Radial vs Bias ply MC tires

[Ncdan]

My 2015 1400 tourer came with radial tires. I’m not paying 500 bucks for OEM Dunlop tires therefore Shinko bias tires are going back on soon. The back Dunlop will get at least 7k before I make the change with the Shinko that’s on order, which I paid 208.00 for both back and front replacements, which included shipping and tax’s. I did go with the 180/65/16 on the test which is a tad shorter than the 200 series.
So back to the original question. Has anyone that’s ran both types or tires, radial and bias, on the same bike notice any major changes in the way the bike handles, rides, etc?

[mechanicsavant]

My v7 benefited big time when I put radial tires ,came w/bias pirellis.
On my Beemer always radial, I've had decent results w/Shinko tires. I would a set of Dunlop's @ the BMW ra natl. Last year So

[LowRyter]

My 2015 1400 tourer came with radial tires. I’m not paying 500 bucks for OEM Dunlop tires therefore Shinko bias tires are going back on soon. The back Dunlop will get at least 7k before I make the change with the Shinko that’s on order, which I paid 208.00 for both back and front replacements, which included shipping and tax’s. I did go with the 180/65/16 on the test which is a tad shorter than the 200 series.
So back to the original question. Has anyone that’s ran both types or tires, radial and bias, on the same bike notice any major changes in the way the bike handles, rides, etc?

I've heard that Shinko tires are pretty good, at least people that ride them tell me that.  I think the 180 size will quicken and improve the handling. 

But I wasn't aware that 180 size tires were available in bias construction, I thought they were all radials. 

[Ncdan]

I've heard that Shinko tires are pretty good, at least people that ride them tell me that.  I think the 180 size will quicken and improve the handling. 

But I wasn't aware that 180 size tires were available in bias construction, I thought they were all radials.

Shinko and Kendra both make a heavy duty bias tire for heavy bikes. I have ran them on heavy Harley’s with absolutely no issues in handling and tire mileage.

[LowRyter]

Shinko and Kendra both make a heavy duty bias tire for heavy bikes. I have ran them on heavy Harley’s with absolutely no issues in handling and tire mileage.

I didn't know Harley ran 180s

[Ncdan]

I didn't know Harley ran 180s

I ran 140/90/16 best I remember on my 03 FLH and superglide. Some of the newer Harley’s run real fatties like the 200+ sizes.

[TimmyTheHog]

I have not ran shinko before...might do that on my GS once the anakee is done.

Basically, due to the way of how they lay the pattern, bias tends to be heavier, not-as-round contact surface profile, and taller side wall. This means it is heavier (duh), stronger side wall with less flex (perfect for a lot of heavy cruisers) and tend to be larger in diameter with the same "sizing" radial.

Radial tends to be more flexible with side wall but it is lighter and has less un-sprung mass, therefore, less energy wasting when starting off and stopping.

That is why more race bikes typically run radials for the weight & energy factor.

But for me personally, I don't go fast enough and not skillful enough for me to notice the difference.

I like radials for the fact that they have tubeless option. I do not know if bias tires have tubeless option.

[Ncdan]

I have not ran shinko before...might do that on my GS once the anakee is done.

Basically, due to the way of how they lay the pattern, bias tends to be heavier, not-as-round contact surface profile, and taller side wall. This means it is heavier (duh), stronger side wall with less flex (perfect for a lot of heavy cruisers) and tend to be larger in diameter with the same "sizing" radial.

Radial tends to be more flexible with side wall but it is lighter and has less un-sprung mass, therefore, less energy wasting when starting off and stopping.

That is why more race bikes typically run radials for the weight & energy factor.

But for me personally, I don't go fast enough and not skillful enough for me to notice the difference.

I like radials for the fact that they have tubeless option. I do not know if bias tires have tubeless option.

Good assessment Timmy. Yes bias tires can be ran tubeless. The OEM radials is the only ones I’ve ever ran on a bike.

[JohninVT]

I went from OEM Dunlop’s to bias ply Bridgestone’s.  Same size.  So far(couple hundred miles) I notice no negative traits compared to the stock radials.

[brider]

Nobody bothered to answer the original question, re-stated here:

HAs anybody ran both bias and radial tires on the same bike AT THE SAME TIME and noticed any handling problems?

[Ncdan]

Nobody bothered to answer the original question, re-stated here:

HAs anybody ran both bias and radial tires on the same bike AT THE SAME TIME and noticed any handling problems?

I didn’t intend to come across as saying both types on the  same bike at the same time. If it came across that way I apologize. What I meant was both types on the same bike, over time. Thanks for the clarification and pointing that out. However that is an interesting question 🤔

[Ncdan]

I went from OEM Dunlop’s to bias ply Bridgestone’s.  Same size.  So far(couple hundred miles) I notice no negative traits compared to the stock radials.

Thanks John boy, that makes me feel better about the change as I know how you probably put them through their  paces , wide @$$ open😂

[LowRyter]

I ran 140/90/16 best I remember on my 03 FLH and superglide. Some of the newer Harley’s run real fatties like the 200+ sizes.

OK, so you aren't certain that there are bias 180+ size tires then?

I am not aware of bias tires in the large widths.

