I do not have any problems with the way they are facing...Yes it is a little difficult to check tires unless you put the valve stem in the down position, but no big deal...Too each his own, but checking your tires before every ride seems a little "over-kill" unless you don't ride often...I have a center stand BTW, therefore not much of an issue, but I rarely check my tires using it, works fine on sidestand for me.....And sorry, but I do not know why they face the way they do....