Tyre Rotation

Could not think how to put an appropriate subject for this one.

As some of you know, the front tyre on one of my bikes was put in the wrong way and the rotation was in the opposite direction. It was on the BFTP HB rally and I was stuck to using it like that for a total of 1400kms and this has munted the treads so I need another tyre. I put the wheel back the correct way for the tyre rotation but the disc pads have bedded into the old way and having it back the right way is no good.

Question for the panel is: Can I go get a new tyre, get them to put it on the opposite way to the current tyre, and bolt it up ok in the direction of rotation that the bike was in (wrong way for the tyre) so the disc pads don't have to re-bed in?

The discs are interchangable on this bike- share the same part number left and right. There is no direction information on the mag either.

Can't see a problem doing that.

dang those Horsepower sapping brakes, when they are bedded in does that mean they are asleep?

Disc pads will bed in pretty quick,I don't see a problem there....just give them a buff with emery.Or swap the rotors.I've just reversed the direction of my front tyre,it's directional,and personally I don't give a damn which way round it goes.

Rotation and balance marks

One of the more critical marks on a motorcycle tire is the rotation arrow, or arrows. Today's specialized tires generally have a tread pattern that must go in only one direction. Some manufacturers even state that their tread patterns are designed to disperse water, and by mounting the tire backwards, they won't work.

The other big reason for noting wheel direction has to do with the manufacturing process. The tread rubber is initially a flat strip that's cut to length, at an angle, and then spliced together with the two ends overlapping, creating a hoop. Under acceleration, a tire mounted backwards will try to peel back this splice. The opposite is true for the front wheel, where directional forces are reversed under hard braking.

Another mark to look for when mounting a tire is a painted balance dot, or dots. Most tires are pre-balanced by the manufacturer. They will then put a mark on the tire indicating where the valve stem should line up.

Interesting cmoore a regular FOUNTAIN of knowledge you are becoming, well done mate, food for thought while I attempt to remember where everything goes on the coal burner.

are you basically asking if it's ok to have the MAG rotating oposite to what it was when you got the bike? if so, then I think the answer would be yes as long as the mag is the same on both sides. GS front mags have a cut on one side for the speedo drive so you cant rotate it.

Originally Posted by cmoore

The other big reason for noting wheel direction has to do with the manufacturing process. The tread rubber is initially a flat strip that's cut to length, at an angle, and then spliced together with the two ends overlapping, creating a hoop. Under acceleration, a tire mounted backwards will try to peel back this splice. The opposite is true for the front wheel, where directional forces are reversed under hard braking

Which is why some tyres had directional arrows to indicate what way to fit them depending on whether it was being fitted on the front or rear, in real life it makes bugger all difference

I agree that most of this information is based on high performance, high speed...etc etc....however.....considering there is only a few milimetres of rubber between you and the ground...why take the chance...i would fit the tyres correctly..