Is the General Altimax RT45 Directional or Non Directional?

[Tourer]

Took the rear tire off my F3 today. Was looking at the 215/60r15 Altimax RT45 SL I got from Tire Rack and do not see any indication that it is a directional tire. The thread pattern looks uniformed on both sides of the thread. Also there is no red or yellow dot to mount to the tire valve location.

 

[Woodaddict]

doesn't matter, its going on a rear single wheel!! but its NOT directional anyhow

 

[Peter Aawen]

I can't tell you about the General Altimax since we don't get that particular tire in Oz, but seriously, you don't NEED a directional tire on a Spyder; in fact, some of the best auto tires for them that you can get/use these days are definitely Non-Directional & a few are even asymmetrical! :shocked:

And those red & yellow dots don't necessarily appear on all tires either. Those dots are there to show the tire tech any imbalances &/or low spots in the tire, IF they are present, so the tech can decide how to best orient the tire on the rim to get the smoothest running; only if the tire has been made to the exacting standards that many tires are these days, neither of those points need appear/be evident on any specific tire! However, if there are dots on your new tire, the yellow dot should be matched to the valve, or the rims heaviest point (which is usually going to be the valve!) unless there's a red dot, in which case that red dot ALWAYS takes precedence and IT should be matched to the valve OR to the “low point dimple” marked on the rim if there is one present. :thumbup:

 

[BajaRon]

Though typically, a directional tire will give you better wet traction (sheds water more quickly). Peter is correct as this is not always the case. The General Altimax RT45 is a symmetrical tire that is very good in the rain. It even has a feature where the center tread reads "REPLACE TIRE" when it's time to change it.

The one real downside to a directional tire is that you have to remove the tire, turn it around and remount it to rotate to a different side of the vehicle. But, with a 1 tire rear, that's not an issue.

Whatever you do. I highly recommend carefully selecting a tire that is good in the wet. Especially on the rear. The Spyder is susceptible to hydroplaning on the back tire. So, good traction in the rain is paramount (in my opinion). "I never ride in the rain!" You say? Most of us don't choose to ride in the rain. But 'Never' is a long time. And it only takes getting caught once to pucker the orifice if you're tires can't handle it.

Ride Safe!

 

[Peacekeeper6]

I would definitely run a directional tire in the rear.

My next rear tire would probably be like the Michelin Cross Climate 2, if they make the correct size (haven't researched it yet), only because I've read great reviews about them.

Pricey, like most Michelin offerings, but you get what you pay for ....

 

[BajaRon]

I would definitely run a directional tire in the rear.

My next rear tire would probably be like the Michelin Cross Climate 2, if they make the correct size (haven't researched it yet), only because I've read great reviews about them.

Pricey, like most Michelin offerings, but you get what you pay for ....

You're not going to find a CrossClimate2 tire in a Spyder size unless you have a 16"-22" wheel. We have found the Vredestein Quatrac to be a close 2nd to the Michelin. They come in very comparable sizes for the front. But for the rear, the closest you can get is a 205/60R 15. A tire that some are running with good results. You lose about 3/8" of width on both sides (3/4" total). But you still have 8" of tire on the ground. Not too bad comparted to the 3" or so, at speed, with the Kenda OEM tire.

We have had very good luck with the General Altimax 43RT, and now the 45RT. They are a symmetrical, non-directional tire. But have very good wet characteristics.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

You're not going to find a CrossClimate2 tire in a Spyder size unless you have a 16"-22" wheel. We have found the Vredestein Quatrac to be a close 2nd to the Michelin. They come in very comparable sizes for the front. But for the rear, the closest you can get is a 205/60R 15. A tire that some are running with good results. You lose about 3/8" of width on both sides (3/4" total). But you still have 8" of tire on the ground. Not too bad comparted to the 3" or so, at speed, with the Kenda OEM tire.

We have had very good luck with the General Altimax 43RT, and now the 45RT. They are a symmetrical tire. But have very good wet characteristics.

Well the Michelin Defender T & H comes in 205/65-15 and is highly rated .... Also the New Riken 215/60-15 ( @ $99.00 ) is actually very close to the Michelien and General and Quatrac ..... I have the Riken and am impressed with it in the Rain ..... JMHO .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Peacekeeper6]

You're not going to find a CrossClimate2 tire in a Spyder size unless you have a 16"-22" wheel. We have found the Vredestein Quatrac to be a close 2nd to the Michelin. They come in very comparable sizes for the front. But for the rear, the closest you can get is a 205/60R 15. A tire that some are running with good results. You lose about 3/8" of width on both sides (3/4" total). But you still have 8" of tire on the ground. Not too bad comparted to the 3" or so, at speed, with the Kenda OEM tire.

We have had very good luck with the General Altimax 43RT, and now the 45RT. They are a symmetrical, non-directional tire. But have very good wet characteristics.

Thanks BR for your informative reply.

 

[FrogmanDave]

doesn't matter, its going on a rear single wheel!!

It would absolutely matter. Otherwise you may be running the tire in the wrong direction which would result in 'less than optimal' results.