Mixing tyre brands

[kawasutra]

I have a '99 model Fazer, recently purchased.


The rear tyre needs replacing soon, but the front still has lots of tread left.


Currently, both are Dunlops. (Sportmax Qualifier)


I am wondering if I should stick to a new Dunlop rear or I could get a Metzeler or Bridgestone instead.


Would this be a complete NO NO! or "really not a big deal!"?


I want a tyre that gives the most mileage, rather than "almost a slick!" 


Thanks.

[andybesy]

Opinions may vary but for me it would fall in to the "not a big deal" category.

Matched brands doesn't matter so much as ensuring that at any given point both tyres are in good order and up to the job you're asking them to do.

If you're looking for optional mileage then sports touring tyres are the obvious choice. The Michelin PR2 and PR3 are the most popular, closely followed by the Bridgestone BT023.

I usually get around 10K out of my BT023s, and then generally replace them due to squaring rather than lack of tread (or damned punctures of course!)

Others may be better qualified to comment on Metzeler and Dunlop.

Andy

[Paul]

I've mixed tyre brands in the past and haven't experienced a problem.

[darrsi]

I've NEVER had the same brand of tyres on any of my bikes!

[Slaninar]

Would this be a complete NO NO! or "really not a big deal!"?

Big deal only if you live in Germany. Otherwise no problems. Metzeler Roadtec Z6, or Sportec M5 interact (slightly better grip, slightly lower mileage).

[darrsi]

Yeah, my mate was living in Germany and you have to have exactly the same model tyres on front and rear for some odd reason?

[Hedgetrimmer]

Does it matter if your front tyre doesn't warm up as quickly as the rear? (assuming both have the correct speed ratings).

[bigralphie]

I do it all the time BUT it is a reason not to pay you out by the insurance if you have no fault slide down the road 

[Slaninar]

Does it matter if your front tyre doesn't warm up as quickly as the rear? (assuming both have the correct speed ratings).

Good question.

When mismatching tyres, one should pay attention to get similar ones. Sport street and Sport touring tyres behave differently, in terms of warming up, holding in the wet etc. So while mismatching is OK, do make sure to get the front tyre that is not less grippy than the rear. Or at least be aware of that fact when pushing it.


Quick accelerations with hard braking (with front only) can help warm both tyres up. Also, riding with front brake SLIGHTLY applied can help heat up discs, pads and both tyres.

[wezdavo]

Its not for me, I match them, there designed in pairs to compliment each other..
 
I suppose it depends on what you use the bike for, if its just tootling around and commuting I don't think it matters much..
 
 

[Slaninar]

Its not for me, I match them, there designed in pairs to compliment each other..
 
I suppose it depends on what you use the bike for, if its just tootling around and commuting I don't think it matters much..

I use mine for GP racing exclusively. 

[kawasutra]

I want to use the bike for both tootling around and an occasional weekend scratch round some country twisties.


I intend to ride through the winter, except when it's snowed.


I am really grateful to ALL of you that replied. I have learnt a heck of a lot in this one post.


Hell, if I hadn't bought a Fazer and seen this forum, I'd sell the other bike and go buy a Fazer! Thank you.


I think I'm going to get a road/touring high mileage tyre on the back and not worry too much about the brand mismatching. And avoid rides to Germany...

[kawasutra]

P.S.


Here's my bike. Note the non-standard aerodynamic front indicators, and the high end luxury onboard clock!

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,10213.0.html

(Both done previous to my ownership)

[TonyW]

You know there's a clock on the dash don't you?
 

[andybesy]

I think you're good to ride through Germany. It's just if your bike was licensed there, and you had to go through their equivalent of an MOT.

Andy

[fazersharp]

You know there's a clock on the dash don't you?

Not on a 98 which kawasutra has--- are you saying that your 98 has a clock, because if it has then its not the orig dash which means the milage is wrong (or can that be changed )

[Gary]

Tis up to yourself really ..
Ive just put a new Bridgestone T30 on the rear of my FZ1. Have a BT023 on the front. Same brand diff tyre models .. so far so good

[Punkstig]

Mixing is not an issue in the slightest, as far as insurance purposes - so long as the tyres are a correct rating for the bike then no probs!