D-Mac

It is almost time for a new rear tire. i currently have Dunlop 404's front and rear. I am not unhappy with them, but want to try Pirelli. Will it affect the handling to have one of each?

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2013 C90T B.O.S.S.
2008 M50 2001-2013

tidcab

Only if the front is a slick!

Mr. Efficiency

Yes and no.

Do not mix bias and radial, this is an invitation to a tank slapper.

Many motorcycle tires are designed to work together, for example, I used to have a very good set of tires from metzeler, where the fron tire cleared the road and the rear tire actually had no tread over the center to increase grip on the cleaned surface.

Ask around, find some folks operating a and b and see what there experiences have been.

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Counter Steer

I am not an expert, nor even well informed, in fact I am just plain ignorant of the subject at hand, but will offer my internet expertise gained from my tire replacement experience. Similar tire construction with similar tread designs have worked fine on my bikes. No more difference than putting a brand new tire on back and leaving a 60% tire on front or vice versa. Happens all the time. Few tires wear evenly front and back. As Mr E. stated, No mixing bias/radials or radically changing tire sizes than what you are replacing although I have radically changed front tire sizes and enjoyed great but different performance characteristics. The higher performance your bike and the closer you ride to your bikes limits, the more matched you want your tires. I simply replace them as needed with the same size, what looks good, cost is reasonable, and I have checked the date of manufacture! I don't purchase bargain brand or old tires. There, now I have successfully supported the notion of an internet expert with no tire credentials, no wonder we have so much fun here.

Oh, yes, I did purchase an internet bargain vintage white wall rear tire for my shovelhead. Terrible tire unless one only goes in a straight line. I did not follow my own rules.

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Wescalero Rider

Mhac nan con
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.” Thomas Paine

t-man403

Don't think I'd mix. Tires are designed to work together as I understand it.
If the compound of the rubber is different from each other you'll have different grip characteristics. Personally I luved the MT66's.

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98' VALKYRIE __________________________ 02' VOLUSIA

C50TinAB

I'd have to agree with t-man. I'd keep with the same model of tire front and rear for the reasons stated.

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'09 C50T Black/Grey

03volusiarider

IMO, i would never run Dunlops, and i would NOT mix tire brands as the grip in cornering characteristics would be different front to rear.

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Dj12midnit

As a rule it is not recommended. I however did it as I did not want to waste all that tire so I mixed for 10000 miles or so with no problem.

D-Mac

Thanks for the info. I figure if I run another Dunlop on the rear I will be ready to change both next time. If not, I will change both anyway.

__________________
Ride Safe!

"There are two things you can never get back. A word after it is spoken and time after it is gone."

2013 C90T B.O.S.S.
2008 M50 2001-2013

Polovision

I mix them all the time. Depends on whats available.

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