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Author Topic: mixing tire brands  (Read 1094 times)
theredark
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Posts: 86

Derry, NH


« on: May 07, 2013, 04:58:09 AM »

Good morning all,

Getting close to time to replace my front tire but have a substantial amount of tread on rear left.  I want to try a different tire from what I have now (Dunlop Elite 3)  I plan on trying the Metzeler tire.  Would there be a problem with a Metz on the front and keeping the Dunlop on the rear for now until I need a rear tire?

Thanks,

Brad
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2000 Black/Red Interstate
sandy
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Posts: 5397


Mesa, AZ.


« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2013, 05:22:29 AM »

You can mix brands but I wouldn't mix a radial with a bias ply. Some people do it, but not my choice. Motorcycle treads are designed to work together. The front tread parts water in the rain so the rear tire has better traction. That's why manufacturers recommend not mixing brands.
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old2soon
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2013, 05:32:22 AM »

Bias ply front and D/S radial rear.  cooldude My combination works for me.  coolsmiley RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5227


2000 Tourer

Calgary, Alberta


« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2013, 06:13:10 AM »

Motorcycle treads are designed to work together. The front tread parts water in the rain so the rear tire has better traction. That's why manufacturers recommend not mixing brands.
THAT's the rationale?
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Jess from VA
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Posts: 30524


No VA


« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2013, 06:16:33 AM »

Do it, neither you or the bike will notice. 

You will notice a better front tire.

 Run that front Metz at 44psi if you'd like to get to 10K on it.
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Farther
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Posts: 1680


Quimper Peninsula, WA


« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2013, 07:04:21 AM »

My next change will be with a Metz front and Avon rear.
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Thanks,
~Farther
hubcapsc
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Posts: 16788


upstate

South Carolina


« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2013, 07:44:31 AM »


Mix all you want. We have fast safe riders who run car tires on the back
and backwards rear motorcycle tires on the front. Not me, of course  Wink ...
but there can't be anything wrong with mixing brands of "appropriate" tires...

-Mike
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Fla. Jim
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Posts: 459


#166 White City Florida, VRCCDS0143


« Reply #7 on: May 07, 2013, 11:34:54 AM »

Done all the above ..Still here...No Flaming death......... yet.... Roll Eyes
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old2soon
Member
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #8 on: May 07, 2013, 02:46:21 PM »

Done all the above ..Still here...No Flaming death......... yet.... Roll Eyes
  + a couple at least.  2funny I'm convinced if I do die a flaming death it won't be cause of the tires-most likely because someone in a cage"DID NOT SEE ME".  uglystupid2 Hellz bellz I can see that on my tombstone now.  cooldude RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
Scoop171
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Posts: 138


Largo, Florida


« Reply #9 on: May 07, 2013, 02:57:19 PM »

I have a Avon on the front and a Metz on the rear and all is good here.  cooldude
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Current rides:
01' Interstate
04' Boss Hoss 350/385 hp

F6MoRider
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Posts: 294


Lakeland, FL


« Reply #10 on: May 07, 2013, 03:44:56 PM »

I have a Metz on the front and i choose between an Avon or a Dunlop E3 for the rear as I have a spare wheel with the other tire mounted.

Had Metz on front and back, wore off the back, got a set of Avons, mounted the rear Avon (front still waiting for the front Metz to wear out), picked up a rear Dunlop E3 on sale and mounted it on my spare rim which I swap based on my needs.  Never had a problem with any combination.
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VRCC #4086
2000 Valk Standard dressed with matching Interstate Bags and the Hondaline shield.
Former BMW Guy
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Posts: 523


Aut viam inveniam aut faciam.

Apple Valley, MN


« Reply #11 on: May 07, 2013, 04:51:49 PM »

Motorcycle treads are designed to work together. The front tread parts water in the rain so the rear tire has better traction. That's why manufacturers recommend not mixing brands.
THAT's the rationale?

Correct....On wet road conditions that's exactly the reason!

JP
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Motorcycling is not, of itself, inherently dangerous.
It is however, extremely unforgiving of: inattention, ignorance, incompetence or stupidity.
Rio Wil
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Posts: 1357



« Reply #12 on: May 07, 2013, 05:22:57 PM »

Mix and match all you want.......not a issue.

My combos:

m/c tire front (bias and radial)
rear m/c tire on front (NOT reverse rotation)
m/c tire on rear
c/t on rear  (last 115K miles)

Only thing to remember is always 40-44 psi front and rear.....ALWAYS!



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Farther
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Posts: 1680


Quimper Peninsula, WA


« Reply #13 on: May 07, 2013, 05:29:12 PM »

I run mine at 45# front and rear and can notice a drop in air pressure to 40# in deteriorated handling.
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Thanks,
~Farther
Rio Wil
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Posts: 1357



« Reply #14 on: May 07, 2013, 05:37:47 PM »

I hear you....my point being ya gotta keep the air above 40...start to run 32 psi like some of the folks do and IMHO you are asking for increased tire wear and poor handling.  A c/t doesn't get stiff enough below  40 psi....
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theredark
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Posts: 86

Derry, NH


« Reply #15 on: May 07, 2013, 06:05:23 PM »

Thanks all for the quick responses.  And don't worry,  I have no intention of mixing bias and radials.  All my tires, including the trailers are all radials!

Now for the search for the best price on the metz!
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2000 Black/Red Interstate
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