Mix-n-match tires

[GunMD]

After reading this snip on the Dunlop web site...

https://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=93

https://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=93Do not mix these radials with other radials or non-radials, fit only in pairs.
https://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=93

https://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=93
I started to wonder about mixing tire brands. I recently purchased Pilot Roads from a Yamaha dealership in Las Vegas and I debated getting a front tire at that time (it had a bit of life left). I ended up purchasing both front and rear (they had a killer deal on two) but was surprised to hear how much the folks at the dealer were against mixing tire brands. I've had plenty of times on the FJR where I've had different tires on the bike (Avons mixed w/ Pirelli's normally) with no issues. Any thoughts?

The CEO of ATTP seems curious, too.

 

[Scab]

Perhaps, just as the two seperate turning radius' are calculated into the steering geometry of an automobile, the smooth and predictable turning radius of a motorcycle is designed and calculated into the tire's shape and profile, thus making mixing brands an "unknown quantity" and not recommended.

 

[Toecutter]

(Avons mixed w/ Pirelli's normally) with no issues.

 

[vectervp1]

No, I think your bike will explode if you do it for too long. Something about competing brands and heat expansion....

I think most manufacturers recommend you don't mix model's either. They didn't test or design the set to run that way, so they're not going to recommend it.

 

[warsw]

I think that some tires are close enough that you can get away with mixing brands and not notice much difference but I also think that there are some tires that will not work well together. I think that if you mix tires with opposite profiles and different rubber compounds you can get yourself into trouble especially if you have a tendency to ride on the edge.

I for one never mix brands or even models of the same brand. I even go so far as to replace the front and rear at the same time. If one tire is worn out I always replace both. A new tire will always perform different than a 3/4 worn tire. I also never let a tire get past the ware marks. I feel that once past that point the performance is gone and time to get new. Just my 2 cents.