So I'm replacing my worn out D208s with the new BT016s. I had them mounted today and when I got home I noticed that the rear was put on backward. Well, that got me investigating and I found out that the rear was indeed mounted backwards (the arrow on the tire is pointing the wrong way). The curious thing is that I thought the front was mounted backwards too, but it looks like the tread patterns are opposite. Check out the stock Gix (which comes OEM w/BT016s):

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_.../photo_08.html

I don't know how else to describe it except that the pattern is pointing opposite of forward roll. Does that make sense?

Then if you look at the rear, the tread pattern is pointing in the direction of forward roll:

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_.../photo_07.html

I can't find any info on the useless Bridgestone site. Anyone have these tires and/or have an opinion?

 

take it back to the shop with your receipt

 

Yeah, that's a given. I'm just surprised to see the tread patterns reversed as opposed to all the tires I've seen in the last 22 years run in the same direction.

 

Pilot powers tread pattern run the opposite direction. You gotta be careful and watch which the arrow runs ( like you checked). In fact, I think Dunlops an Pirelli are the same too. Hmm.. I think they all are..

anyway, here is a quick pic of the pilot power tread pattern.. dont laugh at my chicken strips.. its been crappy summer with not much cornering......

 

Make sure your arrows are pointing forward if not you willware that tire faster than normal. the tire should have small arrows on the side.