Anyone run a radial tire on front?

[Huffa]

Wonder how it would work? I would think pretty darn good as it would put a flatter foot print on the ground. Just found this in my size.......22x11X8 for Yamaha 225

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=14309&department=647&division=6

[Derrick Adams]

I'm running a Badlands XTR radial on the front of my Tri-Z. I can tell you that it is extremely stiff for a lightweight trike. I've got less than 5lb of air in it and it still doesn't work too good. I wouldn't suggest it on the 225. Too light in the front, you'll want something to conform and grip terrain to turn.

[SpeedBump]

I had one on my 350X, not sure what brand, but same size. I could not tell the difference between Bais or Radial as far as the ride goes. The suspension up front on the X was very plush, so didn't really feel any different. That one you are lookin at looks alot like a Trail Wolf. Nice lookin tire. I would say it would be a good replacement for you. let us know how it turns out.

[Huffa]

I'm running a Badlands XTR radial on the front of my Tri-Z. I can tell you that it is extremely stiff for a lightweight trike. I've got less than 5lb of air in it and it still doesn't work too good. I wouldn't suggest it on the 225. Too light in the front, you'll want something to conform and grip terrain to turn.

Well it should grip & conform good being that it's a radial. Sure your guage is right? Your giving the opposite of what they lead you to believe. Maybe your just too skinny to put proper weight on the front :D

[Derrick Adams]

I think you may be misinformed. If radial tires are supposed to conform and grip better than bias tires, why don't rock crawlers use them? I don't know if it's possible to make steel more flexable than rubber, but perhaps it is.

Weight is the key to traction for a radial. The radial working better is because of the shear weight of the vehicle it's on. It was designed to prevent distortion from excess weight (I think). The only radial atv tires I see are for Utility quads.

You do what you want, i'm just giving you my opinion. I'm not saying my tire is bad, i'm just saying it would work better on my bike if it wasn't a radial.

[Huffa]

.........and I appreciate your opinion. Thank You!

Just to get a better understanding of bias and radials I found this.

http://earthmover.webmichelin.com/na_eng/News/85.html

In this statement: "The stabilizing steel belts and radial construction minimize tread distortion. As the sidewalls deflect, the belts hold the tread firmly on the ground, minimizing tread scrub and greatly increasing tread life."

.............I would think this would be a big + for them?

[Darius1502]

This was in reference to 'earthmoving' equipment. Heavy stuff

[ATCnut]

Ive got a radial on the front of my 350X. Its the tire it came with. I have not really noticed a big difference from my other trikes.