Confused

[George]

I thought I had this decision on tires figured out and then I read a blog about radial verse bias, right now I'm running Dunlop Exedras bias plys, front needs to be replaced soon the back could still go for a few more 1000 kms before it needs to be replaced. Anyways one blog states that you can't run a radial with a bias, which the cheap side of me would like to do. Another blog that I read stated that you shouldn't put a radial on a rim that was designed for bias ply tires because it will put the side walls out of their natural position. Does anyone have any info on this or is it a old myth as stated on yet another blog.

[cactusjack]

Do you mean Bridgestone Exedras? Many folks here have run a radial rear and bias front with no problems whatsoever.

[cnc]

Never heard of the "don't put a radial on a rim designed for a bias ply". IMO that is a load of baloney. The Nomads came with Bridgestone extendras, and many guys have put on radials, mostly Avons with no issue.
If you want radials, just bite the bullet and change both tires at once. It seems to me if you're going to have a dealer do it, you might get a better deal anyway doing both at once rather than one at a time just to squeeze an extra bit of mileage out of one of the tires.

[Top Cat]

You can run radial rear and bias front.
But not the other way around.
Something about handling.

[Idaho]

I'm running a radial 8 ply light truck tire on the rear with a bias ply rear tire mounted reverse on the front and the bike is solid as a rock. I think I broke most of the 'rules' so you do what you want.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by Idaho

I'm running a radial 8 ply light truck tire on the rear with a bias ply rear tire mounted reverse on the front and the bike is solid as a rock. I think I broke most of the 'rules' so you do what you want.

You didn't break the rule I stated.

You can run radial rear and bias front

[Idaho]

TC, I was just answering his question. In addition to a light truck radial on the back end my front tire is actually a rear tire that is mounted with reverse rotation. That is what I meant about breaking all the rules.

[Loafer]

You Dare Devil You! Ride that monstrousity slowly and safely.

[cnc]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

You didn't break the rule I stated.

You can run radial rear and bias front

What, TC rules? Oh boy hope the plumbing's not backing up again.

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by cnc

Never heard of the "don't put a radial on a rim designed for a bias ply". IMO that is a load of baloney. The Nomads came with Bridgestone extendras, and many guys have put on radials, mostly Avons with no issue.
If you want radials, just bite the bullet and change both tires at once. It seems to me if you're going to have a dealer do it, you might get a better deal anyway doing both at once rather than one at a time just to squeeze an extra bit of mileage out of one of the tires.

I agree, the rim should not make in difference between radial tires or bias ply.
Although the 1500 rims are narrower than the 1600 rims on the rear wheel by an inch.