oldhotshoe
Well-Known Member
Anyone notice that their Street Twin came with a bias ply Front tire and a radial rear? I thought that was taboo.
Bias Front Radial Rear Wtf?
- Thread starter oldhotshoe
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My Bonneville was fitted the same way when I got it.
Seems to go against everything we have been told all these years doesn't it, but my bike handled fine.
Seems to go against everything we have been told all these years doesn't it, but my bike handled fine.
oldhotshoe
Well-Known Member
oldhotshoe
Well-Known Member
I just ordered replacement tires and went with a bias/radial combination Of Pirelli Scorpion Trail ll dual sport tires. Hope it works.
Thats a new one on me!!!
My Bonneville came fitted that that odd Metzler combo of tires. That goes against everything we have been told for years, but I suppose you have to trust that the manufacturer knows what they're doing.
I really didn't notice what I had until the time came for new tires.
I have a Bridgestone combo on it now (spoke wheels and tubes) and the bike runs great as it always has.
I really didn't notice what I had until the time came for new tires.
I have a Bridgestone combo on it now (spoke wheels and tubes) and the bike runs great as it always has.
RHB
Well-Known Member
This is old news boys. Triumph tested various tire combos for almost a year before deciding on the radiaL BIAS COMBO, FROM EXISTING MANUFACTURED TIRE SETS BY THE WAY. tHE RATHER TALL NARROW 28"FRONT TIRE GIVES A LITTLE MORE LATERAL STABILITY IT IS THOUGHT AS COMPARED TO A RADIAL IN THAT SIZE. Sorry for caps lock, it stuck and I didn't feel like retyping it. 
It has been discussed to death in other forums.
It has been discussed to death in other forums.
Thanks for that. This has never come up here that I can recall.This is old news boys. Triumph tested various tire combos for almost a year before deciding on the radiaL BIAS COMBO, FROM EXISTING MANUFACTURED TIRE SETS BY THE WAY. tHE RATHER TALL NARROW 28"FRONT TIRE GIVES A LITTLE MORE LATERAL STABILITY IT IS THOUGHT AS COMPARED TO A RADIAL IN THAT SIZE. Sorry for caps lock, it stuck and I didn't feel like retyping it.
I am still stuck in the old school, thanks! 
X 2.I am still stuck in the old school, thanks!
My T'bird came with Avon radials front AND rear, so figured that was the norm. Bias X2 or radial X2.
RHB
Well-Known Member
Time to rethink. this is 2018 not 1970. These tire combos are also on other brands of bikes standard equipment.
It is more important with today's bikes and tires to stick with the recommended size tire for the best all around handling. good luck finding a radial front which is not out of spec. Although it is quite possible to come close. The Shinko 705s are an example that work, but the just slightly wider front at 120/80-18 fits but makes the front heavier to turn in. Of course tire discussions are like "best"oil discussions no end to them. pay your money takes your choice.
It is more important with today's bikes and tires to stick with the recommended size tire for the best all around handling. good luck finding a radial front which is not out of spec. Although it is quite possible to come close. The Shinko 705s are an example that work, but the just slightly wider front at 120/80-18 fits but makes the front heavier to turn in. Of course tire discussions are like "best"oil discussions no end to them. pay your money takes your choice.
This is old news boys. Triumph tested various tire combos for almost a year before deciding on the radiaL BIAS COMBO, FROM EXISTING MANUFACTURED TIRE SETS BY THE WAY. tHE RATHER TALL NARROW 28"FRONT TIRE GIVES A LITTLE MORE LATERAL STABILITY IT IS THOUGHT AS COMPARED TO A RADIAL IN THAT SIZE. Sorry for caps lock, it stuck and I didn't feel like retyping it.
Thank you. So, when did Triumph make this change to the Bonneville line, specifically? I wonder if my 2008 T100 has this combo (yes, I can check the manual, but don't want to). When it comes time, like Rocky, I will be changing from the Metzlers to Bridgestones.
I have no idea, but my Bonnie is a 2006 model and it had that combo on it when I bought it.
Thanks, Rocky!
Edawg
Member
Why do some motorcycles still wear bias-ply tires?
From reading this article, it sounds like load and "old school" looks were a factor as well.
From reading this article, it sounds like load and "old school" looks were a factor as well.
oldhotshoe
Well-Known Member
This is old news boys. Triumph tested various tire combos for almost a year before deciding on the radiaL BIAS COMBO, FROM EXISTING MANUFACTURED TIRE SETS BY THE WAY. tHE RATHER TALL NARROW 28"FRONT TIRE GIVES A LITTLE MORE LATERAL STABILITY IT IS THOUGHT AS COMPARED TO A RADIAL IN THAT SIZE. Sorry for caps lock, it stuck and I didn't feel like retyping it.
oldhotshoe
Well-Known Member
I didn’t know “it’s been discussed to death”. I just bought my first modern Triumph four months ago. I’m new to this group and needed tires....( tire?) you sound very knowledgeable. Is there an article I can read on this topic?... I just bought a bias/radial combination of Perelli scorpion trail IIs And only installed the front tire. The stock rear is still very good. I’m wondering if a front radial will wear twice as long as a front bias? it sounds like you’ve read some good articles on this. Can you tell me where I can read those? Sorry for my ignorance, I’m much more familiar with bikes from Meridian and Birmingham. Cheers
This is not a question that crossed my mind, but I'm sure it would be interesting to all if there is any such info.
Edawg
Member
Good article (saw it originally), but it was the wear factor between bias and radial that oldhotshoe asked about that I was referring to.
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