Front tire on rear

[urbansix]

I just noticed that the new tire I bought online and had installed on the rear wheel is marked as "front".  Totally my mistake - I went back and checked the description of the online order, and yes it said front.  Even thought the size is correct for my rear wheel.  The shop that installed it didn't catch it either, apparently.  I only rode it back from the shop, so far.

It's a Metzeler ME880 140/80-17 on a 2000 California Bassa

Other than size, I don't know the difference in design or engineering.  Am I OK, or screwed?

[Rick4003]

I guess the best thing is to try and find the specifications on Metzlers website. Some tires can be mounted both front and rear but the rotation direction is flipped. I guess due to the highest force on the rear tire is acceleration and braking on the front.

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[Sasquatch Jim]

 Just ride backwards.

[flower_king001]

I'm no expert but just found this:

https://www.maxxis.com/other-motorcycle-information/motorcycle-faqs

Can I use a tire designed for the front on the rear of a motorcycle?

Answer

Tires marked as front or rear tires should only be used in their designated position. Correct matching of front and rear tires is critical to obtaining optimum performance and handling.

Front and rear tires have different handling needs. A front tire has a more triangulated profile for steering control, while a rear tire has a flatter profile for bike stability. Using a tire in a position for which it was not designed will result in reduced handling capability, putting the rider in danger.

Combining a new front tire with a worn rear tire or vice versa may cause instability. Always consult your vehicle’s manufacturer before modifying your motorcycle’s tires from stock.

[Triple Jim]

On the other hand, last time I was at the supermoto track, I noticed that  several of the guys were running Bridgestone BT45 front tires, both front and rear, even though they are marked as front only.  I asked one of them why, and he said it was because they worked really well that way.  Go figure.

[urbansix]

This certainly complicates my next few weekends.  And wallet. 

[Rick4003]

Depending on which models of ME880 you have it looks like the thread pattern is just reversed front to back. Like the tire is just mounted in the opposite rotation direction.
Anyway that doesn't clear up if the tire structure is different front to back

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[LowRyter]

hard to believe that any front tire is that big, 140?  whoaaa.

seems like you're stuck with it.  why not ride and give us a report?   If it handles bad, get rid of it.  Probably wear out sooner.

I know that I had a rear Michelin put on my 1200 Bandit and it felt "funny" riding in the Ozarks.  I was riding with someone on a Street Triple with same rear tire and noticed one of them was mounted backwards (mine).  Luckily, the store owner was at the same event and before I could ask him about, word had gotten to him, he came up to me and said I could have a new tire when we got back.  He said that he didn't think the tire was damaged but I could have a new one anyway, which I did.

[Kiwi_Roy]

The California II manual says use the same tire front and back, front one is flipped around.
If it works I would just use it, it will wear out soon enough.

[Rick4003]

I would second the mount it and try it. If it feels funny change it, but if it doesn't then you can at least get some mileage out of it. Just be sure to mount it backwards.

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[urbansix]

Yeah - it's already mounted.  I don't have the means to remount it myself.  And it says "FRONT" on the tire, though not "FRONT only"

[oldbike54]

 Check the direction of rotation arrow , if it is mounted backwards it will likely work OK , although it will probably wear faster .

 One thing to consider , since this was ordered thru a shop , and installed by them , unless you specifically ordered this tire and asked them to mount it on the rear , maybe they will fix the issue .

 Dusty

[Huzo]

Not the same situation as yours, but the feeling was the same.
Had a new set of Pilot 4's fitted to my Norge immediately (1 week), prior to shipping from Sydney for Europe 2016.
Nigh shat myself when leaving the depot in Felixstowe 6 weeks later, to see the arrow backwards on the front..!
Oh well, too late now.
16,000 k later took it off 3/4 gone to match worn out rear. I thought the scalloping was maybe a bit more evident than usual but still worked fine.
(Didn't like it though..)

[JACoH]

Call Metzeler USA at 877-202-4993

[Bill Dee]

ME 880 is not a very good tire to start with.  Poor grip and poor wear life. 

The front tire on the rear can be done provided the rotation is turned around for carcass strength and water dispersion.  If you are going to run the tire out, at least have it turned around.