Mixing tyres...

[jade]

Ok ...Just got the new aprilia rs250
Has a Michelin pilot on the rear - brand new - has a dunlop d207 on the front
the dunlop is what i had on my previous rs250 and is a tyre I know and trust
Im told that mixing tyres is bad practice - what is the reason ?
Different warm up times ?
Different levels of grip?
Different roll angles >?
after riding - the dunlop is definately warmer than the rear - which leads me to believe it is stickier and thus I am less likely to lose the front which seems good to me - Can someone please elaborate on this subject - is it dangerous?
Will the effects be more noticeable in the wet?

[Big Dave]

Ok ...Just got the new aprilia rs250
Has a Michelin pilot on the rear - brand new - has a dunlop d207 on the front
the dunlop is what i had on my previous rs250 and is a tyre I know and trust
Im told that mixing tyres is bad practice - what is the reason ?
Different warm up times ?
Different levels of grip?
Different roll angles >?
after riding - the dunlop is definately warmer than the rear - which leads me to believe it is stickier and thus I am less likely to lose the front which seems good to me - Can someone please elaborate on this subject - is it dangerous?
Will the effects be more noticeable in the wet?

Mixing tyres and treads was once quite dangerous - tank slappers and really weird stuff. That was 10 or more years ago.

Whilst I'm sure there are still combinations that produce unsatisfactory results - these days I happily mix and match good quality tyres from different brands. If it comes from the top shelf - they all work OK together - some combinations just better than others.

Mixing compounds is what they do in superbikes non?

I usually go for a sports on the front and a sports touring compound on the rear by choice.

Different tyres behave differently in the wet - the idea is just to take it easy anyway.

[Lou Girardin]

No manufacturer approves of mixing brands. Most don't allow mixing models in their own range. But bikers always know better than the people who make them.

[slowpoke]

But bikers always know better than the people who make them.

Ouch!
I don't know how many tests I've read or bikes I've ridden where crap OEM tyre fitment ruined the ride. They are recommendations...not gospel. The possible permutations are infinite when it comes to mixing tyres/brands/profiles/compounds so they are hardly going to endorse a mix and match policy.
Big Daves' philosophy kinda makes sense. I guess it'll depend on how you ride the bike too: if you are the last of the demon late brakers but a bit less enthusiastic with your right hand or gas it up but easy on the brakes you could very well find different brand/compounds front and rear work better for you.

[Sketchy_Racer]

I have heard good thing and bad things.

My race bike has mismatched tyres on it. and a front tyre on the back wheel!!

They work great for me and give the ultra quick response i want my tyres to give. The only thing i have had them do wrong was coming out of the sweeper at manfeild, about 140kph, it started a slight weaving feeling down half the straight before it came right. It was only really really small and didnt bother me!!.

So if they work well. great. If they dont, bin the rear tyre and get a new one. DUnlops RULE

Oh and nice nice bike dude!!!!!!!!

[Motig]

Not being a racer (road or track) I'd think that mixing good quality rubber for normal road use would probably not matter. Naturally tyre manufacturers are hardly going to reccomend the opposition, it wouldn't be to good for there sales.

[Lou Girardin]

I'll give one example then. Metz Z6 rears have no centre grooving. The front tyre does water clearance for both when in a straight line. Put an incompatible front tyre on and you're at serious risk of aquaplaning.

[sAsLEX]

I havent had a matched set on my bikes in years, often using hand me down fronts off the racers and just getting a rear from the shop, and no issues.

I see your point Lou but would Michelan really suggest using a Bridgestone front with their tires???? And the Z6 is a rather specific example