Mixing tyre makes front and back

[Sweaty Sock]

I need to replace my rear tyre, but the front has plenty of tread left, both Michelin Pilot road tyres on a R1150GS.

Off roaders frequently run different makes F+R, but I know the accepted wisdom is to stick with the same on road bikes due to profile/compound matching.
Wondered if anyone has an alternative view? I was wondering about sticking a new Pirelli or Conti touring tyre on the back and then changing the front when it wears out... Years ago I mixed Pirelli and Metzeler on a bike although they're the same company.

 

[dean0n0]

There's one way to find out. You can always change the front if it doesn't work.

 

[MartinK]

I prefer to keep them matched, but as you say, sometimes it's not always practical. I have two CTA3's on my 1200GS, but on my F650GS I have a CTA3 on the front, and a Annakee3 on the back. Works fine. No worries. Take it easy and get used to any change in characteristics. I would suggest it will be fine

Quick bit of back up

""If you wish to mix then this will be at your own discretion. Having said this, there is no law (of which I am aware of) in the UK that states you have to use 'approved fitments.'

"As long as the size, load and speed index is equivalent to those on the homologated OE tyres, then legally, you can use anything you like.""

My tyee fitter and my MOT man did not have anything negative to say about mixing tyres...

 

[mikeyboy]

My brother runs his 1150 on a bit of a budget,
He comes over to my workshop and scoops up all of the part worn swap out tyres,
Not killed him yet

 

[db-89]

Never had an issue and never heard of one

 

[bowser]

just dont mix a cross ply or bias belted on the front with a radial on the rear

infact just dont mix, either fine but not together

 

[bowser]

just dont mix a cross ply or bias belted on the front with a radial on the rear

infact just dont mix, either fine but not together

 

[jgp]

A friend of mine ( who might read this) had a gs with a tourance on the front ,ended up going on holiday to Spain with a Metzler m6 on the back cause he got it at a bargain price. We laughed ,but it didn’t affect the handling on the bike one bit. Makes you wonder about all the talk about having to have matching sets of tyres.

 

[Bem]

Its a few weeks ago since I had my 1150 running 1500 miles per month, but the bike is of little import to the subject. If you are comfortable with replacing tyres as they wear then no real problem providing they are approx the same format eg off road with off road or sports with sports. You will always have some wear memory imposed on the new tyre from the old one at the other end.
At some point in my life I decided that the hassle/luxury/faff of putting the bike on the stands and getting both ends off together was the way to go. I may change my mind again as age and finances change.

 

[Nutty]

My brother runs his 1150 on a bit of a budget,
He comes over to my workshop and scoops up all of the part worn swap out tyres,
Not killed him yet

I didn’t realise you and JB were related?

 

[West coast gser]

A friend of mine ( who might read this) had a gs with a tourance on the front ,ended up going on holiday to Spain with a Metzler m6 on the back cause he got it at a bargain price. We laughed ,but it didn’t affect the handling on the bike one bit. Makes you wonder about all the talk about having to have matching sets of tyres.

The tyre manufactures wouldn't make enough ££'s if folk fitted different tyres ..and they don't test them ...I've fitted metz tourance with conti trail rear also Mitas rear with tourance front and full bore m40 front with conti rear..all with no handling problems..

 

[Sweaty Sock]

I thank you for your wise words gentlemen/ladies! Music to my ears and my wallet.
Considering the rear often gets squared off, profiles ought not to matter too much either I thought. Part worns....?

Will give it a try and let you know. Didnae wantae be a bawbag an faw aff (for those who know) Didn't want to be a scrotum and fall off (for those who don't )

 

[West coast gser]

I thank you for your wise words gentlemen/ladies! Music to my ears and my wallet.
Considering the rear often gets squared off, profiles ought not to matter too much either I thought. Part worns....?

Will give it a try and let you know. Didnae wantae be a bawbag an faw aff (for those who know) Didn't want to be a scrotum and fall off (for those who don't )

Ran part worns on all my bikes before ..jus gotta take it easy for a few miles to re scrub them in and get used to them..aye found the rear tyres on the GS's tend to square off pretty badly..must be the profile of the tread pattern..fair mucks up the handling when it happens

 

[Cali Phil]

Mixed brands on my R1100Rt. Bridgestone rear and Stinko on front. No issues and both are wearing well.

 

[Captain jack]

I have Avon adventure on from and annakee on the back. No problems

 

[Aidan1150]

Never had an issue and never heard of one

This...

 

[Posh Pete]

Trust me: you’re far safer and faster mixing modern tyres than having a brand new pair of Avon Speedmasters as was the norm, back in the day!


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