Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Tire Mix Up?

I am replacing the tires on my 2005 America. I have bought Commander II Cruiser Rear Tire 170/80-15 for the rear and a ME 880 Marathon Touring Front Tire 110/90H-18 for the front. The question I have is are these tires compatible? I thought I was fine but was reading a article on line that suggested that you should not mix tire brands. I think they are both Bias ply but now I wonder if the treads are compatible. Any ideas?

I've mixed up tires and wheels as I went along in the replacement cycle with no problems at all. Others here have done the same without repercussion and I honestly think you'll be okay.

The treads might be funky in a grooved road or over a steel bridge but as long as the tires are of the same construction you should be okay. They really need to both be bias or both be bias-belted and not a mix to get good results. I've run Dunlop up front and Kenda in back on a heavier bike and it handled okay, it was much better with a matched set but those were also Avons and that might be the bigger factor.

Well I'll be derned. The Michelin Commander II rears used to be available for just over $100.00. Had them on my Bandit Wish list. The listing is gone and no reason. Seems like the best the Michelin Commander II can be purchased for right now is around 140 bucks. WTH? I know the Michelin Commander IIs are almost brand new, but now the price follows the hype on their longevity? Seems the Bandit has to reconcile a price increase before they offer the tire again. I digress.

pharmboy, the combination of the Michelin Commander II rear and the 880 up front should be just fine for you. I gave up on the match the tire hype several years back. Cinnamon Girl is running a spitfire up front and an IRC Wild Flare in the rear. Turns out Vera Lynn is running set of Kendas. lol. Go figure how that happened!

Yeah the Michelin Commander II was on my wish list to be paired up with, you got it, a Metz 880!

Keep us informed of the life and handing characteristics of the Michelin Commander II won't ya?

Any RBT's that fit your wheels properly & are not damaged
will work fine. Some types follow rain grooves more or wiggle
more over drawbridges, but if you've been riding for more than
3 months, you can compensate for it. Precisely matched tires
are only necessary for racers & making tire companies happy.