Mix Frt and Rear Tyres

[mattye]

Hi All,

Just wondering what the general view is regarding mixing makes of front and rear tyres together?

I have BT021's on and I know from experience that the front wont last long as the tyre profile goes due to the softer shoulders of the tyre. However, I get good milage from the BT021 rear (currently at 3600 with loads left) and was wondering if anyone has put a different make of front on.

I know that most garages will say don't mix makes because of different tyre compounds etc etc but will it really make a difference.

I do a 65 mile daily commute which is mostly dual carridgeway and I'm not looking to be scrapping my knee down at any point.

Any views?

[Lonewolf]

I personally wouldn't mix and match but thats simply my choice.

[viper]

I ran different tyres on my zzr1200 for about 4k as i changed my rear and then waited for the front to wear, i never felt a difference and it was fine, plenty will tell you not to but it was not a problem for me. Im about to put a new rear on my GTR and sure as hell im not binning my front, so im happy to do it again.

[O.C.]

Never done it (mixed 'em that is) so couldn't say...

Plenty recommend not to mix front and rear, TBH I dont think I'd be too bothered as long as the ratings were compatible

[mecki]

I just replaced my original back tyre (BT021) with a Pirelli Angel and since the the front is still OK and will probably last at least another 1K miles I didn't bin it either.
Doesn't feel dangerous and the bike actually feels better than it did with the old BT021. 

[Kwikasfuki]

Not mixed and matched on a bike, but did it with a car. It caused uneven wear and after about 5k miles I was replacing them.

[Martin#30]

I did 40k miles on my previous bike mixing front and rear tyres, buying part worns off eBay and fitting them myself. I am still here to tell the tale. Modern tyres are so good, I simply never noticed any negative symptoms - motorway commuting, back road playing, loaded up touring, all handled with no dramas.

I have not been so skinflint like with the 22k miles on the GTR, I have treated the old girl to new, matching tyres each time. This is simply because I rate the Michelin Pilot Road 3s so highly though.

Martin.