Tire mounted in wrong direction...

[pressureangle]

With rare exception, the directional arrow on the tire is a consequence of DOT testing. Water performance is tested in one direction, and not reversed, so they cast an arrow rather than rate the tire in both directions, or indicate the direction of design preference. High-performance tires, like superbike or drag racing tires may have some structural differences but very unlikely on simple 'commuter' street tires. As stated, it's CYA and compliance for the manufacturer.

[bigbikerrick]

That makes total sense to me, Pressureangle, and sets my mind at ease, right now as I am enjoying my morning coffee, before setting out on a ride, with some of my "HD riding" buddies. We are riding to Bisbee Arizona, and the surrounding "sky islands" in the southeastern corner of Arizona.
Rick D.

[bigbikerrick]

Everything you need to know can be found here: http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/08/23/tires-directional-arrows-explained-by-avon-tyres/

Thanks sye, that was interesting and informative. I had forgotten about the "tread splice " thing.  I dont forsee a big issue on the convert, though, with its limited power, as others have mentioned. Its not a Hayabusa!
Rick.

[ff73148]

There is a reason for the arrows. Matching sets of tires need to perform in pairs. Change the tire!

[Huzo]

I had a new set of Michelin Pilots fitted for Europe 2016 on my Norge, the  front was wrong way ‘round but I did not notice it until I got to London.
It did 20,000 km with no ill effects and a lot of it was in the rain,

but it sorta’ bugged me the whole way. I was hoping to get a flat, but it never happened…

[LowRyter]

Ride it and see what you think.  It happened to me.  About 10 years ago, I rode my Bandit to Arkansas to one of the RAT raids. I had a new Mucheling rear installed before I left.   This is curvy mtn riding in the Ozarks, agressive for me.  It didn't feel quite right.  It so happened that the shop owner was there he, offered me a new tire when we got back which I took.  I'd been OK with just flipping it. 

It felt a little squirmy, enough for to check and see.

[Ighani]

I think there are three considerations...

1- as mentioned- water evacuation
2- possible excessive cupping due to wear on the leading edge of the tread
3- the slowing ( and possible reversing) of time if you rode really fast in an east-west direction

[PeteS]

Just my two cents. I believe with radial tires the issue is rain grooves. For bias ply tires its more about load stress.
Back in the day Dunlop 491s only came one way. If you mounted them on a Norton you mounted the rear tire with the arrow in the opposite direction. Rear tire deals with acceleration while the front is about braking.
This may not have anything to to with the OPs bike. Just rambling here.

Pete

[Sprouty115]

Just my two cents. I believe with radial tires the issue is rain grooves. For bias ply tires its more about load stress.
Back in the day Dunlop 491s only came one way. If you mounted them on a Norton you mounted the rear tire with the arrow in the opposite direction. Rear tire deals with acceleration while the front is about braking.
This may not have anything to to with the OPs bike. Just rambling here.

Pete

+1

A few years ago I wanted to mount a set of Avon Distannzia tires on my Triumph.  The tire size I needed for the front was only listed as a "rear" tire. 

I contacted Avon directly and they said it was fine to mount a "rear" Distanzia tire in the front as long as the rotational arrow was reversed.  This would align the tread pattern and tread splice in the correct orientation required to deal with breaking forces and water dispersion.

You can see the correct mounting in this image. Notice how the patterns are reversed?




This may not apply to all tires, but it clearly does to some, so the correct answer to the OPs question is - it depends...

[bad Chad]

The amount of misinformation, and,

“I have no actual insight, and I’m just pulling it out of my ass” is outstanding. 

If there’s one thing count on, it’s bad advice at old WG.

[slowmover]

I don’t know anything about tires but The Tell-Tale Heart was written by Poe.

[Texas Turnip]

I'm surprised no one menti0oned "if you value your life" change the tire. Rick, I think you will be just fine with the tire on the Convert, but who am I to argue with the the million mile riders that belong to KERA.

Tex

[bigbikerrick]

Hey Tex, Please pardon my ignorance, but what is "KERA"?  Interesting discussion ! 
Rick.

[bigbikerrick]

 Here are a few pics, of the tubeless conversion. I used the Sikaflex 291, and highly recommend it, very easy to work with, and cures fast. I am doing the front rim as we speak. Its incredible, how much easier it is to mount/dismount a tire without the innertube to worry about pinching, especially with the shouldered Borranis, where the "drop center" of the wheel is relatively shallow.
Rick.

