Tires-radial vs. bias

[Bulldog9]

KevM is correct, again, with everything he has said on this thread.

Please chad... Don't encourage him 

I've always been intrigued and a bit confused on the difference between bias and radial tires for a motorcycle. Truth be told, I never give it a thought. I plug in the tire size I need and whatever matched set I can find for the most reasonable price and quality I buy.

My impression is that radial tires are a bit softer and conform better to the road with equal strength to bias ply that have belts of???? No I'm not completely stupid. I do understand that this means there is steel in the belts for radial and some other material for bias. But as I type this I realize that maybe I am stupid.

[Dirk_S]

Bulldog, that’s where Michelin comes in to save us from idiocy (or at least in this particular topic):

https://youtu.be/UJJxSlls-tA

[twowheeladdict]

Yes that's what made it so valid, same bike, both weighed about 160-170#, both carrying basic luggage and camping gear. They both changed tires together on both bikes at Gary's garage then left the next morning riding together on their multi day trip. They had been riding for a ways on the second day when they pulled off for gas and a break. Gary said as soon as he got off he felt his and Sean's rear tire and was surprised how hot his was compared to Sean's radial. This is certainly not surprising as radials do run cooler than bias construction but I thought Gary's recount of his experience was interesting.

Be interesting to see how they wear. Heat is not a bad thing when it comes to traction as long as it is not overheating.

Would have been interesting to see if the pressure increased the same when they noticed the heat difference.

[rbond]

I noticed that the rear brake rotors were supposed to be the same on a 2012 and a 2016 v7. But on the 2012, the disc is riveted to a hub. The 2016 disc is cast with the hub. Speed sensor on 2012 reads the rivets, 2016 sensor reads the absolute ring. So, I will have to swap discs to keep speedometer working. I hope..... I plan on comparing the discs to see of all the dimensions match on mounting to hub and placement of brake caliper. Stay tuned!