front and rear tyres. I can see no reason to do what you describe, nor any advantage, just go and buy front or rear to suit the appropriate wheel.

 

Only guy I know that has done that I work with and he rides an 09 Goldwing Trike...... He said he gets better mileage. I wouldn't do it on my 08 Ultra thats for sure.....

 

The newer touring bikes are running 407's on the back and 408's on the front, same tread pattern, but the front is a reverse of the rear. When the 09's came out with the 407 front, it had the tread facing the same direction as the rear and those tire wore out and cupped so bad they had to be replaced. So, what the dealer said makes sense from a mechanical point of view.