PR2 question

[slofox]

When I looked at the new PR2's on the bike I was initially thinking that the front was on backwards because of the tread pattern. I expected the tread to move the water from the centre to the sides during rotation but the way the tread actually runs would appear to do the opposite. A check of the rotation arrows shows that it is indeed on correctly, as does a look at pictures of a pair on the Michelin website.
Anybody else noticed that?
Any thoughts of why the tread runs as it does?
Someone here must be a tyre expert...I sure ain't...

http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004104045&codePage=2092004104045_13032007105938&lang=EN

[Hitcher]

Michelin use a water-repellent rubber compound which, combined with latent heat of evaporation, silicacious compression and centripetal force, vaporises instantly any water between the tyre and the road surface. The tread grooves actually release steam, rather than wipe water...

[jrandom]

Yeah, I noticed the same thing when I started using PR2s.

I suspect that you'd do best to contact Michelin directly and ask how it works.

I just sort of looked at it once, double-checked the rotation arrows, and shrugged.

[slofox]

Michelin use a water-repellent rubber compound which, combined with latent heat of evaporation, silicacious compression and centripetal force, vaporises instantly any water between the tyre and the road surface. The tread grooves actually release steam, rather than wipe water...

Really...

You wouldn't be bullshittin' me woulda ya Mr Hitcher Sir...?

[Hitcher]

You wouldn't be bullshittin' me woulda ya Mr Hitcher Sir...?

I forgot to mention that USD forks greatly exacerbate this phenomenum.

[slofox]

I forgot to mention that USD forks greatly exacerbate this phenomenum.

Not sure I ride fast enough to generate sufficient latent heat of vaporisation to aid with the formation of the steam. Mayhap we could convince NZTA to fit heating elements to all the roads I regularly ride to further enhance this phenomenon. Either that or I will have to HTFU I guess.....

[MSTRS]

Tread direction indeed appears to defy logic. Who are we to question what obviously works....

[Owl]

I was led to believe tread pattern doesn't mean shit on a motorcycle tyre. Direction is more to do with the way the tyre is made, with front designed for braking and rear designed for acceleration. Some tyres state front wheel rotation and should be turned in the opposite direction if put on the rear.

Just what I've been told?:mellow: