Topic: Would front tire sizes fit the rear as well?

[jasburbak]

I'm looking to get new rear tires for my '76 cb750, and want white walls; but i couldn't find any manufacturer that makes them for my size.  I've found 120/90H18 Maxxis M6011 Classic's that are for front tires but the sizing fits what i could put on the rear.  Can i just use a designated front tire size that also fits my rear tire size? 


What i have are 120/90/18 in metric or 4.25/4.60 H18 in US for the Rear Wheel.

                                                         Thanks!

[Gordon]

They'll fit, but the tread pattern for a front tire is different than for a rear. 

[jasburbak]

So would that be a definate no no?     In such a case, i'm only left with using those rubber white wall paints to create my own..

[nickjtc]

Some tyres that are designed for either end have to be mounted in the opposite direction for the back than the front. Whether that means that all single tread-type tyres can be used in that way is open to conjecture.

Anyone?

[Gordon]

Check with Chippyfive50 (forum member).  He has/had front and rear whitewalls on his 550.


edit:  make that his 500.

[hymodyne]

I've read here that the tire composition and wear are different for front vs rear, making a switch not such a good idea.

hym

[jasburbak]

Check with Chippyfive50 (forum member).  He has/had front and rear whitewalls on his 550.


edit:  make that his 500.

Thanks! I'll be sure to hit him up for some info...

So, since there are no whitewalls available for my sizes, i'll have to make my own!

I bought the bike with Cheng Shins and read the review on them, very mixed, but they're also worn out so i need a new set..

I've been recommended Dunlop d404's but reviews on them are bad too..

Anyone have suggestions for what could fit my sizes?  I've been recommended Metzeler ME77 for the rear and ME11's for the front but the US doesnt seem to have ME11's....   

Rear-(4.25/4.60 H18)  & Front-(3.25/3.60 S19)  I'm kind of clueless at this point, and don't want to ride on worn tires..

[333]

The most important reason to use the correct tire is the way the belts are laid.  A front tire is made to corner and brake, while a rear tire is made to accelerate the bike down the road.  The belts are laid in a particular way to do certain jobs.  And while you might find a tire that will do both front and rear, it probably won't do it very well.

[jasburbak]

Just found a post by chippyfive50 about his whitewalls, and apparently he uses two front Maxxis Classics on his bike....he says he's been riding them for 3 seasons no problem... i'm thinking of doing the same just for my rear tire, but still having doubts about handling and balance...

[fixahonda]

Every rear tire I have seen has had quite a bit more tread on it than a front as well. Beside the possible handling issues, I would imagine it would wear down quite a bit faster than a proper rear tire.