[SeaRider]

I just replaced my tires on my 1800F with Avon Venoms. Unfortunately, the shop I used ordered the non-radial front tire because he could not find any listing for a 130/70R/18 in the Avon catalog that he had.

I went ahead and OK'ed using the non-radial on the front and haven't felt any problems, but I am a little concerned.:icon_frow

Is anyone aware of any problems that might be associated with replacing a front tire with a non-radial?

BUMP!:hmm2:

 

[Shutterbug]

Never mix radial and non-radial. You'll have terrible handling and control problems, particularly at highway speeds. Radials are designed to flex and give, non radials (bias) are more rigid.
Check here: http://www.tireexpress.com/ or here:
www.motorcycle-superstore.com for the tires you need. Your mechanic should know better!

 

[Retro Rich]

Shutterbug is right on; don't mix radials and bias ply.

 

[SeaRider]

Thanks for the replys guys.

I did know better, but let myself get talked into it. :spank:

I spoke with the shop owner and he claimed that he spoke to an Avon rep who told him there was no problem mixing radial and bias-ply. I explained to him what I had found out from all the tire dealer web sites, Honda, and my own contact at Avon. He was a little upset at Avon for what they told him. I was able to direct him to the correct tire in the Avon catalog (listed under tire sizes for the Goldwing), and he outright offered to replace the tire at no charge.

Lesson learned: Not all mechanics out there know everything there is to know about MC's. Too many different setups on bikes - just look at all the different tire sizes on the various VTX models! Do your own research before hand and don't just accept their word for things. :harder:

 

[Shutterbug]

Searider, I'm glad you resolved the problem before something serious happened!

 

[GWH]

After reading all this I went and checked my 03 1800rs and found mixed tires.

Tires have about 3000 miles on them and I've had no handling problems.
In fact it rides and handles better than with the Dunlaps I replaced. I run 38psi front 41psi rear and ride two up much of the time. My riding is mixed city, interstate and twisty two lanes.Searider also said that he " felt no problems " What am I missing? Is this a real problem or a lawyer created problem? Has anyone ridden this tire combo. and had problems? I don't
mean to sound neg. and I don't mind changing tires but I haven't had
any problems.

 

[SeaRider]

This issue has also been raised on the VTXOA forum. One fellow recently posted the following:


http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/faq-tires.htm#Can%20I%20mix%20different%20tires
According to this, some BMW's come from the factory that way. I cannot remember the exact site I read it, but if you do a search under "Motorcycle tires + bias and radial" you will get numerous opinions, some for....some against. I think it's just a matter of what you feel comfortable with (if the handling feels wrong-CHANGE IT) after all, some are even running automobile tires on their bikes.

Also, quoting from the Dunlop web site:

"Bias and radial tires have significantly different dynamic properties. They deflect differently, create different cornering forces, have different damping characteristics, as well as other differences. In order for radial tires to be introduced into the two-wheel market, it was necessary to change certain characteristics of the motorcycle. The introduction of the radial tire led to such things as modified frames, new steering geometries and suspensions. Therefore, it is recommended that a motorcycle be used with the type of tire construction that it came with originally. If a change is to be made, then it should only be done if the motorcycle or tire manufacturer has approved the change. Above all, do not mix bias ply and radial tires on the same motorcycle unless it is with the approval of the motorcycle or tire manufacturer. "



The owner's manual states that both tires are supposed to be radials. :hmm2: Pending any clarification from Honda, I have to with the safety side and stick to both tires being radials.

Does anyone know of a Honda site where questions like this can be sent for clarification?

 

[GWH]

Thanks for the responce. I will keep a close eye on handling and will prob.
change tires sooner. I'll be sure to report any problems.GWH

 

[mark]

Just curious, why do the 1800s come with radials and the 1300s with bias ply?
I can't imagine that much of differnce between bikes.:hmm2:

 

[demandred]

Found a nice craigslist buy on a brand new unmounted front, but its a radial and of course with the spokes the recommendation is Bias, and I have a Bias on the rear. Was just wondering if anyone has an update on the use of a radial up front with a bias in the rear. Most of the threads covering it are old like this one. Worst case, I can re-sell the one I bought and get a bias instead.

 

[MPD193]

I've read where it is okay to run a radial on the back and bias on the front, but never the other way around. I think it was on the Metzler website.

Please don't take my word on that and do your own research and make your own decision

 

[Mortikus]

I'm running a radial Metz on the rear, and a Pirelli Night Dragon Bias on the front. Handles like a dream.

This is speculation on my part, but it may have something to do with the rigid nature of the front not really dealing with heavy impacts with weight over it in the same manner my rear is... the front stays rigid and tracks my new direction, the rear flexes more due to impacts and trails nicely behind that night dragon...

That being said, I'm sure engineers do what they do for a reason, or at least in regards to what has been tested and been engineered 'with' the purpose in mind... and they would never recommend something they never tested.

Don't mean it won't work... take a car tire on the rear for instance...

Mort

Here ya go... Radial on the rear ok. http://tech.bareasschoppers.com/resources/tires-101/

And that's just another source... but you gotta choose who you want to believe.

 

[BigJon]

I've read where it is okay to run a radial on the back and bias on the front, but never the other way around. I think it was on the Metzler website.

Please don't take my word on that and do your own research and make your own decision

Same here.