http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/mcy/822517417.html

in the Flickr pictures, it looks like the front tire is installed backwards if you pay close attention to the direction grooves...any thoughts?

Thats just the way they are designed, the michelin pilot road 2 compound tires.

you can see the stock photo here:

http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004103637&lang=EN

or a close up of the directional arrows on my bike here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/h00ah/2824216274/