I found a 120-90-16 rear tire & have always liked the thinner tire on the front & wider on the rear. But since I have not found a front tire that is thinner, I was thinking of running that on the front. I also am thinking of going to a 150-80-16 rear. If I could find someone that pulled one off, that would work as to fitting it. I am running the 2007 belt (1") & have recentered the wheel in the swing arm, so I am hoping I can squeeze the 150 in there. Thanks for any input. My bike is a 1999 Ultra.

Toby

 

I use a rear tire on the front of a TriGlide. It is mounted in reverse. I would not recommend this on a two-wheeler. It does give longer service than a regular front tire.

 

When I first had a 21 on '99 RG only 120/21 option was a rear. Ran it backwards without issue.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Toby

 

Had that happen on a Metric bike some time ago...Now I look for the 'F' on the front wheel....once bitten twice shy.

 

The tire makers have them listed f/r for a reason.

 

It is alright to think about this....
but don't do it.
If you decide to do it, get plenty of personal injury medical and a damn good life insurance policy.

 

ah, no...

 

I've been using rear tires on the front of my bikes off and on for 30+ years without an issue. I mount them with the directional arrow reversed. My King has a Shinko 881 160/60 16 on the back, and a Shinko 777 140/90 16 Rear tire on the front. Handles like a dream.

 

I love the internet! Everyone is so dam certain they are right, with dire warnings to prove it. But nobody but the OP can say for sure because they are not looking at the actual tire.

Some tires say front or rear fitment only, some don't. It all depends on the way that particular model of tire was manufactured. Old time belted tires didn't care what end they were mounted on. Many newer ones are more specialized. Again, you don't know without reading the sidewall.