Some time after the last ice age a good friend called my and asked for my help installing new tires on a T140D. He said if I came down (to Cape Cod) he would pick up the tab for the entire evening while we painted-the-town-red, even told me that he had a retained lawyer incase we had too much fun...
Anyway, I got there and found a pair of new sneakers in sizes 4.00/18 for the rear and a 3.25/189 for the front. Both tires were directional and I noticed that the 4.00/18 was a front tire. I called Moore's in Hartford and told them about the error and asked if we could shoot over and get the correct rear. Keith Moore had picked up the phone, it was early Saturday morning, and told me that by reversing the direction of a tire the 4.00/18 front would make it safe for duty on the rear, said that by doing so the tires construction and tread pattern would work fine on the rear. Keith went into some detail which I don't recall, but this post IMO is the perfect place to hear from members with greater knowledge. Keith Moore was a legend in the motorcycle industry he made me feel valued and respected while trying to convey his knowledge to a mere troglodyte; they don't make 'em like that anymore.
Back then tire choices were slim; nowadays I simply buy a matched set and the only thing that reverses is my bank balance...
So,, does this technique still have a use? I'd really like to hear what members have to say.
My friend still lives on the Cape, the T140D never hurt him, he sold the Triumph a year later. He still rides, but on a '66 BMW R60/2 which I woke up for him after a 25 year hibernation.
Best.
