IRC-M5B backwards ?

New Bikes, Old Bikes, Bike Setup, Bike Mods, Questions, Riding Technique, Advice.
Post Reply
yamit85
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 36
Joined: Sat May 03, 2014 7:29 am

IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by yamit85 »

Any tire experts out there?

I just had GW install an M5B on my old Yam IT200. I think they were thrown off by the fact that the sprocket is on the right where most bikes have the sprocket on the left. Anyway the thing is on backwards. I was going to take it back and ask them to reverse it but I noticed on some forums that some people prefer the handling that way. I'm no performance junky but I'm hoping this configuration isn't going to lead to it wearing faster. ??

Jonny5
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 257
Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:52 am
Location: Okotoks

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by Jonny5 »

It is my understanding the M5B does not 'side hill' very well when run the correct direction. I have been told that when it is run backwards it is better.

I would leave it. I run mine both directions to maximize tread wear.

Jon
Jon G.
2018 KTM 350XCF

boland
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 659
Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2012 1:50 pm
Contact:

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by boland »

Ya lots of people only run them backwards
KTM 300 XCW
#184A

User avatar
RJHenry
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 826
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:17 pm
Location: Cochrane, AB

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by RJHenry »

Agreed, many folks in our area prefer the traction of the M5B running "backwards".

The M5B is only marked for one direction, but its scoop pattern looks SO MUCH like the Milleville (which is marked "Soft / Intermediate" in the two directions) that I concluded the reason people prefer it backwards is based on our terrain (which is, in general, decidedly more intermediate than soft).

My personal strategy is based on the moisture - I usually run the "correct" direction in the spring when there is more wet terrain, then turn the tire after a month when it dries out and get a fresh edge to put to work in the intermediate direction.
Robert J Henry
2016 Husqvarna FE350

yamit85
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 36
Joined: Sat May 03, 2014 7:29 am

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by yamit85 »

Great, so no issues - Thanks guys!

Brass
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 1329
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:04 am
Location: Calgary, SE

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by Brass »

Interesting :thinking:

I have 2 Kookanusa rides on one and it is chunking so badly that I was thinking of taking it off and tossing it (center knobs ripping off). Maybe I'll spin it around and see what happens to the rest of it.
The voices are back. Awesome!

User avatar
RJHenry
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 826
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:17 pm
Location: Cochrane, AB

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by RJHenry »

Chunking? :crazy: Never heard of that from that tire.

Two questions:
1) is it stale? (i.e.what is the date stamp?)
2) In which direction was it running when chunking?

RJH
Robert J Henry
2016 Husqvarna FE350

Brass
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 1329
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:04 am
Location: Calgary, SE

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by Brass »

date is 09/14, running in proper direction
The voices are back. Awesome!

yamit85
2024 RMDRA Member
2024 RMDRA Member
Posts: 36
Joined: Sat May 03, 2014 7:29 am

Re: IRC-M5B backwards ?

Post by yamit85 »

I guess its gonna depend on your riding style. For me, if I get stuck on a hill on my underpowered old style 2 stroke, I have to wind the motor up, spin the wheel, burn the clutch and pedal like a monkey. But the guys on newer 4 strokes with low end grunt can take advantage of the grip and just roll on the throttle with less tire abuse

Post Reply