Mixing speed ratings. Does it really matter?

[Titto]

I wanted a Pr4 Gt tyre for the rear (rated z iirc) and had this in mind purely as it's got the harder centre compound and eventually would put the pr4 "trail" rated V on the front.

My mobile tyre fitter however, won't fit the GT to the back as he says you shouldn't mix speed ratings, the Gt is not endorsed by Michelin as the right tyre (they say use the trail rear rated v) and that it would / could invalidate my warranty and or insurance.

I've also managed to find the tyres much much cheaper from tyreleader.Co.uk so will probably buy from there and get fitted separately but what's your thoughts on mixing the ratings???

Does anyone have any knowledge of the above or any issues with insurance or warranty stuff?!

 

[Davey B]

Sounds bollox to me. A V rated tyre is good for 149mph, a Z something like 186, the GS won't do 149 so both are over-rated for the bike. Really can't se it being an insurance issue. Yes if it was a H rated or lower but it seems to me that both are fit for purpose.

 

[paul08]

It (mixing the speed ratings) would be a problem here in Germany. We have a 2 yearly Tüv inspection (similar to an MOT but more thorough) and they would pull you for that

 

[CPJS]

I have the same tyres waiting in my garage (£183.00 Tyreleader), I had never given the speed rating a thought.
So now I know one tyre is too fast and the other is much too fast, that will do for me.
Insurance? If you ran through a bus queue of school children whilst drunk your insurance company will still pay. Dont worry about it.
Warranty? Sorry Sir, as your tyre is over rated for you bike ( but good enough for a k1300s) we won't fix your heated grips. Unlikely.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Tkc80s are legal for a GS and they have and low speed rating compared to road tyres.

Mixing speed ratings is safe and legal.

Don't stress.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Tyre manufacturers never endorse tyres for a vehicle. All they do is state size and speed rating.

 

[JJH]

Tyre manufacturers never endorse tyres for a vehicle. All they do is state size and speed rating.

So they just churn out tyres of various sizes types speed ratings special spinn offs of these with no particular models in mind? JJH

 

[JJH]

So they just churn out tyres of various sizes types speed ratings special spinn offs of these with no particular models in mind? JJH

And then they produce charts listing bike models and year with a tyre size and type next to it sometimes 2 or 3 choices of their fitment for that model. If that's not an endorsement what is? JJH

 

[WindyChuffer]

So they just churn out tyres of various sizes types speed ratings special spinn offs of these with no particular models in mind? JJH

That's not an endorsement. Read the small print.

Seriously, what risks are you trying to manage by not using a tyre "listed" by your bike by tyre manufacturer???

 

[BillWright]

Hi

I think mixed speed rated tyres are an MOT failure for vehicles in class 5 & 7, PSV & LGV.


The inference must therefore be that they are ok on cars and motorcycles.

Bill