ATV/UTV Bias tire construction
Bias ply tires have ply cords that run from bead to bead at a 45 degree angle (or bias) to the center line of the tire. These plies are applied in a multi layer criss-cross pattern and alternate in direction. Ply thickness is even from sidewall to shoulder to tread.
ATV/UTV Radial Tire Construction
Radial-ply tires have ply cords applied at a 90-degree angle to the center line of the tire. Multiple ply layers are applied over top of each other. Tread belts are then layered over the plies in the tread section.
Here are some general pros and cons for each.
Bias Ply Tire Pros
· Strong sidewalls for better sidewall puncture resistance
· Easy to repair
· Lower cost
· Good off camber stability because of stiffer sidewall
· High impact resistance
· Great for frequent high loads and towing
Bias Ply Tire cons
· Smaller tread footprint
· Tire flex is spread out over a large area increasing heat buildup at high speeds.
· Greater rolling resistance means less fuel mileage.
· Shorter tire life.
Radial Pros
· Radial tires tend to improve the handling and performance of your machine at high and low speeds because the tire conforms to the terrain better through increased sidewall flex.
· Radial tires typically last longer than Bias ply tires because of the low heat buildup and construction design.
· Lower rolling resistance equates to better fuel mileage.
· Smoother more comfortable ride.
· Larger contact patch
Radial Cons
· Higher cost
· Low ply rated radials are more prone to sidewall puncturing
· Less resistant to high speed impacts
