Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech matching front and rear tires

not sure if this belongs in this area but was wondering peoples opinion on matching front and rear tires or can you use different tread patterns.
Thanks,

Iv'e done it with no problems. Think others have as well.

LOLOL thanks looking @ the avon venom.
thanks again

I've never used them but hear lots of good reports about em. I've got a Shinko on the rear and Bridgestone Spitfire S-11 on the front. The Metz that were OEM were good also but to pricey for me, the Spitfires are my fav so far, this is my 2nd up front had one on rear before, lasted about 11k. I don't want to endorse any vendors but take a look at American Motorcycle tire. I've been happy with em so far.

I have a Dunlop on the front and an IRC Wild Flare on the back, handles like a dream.Been mixing tires for years never noticed any issue.

Just read an article in a bike magazine today at my dealer's. It reccomended matching tires because, "they are made to work together". But I've never bothered to try and match tires. However, I ride pretty tame and I suppose you peg scrapers out there might be able to tell the difference.

I used the original Metzler set-up for years and about a year ago switched to Avon rear and Dunlop front at the recommendation of my dealer. I used to swear by the Metzlers. The Avon/Dunlop is far superior in both wet and dry handling. My only complaint is the rapid wear of the Dunlop. This combo is the first that has ever required a front replacement prior to a rear. I was going to reolace with an Avon front but there seems to be some sort of front tire shortage going on. The only tire I could get locally was another Dunlop and it took a week to get it. I'll see if the first quick replacement was a fluke. In short and IMO - The Avon is the bomb. Mixing is surely ok. Matching is probably the ultimate. And,as they all say - results my vary.

It's a funny thing about tire wear isn't it. I originally just replaced my front because the stock tire had cupped badly even tho it still had plenty of meat. Once I felt the Avon I just had to replace the rear which probably had another year left on it. That first set of Avons wore really evenly for me, about 10~11 K miles so when time came I did both at the same time. This time it looks like the rear might be wearing a little more rapidly, but I've got plenty of rubber to wear before I get to the next set...maybe some hot weather riding will even the wear a bit.

I have a Metzler 880 front and the new Michelin Commander 2 on the rear. They seem to work really well together. I am really loving the feel from the new Michelin. Excellent tire.

I wonder if dealers balance the brand new (front) tires, or if done at factory.

If you're doing a Trackday, Licking the flap on the Edge of the Envelope,
you will benefit from matching front & rear tires.
If you're just another Street Freak like Me, don't worry about it.
As long as the tires are the correct size, you're good.

I have only ever balanced 1 motorcycle tire in my life for my own bike. I have never been able to feel the difference. I do line the circle up with the valve stem when mounting.