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Does it matter which way an Asymmetrical tire is installed on the rear of a Spyder?

aka1004

Active member
So I got a Hankook asymmetrical tire on rear of my RSS thinking ‘it’s a non directional tire’ and would not matter which way it is installed like the tire guy said.
Only after it was done, I thought maybe it does matter… it’s asymmetrical and designed to roll in one direction, isn’t it?

This is how it’s installed when I look at it from behind the Spyder and the pattern does look like it should be other way around…

IMG_0953.jpeg
 
So I got a Hankook asymmetrical tire on rear of my RSS thinking ‘it’s a non directional tire’ and would not matter which way it is installed like the tire guy said.
Only after it was done, I thought maybe it does matter… it’s asymmetrical and designed to roll in one direction, isn’t it?

This is how it’s installed when I look at it from behind the Spyder and the pattern does look like it should be other way around…

View attachment 255050
Look at the tread of the new XPS branded tires as fitted to new Can Am Spyder’s. They aren’t symmetrical. I think as long as the outer sections are similar, even if they are the reverse, of each other they’ll be fine.
 
Only directional tires matter on the rear of a Spyder, and those tires will have a nice arrow indicating direction.

The thing about asymmetrical tires is that they are sometimes designed to mount in an inside/outside configuration. The outside having different tread compound and tread pattern than the inside. This can give variation in handling between left and right hand turns on the Spyder.

As mentioned already, you might want to investigate the selected tire to see if it has been engineered to be mounted with an inside/outside configuration. Since this is not possible on a single tire vehicle, the final answer is, mount it any way you like on your Spyder. Though it would be good to know what to expect.
 
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So I got a Hankook asymmetrical tire on rear of my RSS thinking ‘it’s a non directional tire’ and would not matter which way it is installed like the tire guy said.
Only after it was done, I thought maybe it does matter… it’s asymmetrical and designed to roll in one direction, isn’t it?

This is how it’s installed when I look at it from behind the Spyder and the pattern does look like it should be other way around…

View attachment 255050
That tire looks barely less symmetrical than the asymmetrical XPS branded Kendas as OEM front fitment on my 2026 S2S. Looking at the front of my Spyder these new XPS Kenda's tread patterns are not reversed from left to right which triggers my OCD more than a little bit. One side looks like it should be inverted in pattern and hence a different part number. However, it makes no difference wet or dry as far as I can tell.
 
It is marked inside/outside but since it’s going on rear, I didn’t think about it much, but the pattern of the tread looks like it should have been mounted that way.

It feels very good, but I was thinking maybe it would hurt wet traction...
 
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It is marked inside/outside but since it’s going on rear , I didn’t think about it much but pattern of tread looks like it should have been mounted the way
Other than the aesthetic, I sincerely doubt you would ever be able to tell the difference, wet or dry, tread design wise with relationship as to which way around you mount it. If the rubber compound varies across the width of the tire there might be a slight issue. With regular Hankook automotive tires at the price they sell for I seriously doubt that they went to the expense of varying the rubber compound across the tire. The siping looks about the same on either side edge blocks so I think you are good to go there too.

According to Hankook, if they are Synergy PT or ST tires, then they have a 30 day return period. Both of these tire specifications stress the center of the tire is the reinforced section, not either outer section. However, both tires emphasize that these tires have about 110% stiffer sidewalls than most tires to ensure a squarer and hence larger contact patch. The stiffer sidewalls may not make them as suitable as other brands of tires for the Spyder. It seems the sidewall sipes in conjunction with the deeper outside channels are what contributes to their wet weather performance so from looking at them I don't think direction matters too much.

So, from Hankook's data for the Synergy PT or ST tires tread asymmetry will not matter very much, nor will tread direction, however sidewall stiffness might be a contributing issue for making them less suitable for a Spyder than other brands. Of the PT and ST models, the ST would seem to be the most suitable for the Spyder as they are for lighter vehicles and are stickier rubber from the mileage warrant duration.

You might want to try them out for a few days to see if any of this matters enough to feel, and if it does, return them. If all is well report back so everyone knows this is a serious option.
 
Other than the aesthetic, I sincerely doubt you would ever be able to tell the difference, wet or dry, tread design wise with relationship as to which way around you mount it. If the rubber compound varies across the width of the tire there might be a slight issue. With regular Hankook automotive tires at the price they sell for I seriously doubt that they went to the expense of varying the rubber compound across the tire. The siping looks about the same on either side edge blocks so I think you are good to go there too.

According to Hankook, if they are Synergy PT or ST tires, then they have a 30 day return period. Both of these tire specifications stress the center of the tire is the reinforced section, not either outer section. However, both tires emphasize that these tires have about 110% stiffer sidewalls than most tires to ensure a squarer and hence larger contact patch. The stiffer sidewalls may not make them as suitable as other brands of tires for the Spyder. It seems the sidewall sipes in conjunction with the deeper outside channels are what contributes to their wet weather performance so from looking at them I don't think direction matters too much.

So, from Hankook's data for the Synergy PT or ST tires tread asymmetry will not matter very much, nor will tread direction, however sidewall stiffness might be a contributing issue for making them less suitable for a Spyder than other brands. Of the PT and ST models, the ST would seem to be the most suitable for the Spyder as they are for lighter vehicles and are stickier rubber from the mileage warrant duration.

You might want to try them out for a few days to see if any of this matters enough to feel, and if it does, return them. If all is well report back so everyone knows this is a serious option.
Tyty.
It is pt.
As far as ride goes, it is great. So much better than stock. It’s been a while since I had a Kumho but this Hankook feels so solid with 20psi.
 
Doesn't look like that's available in the correct size.
Correct how? To match the crummy Kenda tires. I have been running 215/60R15 Generals for 6 years, I have one arriving tomorrow from my most recent 2018 RTL. Installed the same size on my other two Spyders and one on in-laws 2014 RT last winter for him.
 
Correct how? To match the crummy Kenda tires. I have been running 215/60R15 Generals for 6 years, I have one arriving tomorrow from my most recent 2018 RTL. Installed the same size on my other two Spyders and one on in-laws 2014 RT last winter for him.
I guess if it fits it'll work.
I just don't like the taller aspect ratio and narrower section width.
Once I tuned it, this thing is really under-tired on the rear. Quick throttle opening in the lower gears will just spin the tire.
I'm installing a Kumho Ecsta in the original size. The tread on the Kumho is actually a bit wider than the OE Kenda, but still clears the swing-arm.
 
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