I just emailed the Metzler Corporation and asked them if it is safe to mount a "rear" Tourance on the front of a Versys, in "reverse rotation". I will post their answer when I get it.
Here is the official reply from Metzler on the Tourance - It appears they do not recommend either mounting the tire in reverse rotation, nor mounting a rear tire on the front wheel.
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From: Metzeler B2C Moto, US [sa.motobc01us@pirelli.com]
Sent: Fri 3/12/2010 8:17 AM
Subject: tourance tire - rear mounted on front
Hello
One should never run a tire backwards. The exception to this rule is if the tire is marked (at the sidewall arrow) as a dual rotation tire. This happens typically only with scooter tires but virtually never with a motorcycle tire.
Tire's have a tread pattern and tread cap (compound) orientation that is important to the safe handling of the application and by running the tire backwards one could help fester a future problem with the tire. Then one should note that the construction differences between a front and rear tire are radically different in material, shape, and compound so this too could have a negative effect on the handling of the bike. The last thing to look at is the possibility of uneven wear when the tire is used backwards. Thanks for the question and have a great day.
NA Metzeler Consumer Affairs
877 202-4993
www.us.metzelermoto.com
-----Original Message-----
Country of interest: United States of America Current Site: METZELER US
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:33 PM
Subject: tourance tire - rear mounted on front
Message:
Hello - I ride an '08 Kawazaki Versys 650. It has 17" wheels. I would like to mount a "rear" tourance tire on my 17" front rim. In order to get the tread to "point" the correct way I have to install the tire in "reverse rotation". Is it safe to do this? Thanks."
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Given this information, I plan to keep the Dunlop RoadSmarts on my V. And when I want to ride in the dirt, I will ride my Gas Gas 280 TXT. (I've decided that dancing in the dirt with a 440 lb top heavy bike is not for me).