[guzziart]

Everything you need to know can be found here: http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/08/23/tires-directional-arrows-explained-by-avon-tyres/

 

[tommy2cyl]

I don’t know anything about tires but The Tell-Tale Heart was written by Poe.

You are correct sir.  My bad.  Thanks.

[Texas Turnip]

Hey Tex, Please pardon my ignorance, but what is "KERA"?  Interesting discussion ! 
Rick.

    Rick. KERA= Keyboard Endurance Riders Association. You asked a nice question about your convert tire and got off the wall comments from KERA members.

Tex

[pressureangle]

The amount of misinformation, and,

“I have no actual insight, and I’m just pulling it out of my ass” is outstanding. 

If there’s one thing count on, it’s bad advice at old WG.

You never fail to entertain. Sorta like a court jester.

[Huzo]

The amount of misinformation, and,

“I have no actual insight, and I’m just pulling it out of my ass” is outstanding. 

If there’s one thing count on, it’s bad advice at old WG.

Don’t be too hard on yourself Chad..
Occasionally you get it right.
Also I think you meant to say “astounding”, not “outstanding…”

[MMRanch]

BBRick

If its working for ya , and your ridding with Harleys the just let it go like it is !   

if it was radial I'd not give it a second thought ! 





Ya have to click on the picture to see the whole thing , i think ?

[kballowe]

My Wife changes all of our motorcycle tires.  She always gets them in the correct orientation
 

[bigbikerrick]

I showed the picture you posted to my wife, Kevin. She gave me "The Look"..... So I dont think I can count on her assistance.  Your wife is definitely a keeper, my friend.
Rick D.

[faffi]

I cannot see water dispersion having anything to to with the rolling direction since, AFAIK, both tires run in the same direction. The most important safety issue is the seam in the thread (where present - some tires have seamless rings of rubber vulcanized to the carcass). Since acceleration cause the most forces on the rear tire, and braking on the front tire, you want the overlap seam going in the direction of the forces. This is also why tires should usually be run in opposite direction depending on where it is fitted.

Pattern can be important, especially for the front, as it can aid stability and reduce the tendency to follow rain grooves and their likes. Also, mote often than not, front tires have less thread depth for less weight and more accurate steering.

As for the question from the OP - personally, I would not have bothered with swapping the direction of the tire. If I had a Hayabusa and ran it hard, I most definitely would have fitted the tires in the correct orientation, but not on a gently ridden classic with moderate performance. YMMV.

[kballowe]

I showed the picture you posted to my wife, Kevin. She gave me "The Look"..... So I dont think I can count on her assistance.  Your wife is definitely a keeper, my friend.
Rick D.

Hey Rick -

It gets better !

[bigbikerrick]

  Hey Folks just wanted to report back, I can now sleep better at night. It turns out one of the spokes on my newly sealed rim, had a tiny leak, so I had to dismount the tire, to seal it up, and I am going to make sure the tire is in the correct direction.

Its also a great time, to clean up the swingarm, paint the brake caliper mount, and polish the rear wheel, and spoke nipples, while I am waiting for the sealant  to cure.
Rick D.

Kevin, Sir you are "Da Man" in my book! 

[rocker59]

How are the forces different on the tyre when leaned over ?

Front has severe braking force.  Rear has severe acceleration force.  Those are in opposite directions and cause the tire makers to align the tread blocks accordingly, also taking strong consideration of channeling water.

On a low performance bike ridden in dry conditions, it may not make a difference, but it will on heavier/higher performance bikes which see wet pavement.

[Jack Straw]

Tires are the first and only contact with the pavement.  Everything about handling and safety starts there.  Why accept ANYTHING that isn't correct? 

I've messed up tire mounting in the same way more than once.  It's a major pain in the ass and embarrassing as well.  Just do it over.

Speaking of rain in Arizona, I live in the central high country and mid to late summer has found me caught in rainstorms much more often than a person might guess.

[SIR REAL ED]

I had a new set of Michelin Pilots fitted for Europe 2016 on my Norge, the  front was wrong way ‘round but I did not notice it until I got to London.
It did 20,000 km with no ill effects and a lot of it was in the rain,

but it sorta’ bugged me the whole way. I was hoping to get a flat, but it never happened…

The obvious quick fix was to buy a paint stick and put an arrow on the side of the tire that matched the existing rotation. 

Instant equanimity!

I'm kinda disappointed in you Bro...... I should get over it in a few days.....   

[faffi]

The obvious quick fix was to buy a paint stick and put an arrow on the side of the tire that matched the existing rotation. 

Instant equanimity!

I'm kinda disappointed in you Bro...... I should get over it in a few days.....