Tyres and can you mix them?

[Marco]

Hi guys

As i'm not Tyre or rubber specialist i need your take on this.....

As you know already im riding with big buzz so i need to be extra carefull what tyres i have.

So Metzeler tyres comes with 2 possible option to me,, belted Bias-Ply and Radial
can i have Bias Ply in the rear and Radial on the front??

if yes then im good to go,, if not, Why not?

 

[David Learmonth]

I would advise no. Use one or the other. Suggest the radials as the better option.

 

[Marco]

Hi David

thanx for quick reply, how ever that is notpossible to use only Radials as my spec rear tyre is Bias but i ben offered Radial tyre with ok price so thats why i was asking,,,

What you think will be reaction from the bike if they will be mixed?

Cos now i have Buss with our spine,, Roadtec Z6 in the rear and Me880 Marathon Bias in the front and riding is bit tricky,,or was :lol:

 

[David Learmonth]

The two tyres will have totally different handling characteristics & grip ability. Stick to one or the other - do not mix.

 

[Marco]

Well said David,,thanx

 

[trevbart]

Hi Marco,
Most (if not all) motorcycle and tyre manufacturer advise not to mix. You may have unexpected handling problems that can appear at the worst possible time! IMO better to be safe than regret it later...Cheers.

 

[johngooding]

As Phil points out tyres can be mixed, when one has special requirements and is willing to undertake trials of different combinations. I suspect Marco intends near 100% on road use, with the ocassional off road excursion being unplanned (forgive me Marco). The safest situation then as I am sure he does not wish to conduct trials is to stick to tyres with the same grip and deflection characteristics, most easily found by following the manufacturers recommendation, which is usually to use the same model. I use a Pirelli Diabolo Rosso on the front of my FZ1 and a Pirelli Angel on the back. That was stated as an acceptable combination by Pirelli, when my back tyre was damaged and I wanted a tougher replacement, less likely to pick up glass or nail fragments and puncture. Its working fine for me, but when the front tyre wears, I will replace with an Angel, I will feel more comfortable having same front and back.

 

[gobs]

Hi Marco,

As said John, it's usually admitted (for average riding style) to have same brand/model tyres front and rear... Though in exceptionnal conditions (John) or by choice (as Doorphil stated before) you can mix them.

Please, be safe, and don't take any risk that may surge at the worst moment. Even more - maybe - with your sooooooo heavy - but fantastic! - BMW Panzer!
:wink:

Cheers,
Gobs

 

[Marco]

Thanx guys and John(hahah)

John yes occational offroads are not very much my thing and for sure not planned but as always to me,, they do happen and those times every on has fun(me included,afterwards)

now i have Roatec Z6 in the back and 150% worn out Me880 Marathon on the front, and got new tyres,yet not putted under yet,, ME880 Reinforced marathon to back and Roatec Z6 to front,,so will see what will happen, but for sure now i know that Z6 is too soft in my rear and will NOT handdle well,, but it might handle ok in the front,, time will tell....will keep you informed.

 

[feejer]

Marco,

I ran the ME880 in the back of my LT and it handled OK. They are not very sticky but they wear like iron. Should be fine over there in the warmer temps but under 20C, they are very hard. I never mixed it with a Z6, but I have heard of others who have. Opinion is that it will want to over-steer and drop down into the turn quicker but pop back up slower. This is what catches guys off guard when transitioning though S-curves etc. You're going to have to muscle it a lot more, but you're a big lad so should be no problem. Just keep the front properly inflated at all times. Even a little low PSI can have a big impact when your are mis-matched like that.

 

[Marco]

Thaxx guys

So TODAY IS THE DAY, they wil be changed and we will see what will happen and thanx Feejer for heads up for cornering will watch that out.

I do understand why Z6 is dropping down easilly as it's mainly made for "Sport Touring" bikes mainly but can handle the load made for LT as well

 

[sinclair1969]

Useful information here and thanks for that. I will be buying a new set of tires shortly and see now that I should not mix.