Tires: Bias, Radials, Mix?
Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 5:27 pm
I have been pondering this for a while and have been doing research. Many tire manufacturers state to never mix the two, some state it is ok to have Bias on the front and Radial on the rear due to the logic of losing traction on the bias first (so you don't spin bassackwards). Harley has been using a radial front and bias rear on some of their newer models (easier to get the respective tires in the sizes with the different types).
I have only ridden on AM26 Bias tires on the XJ and two sets of radials on the SV. I have ridden the SV aggressively and they have worked perfectly, but didn't have enough experience on the XJ to overcome the fear of lean angles and tire traction. (Obvious by the differences in tire wear, the XJ's old AM26 had a flat spot a mile wide and a nice shoulder before you could get to the edges. Previous owner never turned hard on them and I didn't turn hard in my first year of riding.)
I am contemplating trying out a AM25 race rear bias ply with a Sportmax front radial. Since so much of what I have seen is warning labels and second hand information, I would like to find some first hand information.
My questions to you guys is (specifically geared to the older crowd with more experience or those who have raced/ride very aggressively):
What experience do you have with the different tire set ups between mixing bias and radials? Was it a good set up: traction (cornering and straightline, wet, grooves and tar snakes), mileage (even wear on front and rear)? Were there any :censor:, pants changing moments (under which conditions)? If so, how did you cope with them and were the tires the problem?
I have only ridden on AM26 Bias tires on the XJ and two sets of radials on the SV. I have ridden the SV aggressively and they have worked perfectly, but didn't have enough experience on the XJ to overcome the fear of lean angles and tire traction. (Obvious by the differences in tire wear, the XJ's old AM26 had a flat spot a mile wide and a nice shoulder before you could get to the edges. Previous owner never turned hard on them and I didn't turn hard in my first year of riding.)
I am contemplating trying out a AM25 race rear bias ply with a Sportmax front radial. Since so much of what I have seen is warning labels and second hand information, I would like to find some first hand information.
My questions to you guys is (specifically geared to the older crowd with more experience or those who have raced/ride very aggressively):
What experience do you have with the different tire set ups between mixing bias and radials? Was it a good set up: traction (cornering and straightline, wet, grooves and tar snakes), mileage (even wear on front and rear)? Were there any :censor:, pants changing moments (under which conditions)? If so, how did you cope with them and were the tires the problem?