rear up front... really?

Hey y'all, sort of new to the DS world but reading and learning all I can.

For my first post and question, I need a new front tire on my bike, I keep reading about putting a rear tire on the front... I know that there are tons of opinions and options but I want to narrow it down a bit. I figured that this would be a good place to start.

First question... WHY do it? I mean I can see the advantage of a CT on the rear but why a back tire on the front?

Next, brand and model, looking for handling and longevity (yes I know that most of the time they are mutually exclusive).

Since I don't have my profile filled out yet, here are my specifics

I have a 2007 Yamaha Silverado 1100
This coming season will be my second on this (or any) bike, I was only able to put 3k or so miles on last year so this up coming season will be perfect for making up for lost time from last summer. I don't pull a trailer and my lady has her own bike so I ride solo'

I live in the Allegheny Mountains of North Western PA so we have our share of hills and twisties. I'm a bit of a conservative rider so no sparks from the floorboards (well not yet anyway). I try not to ride in the rain but with a 100 mile round trip to and from work the chances of getting caught in a shower are pretty good at least once or twice during the season.

So, who's got the hot tips when it comes to turning around the rubber on a cruiser?

Thanks in advance and MERRY CHRISTMAS

Mick

I ran an Avon Venom rear on the front of my 2007 Nomad with a CT on the back and it was an excellent combination. I am running a Bridgestone BT-45 Battleax on the front of my 1500 Wing and it works great. I am about to mount the same tire on the front of my 1800 Wing. No more front tires for me. The rear tires have a higher load carrying capacity and deeper treads, so they should wear longer.

Mick, merry X-mas.
Just like Metalman said, the tire will last much much longer.

Cheers, Robert.

rear up front... really?



Really, works well

See you out there
Smokey

I;m running a rear up front for two reasons: Bigger tire to compliment the big rear tire and extra milage ($$$). Merry Christmas to you and yours.

the above stated reasons plus I noticed a slight lessening of the crossover effect I had gotten pretty much used to: I don't even notice it at all now, even on the Dragon.
I think that's possibly due to either the extra beef, a slightly different profile or both. Rear: Vredestein Comtrac 175/75/16 Front: Bridgestone Spitfire S-11 130/16 rear.

Thanks for the replies... looks like I'll be buying a new rear tire for the front. Still many miles on my current rear tire so not going to cross over to the darkside quite yet but when it's time for a new tire I'll be putting a CT on the back.

Happy New Year

Mick

Just so ya know...
I took off my Pirelli at 3k (half worn out, according to measurements) and put on the Comtrac. At 7k and it's not even 1/3 worn, I don't regret or miss the Italian skin a bit. It sits in the corner as an emergency poorboy spare. Something to think about.

That's something to think about, I've got a Dunlop on the back of the bike now, not crazy about it so maybe I'll go that route. The season is a ways off and I still have to service my bike, might just choose a CT and have it put on when I have everything else done.