Chief Rider Maxi-Scooter Rider

Number of posts: 108 Age: 57 Location: Willow Springs MO. Points: 1268 Registration date: 2009-04-14
 | Subject: Why are there two different sizes of tires Sun Sep 27, 2009 9:40 pm | |
| Does anyone know why motorcycles have a larger tire in front than in the rear? |
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KurtPerthWA Silver Wing Expert


Number of posts: 944 Age: 63 Location: Belmont, Perth WA Points: 2746 Registration date: 2009-01-19
 | Subject: Re: Why are there two different sizes of tires Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:39 am | |
| it improves handling as the larger wheels ride bumps better. If you ride anything with a 10" wheel you will know what i mean. Also the tyres last longer as an added bonus |
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Chief Rider Maxi-Scooter Rider

Number of posts: 108 Age: 57 Location: Willow Springs MO. Points: 1268 Registration date: 2009-04-14
 | Subject: Re: Why are there two different sizes of tires Mon Sep 28, 2009 7:25 am | |
| KurtPerthWa Thanks for the imput on the wheel size. It makes sense especially tire wear. |
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exavid Silver Wing Rider

Number of posts: 412 Age: 69 Location: Medford, Oregon Points: 1477 Registration date: 2009-07-17
 | Subject: Re: Why are there two different sizes of tires Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:22 pm | |
| Another reason to have different sized tires is that the rear tire has to carry a heavier load since bikes are balanced with greater weight to the rear end. Also the rear tire needs a bit more rubber on the road since that tire carries the power load from the engine so a larger contact patch helps keep the wheel from spinning. You could put wider smaller diameter tire on the front too but it would transmit more vibration and bumps from the road due to it's smaller diameter and if it was wider like the rear the steering effort would be greater. |
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