[kballowe]

oh sure, there are quite a few bias tires in 180MM width- a quick search turns up

Michelin Commander II 180/65-16 is a bias tire
Dunlop American Elite 180/55-18  "  "
Metzler ME888 180/70-17 "    "

There are more
the Harley touring bikes got 180 rear tires in 2009 with the new frame design. 

A quick check of the 2019 Harley Road King shows that they're still using that width rear tire
Tires, Rear Specification BW 180/65B16 81H

Have owned several motorcycles that came from the factory with radial rear tires and bias front tires

[jpv7]

Nobody bothered to answer the original question, re-stated here:

HAs anybody ran both bias and radial tires on the same bike AT THE SAME TIME and noticed any handling problems?

Yes.  Ran a radial Conti front and bias Michelin rear on my V7ii (was waiting for rear to wear out).  Ran it hard last season on some mountain roads - no issue.  Would do it again if i had to.  I have Contis on front and rear now. 

[Ncdan]

OK, so you aren't certain that there are bias 180+ size tires then?

I am not aware of bias tires in the large widths.

Yes sir there are definitely 180 series tires in bias ply as that’s what I just ordered in the Shinko brand for the 1400,  180/65/16 heavy duty.

[LowRyter]

Yes sir there are definitely 180 series tires in bias ply as that’s what I just ordered in the Shinko brand for the 1400,  180/65/16 heavy duty.

learn something everyday......any reason why not a Shinko radial?

[Ncdan]

learn something everyday......any reason why not a Shinko radial?

I don’t think the Shinko offers that size in a radial. By the way, Shinko bought out the  Yokohama tire company with all their molds and equipment as well as designs, at least that’s the info I’ve obtained.
As far as the radial, they are twice the price of the HD bias tires. I only gave 208.00 for both test and front. I’m sorry, call me  a tight but I’m not paying 500 bucks for two motorcycle tires, I’ll put a car tire on first. I may go to the dark side on that subject before it’s all over anyway. Do the research!

[omega1]

When fitting non standard size and construction tyres, remember to check what your insurance policy says in this regard.

[Gusable]

I’ve got a brand new Shinko 230 tour master to mount this week  on the rear of my EV.  Super nice looking tire. 72.00 shipped from American Moto tire.  Probably put one on the front my summer end

[Ncdan]

When fitting non standard size and construction tyres, remember to check what your insurance policy says in this regard.

Good advice but in my part of the country I’ve never seen a reference to vehicle equipment on any vehicle insurance policy I’ve ever had.

[twowheeladdict]

When fitting non standard size and construction tyres, remember to check what your insurance policy says in this regard.

I always find this type of comment to be interesting.  I've never read anything though where someone says a claim was denied by the insurance company.  Is this one of those internet rumors that circulates around from those who wonder why anyone would modify their stock vehicle? 

[Tom H]

Give the Construction section a read:
https://www.jpcycles.com/countersteer/buyers-guide/tire-hieroglyphics-understanding-the-markings-on-a-motorcycle-tire

Tom

[Ncdan]

Give the Construction section a read:
https://www.jpcycles.com/countersteer/buyers-guide/tire-hieroglyphics-understanding-the-markings-on-a-motorcycle-tire

Tom

Helpful information when buying new tires if not going back with OEM stuff

[Beowulf]

Pirelli scorpions that fit my v7ii are offered with a bias front tire and radial rear. I ended up with the continental tires which are radial front and back. But ive seen a few bikes setup with radial rear tires and bias fronts with no problems. Ive been told if the tread is different front to back in drastic way it can cause handling problems.

Personally i love the radials. Especially if you hit rough roads or road construction. I also find at least for the v7 they handle better for a passenger.

JMHO

[Tom H]

Here is an article that explains them better, also what type of bike to run bias or radial:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/why-things-are-bias-ply-and-radial-tires

Tom

[Muzz]

Nobody bothered to answer the original question, re-stated here:

HAs anybody ran both bias and radial tires on the same bike AT THE SAME TIME and noticed any handling problems?

Currently doing that on my '03 Breva.

OEM's were Pirelli Sport Demons.  Happy with the performance but rear wore fairly quickly.  Ran out of tire in an out of the way place and the only rear I could get was a radial Metzeler Mz2.

Very happy. Rear feels more planted and wear is definitely better.  Have already passed the usual life of the rear Demon and still a fair bit of tread left.  As I am happy with the way the front feels I will continue running this combo.

[mtiberio]

I always find this type of comment to be interesting.  I've never read anything though where someone says a claim was denied by the insurance company.  Is this one of those internet rumors that circulates around from those who wonder why anyone would modify their stock vehicle? 

I wouldn't be surprised if in Germany, this was an issue.

I have run a radial/bias mix. Both ways, radial front bias rear and bias rear and radial front. I crashed once on the street with the radial front set up, possibly undersupported. If you run a radial, have the properly wider rim (than a similarly sized bias).

[Muzz]

I always find this type of comment to be interesting.  I've never read anything though where someone says a claim was denied by the insurance company.  Is this one of those internet rumors that circulates around from those who wonder why anyone would modify their stock vehicle?

I think it comes from cars, where a mix can cause things to happen in a strange way.  Even if you have bias at one end and radials at t'other, as soon as you put a spare on there will be what is acknowledged to be a highly dangerous combination.

[Dukedesmo]

Don't know about the ply thing but $500 for a pair of tyres??