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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through March 21, 2009 » Honestly, just HOW important is matching tread? « Previous Next »

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Swordsman
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 09:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Okay, here's the deal. I am currently running Continental Road Attacks, but I want to switch to a sport touring tire to get better mileage. I don't believe I ride hard enough to need full sport tires.

My front tire is just a few short trips from being totally slick. Not that long ago I had to replace the back tire, so there's at least half the tread left on the rear. I REALLY hate to ditch a back tire that's still relatively fresh just so it will match my new front tread.

I've seen members here rail against the idea of mismatched tires, but honestly, for commuting, am I REALLY going to notice a difference?

~SM

(Message edited by Swordsman on March 19, 2009)
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Slaughter
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 09:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you're not PUSHING it in turns - I wouldn't worry about mixing and matching. I do a LOT of just dull, boring, not-fast street riding and use all sorts of tires on my streetbike BUT... I KNOW that I MUST NOT push it and I DON'T.

I can still have a fun ride without dragging knee.
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Nillaice
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 09:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

from what i understand, it is the tire profile that will mess up yer handling/ride charachteristics/whatever. kinda like putting fast food on yer finest china sevring plate....i won't bust yer bawls about it. YMMV
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Nillaice
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 09:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

but this is coming from a guy who runs SHINKO's, so take it fro what it's worth
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Jcbikes
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 10:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I use conti road attacks and love them. Be careful mixing with this tire. they have a zero degree radius that might not mix well with other tires. just a thought.
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Swordsman
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yeah, I like the Conti's too, but they just don't last long enough. Seems like they tabletop after just 2 or 3 rides, despite the harder compound in the center. Because of that, my tire "profiles" are already kinda' screwy.

~SM
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Jaimec
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 10:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It is not a good idea to mix tire brands. At one point, Metzeler used to claim their ME33 Laser front tire would work with any rear tire, but that was back when everyone had bias-ply tires. Now that all sport bikes run radials, you're better off NOT mixing brands or models within brands unless the manufacturer says you can.

Anything else is at your own risk.
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Point_doc
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 11:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I always replace as a set. My justification for buying as a set is this; I could not repair/replace any item on the bike for $100, let alone anything that would happen to me if I went down because of tires. Then there would be the expense of the hospital, the emergency ride and who knows what else?

Just do it…buy a set.

(Message edited by point_doc on March 19, 2009)
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Gentleman_jon
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 11:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

always replace tires in pairs.

You just aren't saving enough money to compromise the handling of your bike.

And if you continue to run with one new tire and one half way used up, you will never know how well your bike will really handle.
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Mnbueller
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 12:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buy the whole set.

There are plenty of people out there running on Continentals so just put the rear up for sale.

Or depending on where you buy your tires, you could see if they will take it from you as a discount towards your new tire. I know Discount Tire does this with car tires. I had one good tire and they gave me $50 for it.

(Message edited by Mnbueller on March 19, 2009)
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Paint_shaker
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 12:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've replaced tires as a set... I've replaced the one, not the other... I've (gasp) run a Pirelli front with a Michelin rear on the track...

That being said, the ideal method would be to replace both at the same time. But you can get away with just one or the other as long as you don't push it.

As for mixing 2 totally different brands on the track like I did, I would not recommend it. I did not experience any ill effects, but it was just waiting to happen...

Your results may vary.
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Sifo
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 01:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've done it with the thought in mind that if I got any sign of funky handling I would swap out the other end ASAP. Had no problems though.

As it's been pointed out, it is at your own peril and is not the preferred thing to do.
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Ochoa0042
Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

dont worry about it
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