Mix Brand of Tires

timeBOMB · 01-01-2005, 4:58 PM

I put a set of Perilli Diablos on the 929 last year. I will definately need a new rear next season sometime with the amount of riding I do.

My question is that the Front Diablo is ok and probably wont need replacing I hope. I want to try out the new Pilot Powers on the rear. Is this a bad thing to do or is it ok?

SpikedLemon · 01-01-2005, 5:26 PM

I do it all the time... You might run into problems because the rear may end up being grippier than the front - giving you a false feeling of traction.

bwhip · 01-01-2005, 5:50 PM

Grip characteristics can be different, and so can profile of tire. Some are shaped differently than others. My Diablo Corsas were a much more "rounded" profile than my Pilot Sports on my 954. The bike turned significantly differently when I switched. It made me believe that mixing them would not be a good idea.

Intimidator · 01-01-2005, 6:23 PM

I have mixed mine every time. Now that I have tried most of the popular tires out there and have determined that the metzelers are my favorite, I won't have to mix anymore. Let's face it, unless you are doing tons of track duty, the fact that we get 2 rear tires to every front means that most of us cannot afford to throw away a perfectly good front just to make room for a matching one. I think most of us just have to wait until the front is shot, then mount up a set of beautiful, fresh, matching rubbers.

CBR929RE · 01-01-2005, 7:46 PM

I think its ok as long as you aren't riding around scraping knees and stuff. that's a little agressive for the street anyway. I don't think you'll have too much of a problem though.

ND4SPD · 01-01-2005, 7:51 PM

I've done it and don't recommend it. Bike just doesn't feel right...

CBR929RE · 01-01-2005, 8:10 PM

I think the biggest thing to remember when going with 2 different types is to try to match them as closely as possible. see which have similar profiles but mostly see which ones have similar grip and I think the Corsa and Power are said to be very similar in grip.

HondaGalToo · 01-01-2005, 8:45 PM

I've always been told it's not a good idea. The front and rear tires of the same brand have treads meant to work together. I think that if the compound and tread is similar, there are some you can mix and match. But be aware that if the grip and profile are a lot different, it may cause problems. Several folks have done it and claimed not to have problems, however.

timeBOMB · 01-01-2005, 9:04 PM

Ok.. I am pretty happy with the Perillis (just heard many good reports on pilots) so maybe I will just change it again until the front needs changing.

Thanks for all the input.