Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Tire suggestions?

I just noticed some cracks in the side walls of the front tire close to the rim on my 04 America and checking the DOT date code it was 2807 so this tire is 16 years old and is also about worn out. The rear tire is dated 1811 so it is 12 years old but has decent tread and no cracks in the side wall. Both are Metzeler ME 880 Marathon tires; front 110/90-18, rear 170/80 B 15.

I see the ME888 front tire for $191 at Dennis Kitk and Revzilla and for $200 on Amazon. Would it be bad to mix tire brands or are there any suggestions for a supplier of the Metzeler ME888 if it is? I have Dunlops on my 90 Honda Pacific Coast and like them and I see Dunlops in that size on Amazon from $76 (D404) to $162 (F20).

I am conservative rider at 80 years of age and with 6 road bikes in the stable none will see a lot of miles, so the ability to age well is paramount over tire wear.