'Paired' Tires - Yamaha FZ6 Forums - International FZ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

**Doorag** · 06-08-2008, 01:51 AM

Why should sets of tires match? Surely this is a 'story' propagated by tire manufacturers to get us to buy more of their tires, (Sort of like tobacco companies telling everyone smoking was OK)

I just can't imagine that an un-matched pair could be that bad. I don't know anyone that runs matching pairs on a dirt bike. We always find the best front/rear combination for the terrain that gives the best grip/feel and go with that.

So go on - convince me.

GConn · 06-08-2008, 02:09 AM

Think wet road conditions. For example you have a Pirelli Strada on the back, their centre is flat, no threads. The Pirelli front is designed to clear most of the water on the road surface so the rear has a more "clear" path. If you have a Bridgstone front, it may clear less water because the BT rear will be able to clear its own path.

Tires are designed to work in various conditions as a pair. If you mix them, they may or may not work well together

Scorphonic · 06-08-2008, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GConn

Think wet road conditions. For example you have a Pirelli Strada on the back, their centre is flat, no threads. The Pirelli front is designed to clear most of the water on the road surface so the rear has a more "clear" path. If you have a Bridgstone front, it may clear less water because the BT rear will be able to clear its own path.

Tires are designed to work in various conditions as a pair. If you mix them, they may or may not work well together

And to add to that, tyres have different profiles so if you have a rounded front and sharper profile back then handling will be affected. I have been told by a good friend who knows his tyres that sometimes it really doesn't matter but it all depends on tyre, bike, riding style...etc...

**reiobard** · 06-08-2008, 05:13 AM

rubber compounds could be slightly different as well, a BT medium could be different than a michelin meduim...which would let one tire slip before the other.

and to add to the profile, i went for a ride with FZ6inNH a couple weeks ago and we had the 2 different stock tire sets on the bike and mine was visually wider.

GConn · 06-08-2008, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reiobard

rubber compounds could be slightly different as well, a BT medium could be different than a michelin meduim...which would let one tire slip before the other.

and to add to the profile, i went for a ride with FZ6inNH a couple weeks ago and we had the 2 different stock tire sets on the bike and mine was visually wider.

Yeah, If memory serves me well, the BTs were a bit wider than the Dunlops and the Stradas....

flyer34 · 06-09-2008, 09:23 PM

I, for one, won't try to convince you. Honestly, unless you're seriously tracking/racing the bike, I don't think 'matched' pairs are going to make a world of difference on your work commute or quick trip to the supermarket. Common sense prevails.

bmccrary · 06-10-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyer34

I, for one, won't try to convince you. Honestly, unless you're seriously tracking/racing the bike, I don't think 'matched' pairs are going to make a world of difference on your work commute or quick trip to the supermarket. Common sense prevails.

-1. It can make a huge difference. Always run matched tires. One of my buddies ran mis matched on his bike even though I told him not to. After a week of riding and laying it down due to it he swears he will never run mis-matched again.

It can make the bike very unstable and even those corners that you are used to doing a certain speed everyday can become a problem.

Its just a bike rule of thumb. Always match. The small patch of tire that touches the asphalt is the only thing between you and the road. Wouldnt you want the best...

-bryan

Elm · 06-10-2008, 11:37 PM

I know people who ran mismatched tires on their bikes, including different plys and brands.

It's like walking with two different shoes on your feet.

One tire could warm-up faster than the other one.

Tires come in different speed ratings.

I still know people who ran mismatched tires though. I personally don't think it's a good idea.

06-08-2008, 01:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
Doorag Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West London Bike: 2007 FZ6-S2 Posts: 1,023 Rep Power: 24 Member #1338	'Paired' Tires Why should sets of tires match? Surely this is a 'story' propagated by tire manufacturers to get us to buy more of their tires, (Sort of like tobacco companies telling everyone smoking was OK) I just can't imagine that an un-matched pair could be that bad. I don't know anyone that runs matching pairs on a dirt bike. We always find the best front/rear combination for the terrain that gives the best grip/feel and go with that. So go on - convince me. __________________ David '07 FZ6 Fazer S2 in stealth Black, CAT1/2 alarm, stainless Scorpion cans, Puig dark smoke screen, bd43's dual headlight mod complete with uprated Xenon bulbs, Yamaha (GIVI) 45L detachable rear 'courier' box, frame sliders, center stand removal, red reflective rim tape, Reiobard's swing-arm stickers, Conti RoadAttack tires, full sticker removal

06-08-2008, 02:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
GConn Squid hater Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nicosia / Cyprus Bike: '06 Fz6 Posts: 603 Rep Power: 10 Member #897	Re: 'Paired' Tires Think wet road conditions. For example you have a Pirelli Strada on the back, their centre is flat, no threads. The Pirelli front is designed to clear most of the water on the road surface so the rear has a more "clear" path. If you have a Bridgstone front, it may clear less water because the BT rear will be able to clear its own path. Tires are designed to work in various conditions as a pair. If you mix them, they may or may not work well together __________________ http://gconnfz6.blogspot.com/

06-08-2008, 05:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
reiobard Postaholic Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Concord, NH Bike: 2007 FZ6 (The Faster Blue) Posts: 5,166 Rep Power: 68 Member #991	Re: 'Paired' Tires rubber compounds could be slightly different as well, a BT medium could be different than a michelin meduim...which would let one tire slip before the other. and to add to the profile, i went for a ride with FZ6inNH a couple weeks ago and we had the 2 different stock tire sets on the bike and mine was visually wider.

06-09-2008, 09:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
flyer34 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Milton, FL Bike: 2008 FZ6, Black Posts: 29 Rep Power: 4 Member #1044	Re: 'Paired' Tires I, for one, won't try to convince you. Honestly, unless you're seriously tracking/racing the bike, I don't think 'matched' pairs are going to make a world of difference on your work commute or quick trip to the supermarket. Common sense prevails.

06-10-2008, 11:37 PM	#8 (permalink)
Elm Imp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Forge Desert Bike: Collection Posts: 553 Rep Power: 19 Member #1644	Re: 'Paired' Tires I know people who ran mismatched tires on their bikes, including different plys and brands. It's like walking with two different shoes on your feet. One tire could warm-up faster than the other one. Tires come in different speed ratings. I still know people who ran mismatched tires though. I personally don't think it's a good idea. __________________ TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Click here for help! It's good info. http://www.fz6-forum.com/forum/attac...shot-guide.pdf

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