Tire mix match?

[Clovis]

I just picked up a new rear Pilot Road 3 and I have a Q2 on the front.

The Q2 front is only 2 weeks old with 1400 miles on it (so about 3000 left).

Would having different tires on the front and rear make any difference? Or should I just grab a Road 3 front too?

Thanks,

-Clov

[Ghost]

Some people mix & match and run whatever.

Obviously, those are two fairly different tires, with different compounds and different purposes (Sport/Sport Touring) so don't expect them to handle/grip the same.

FWIW, I never run mixed tires, I want everything as consistent as possible, so I'd sell the Q2 front and run a matched set, but...up to you...

[BC14]

I ran a mixed set, both ST tires, for about 3k miles. Never had any issues. The tires in question were the PR3 front and Pirelli Angel rear. I now have PR3's all round and I'm quite happy with them.

[Sean]

Just be aware that the front is probably going to lean into a corner easier. Personally, I run a mixed set on the KTM on purpose.

[madvlad]

I would do both the same, keep the front Q2 in case of a flat or something or sell it.

[Nooch]

Youre probably gonna get alot of differing opinions on this one. These two tires are fairly different from a technological standpoint imho. If the profiles are the same, it shouldnt cause much issue. I know lots of guys who ride on mix-n-match tires, but I dont know if they do a lot of canyon carving so it may be less impacting for them. The tread patterns are a little different, you may get a slightly "buzzy" ride with that combination. But in terms of general safety, I think you should be fine. Biggest issue I imagine would be the changes in suspension feedback. Your bike will probably "speak" to you differently, might impact your cornering confidence. Its going to change the way your bike rides, maybe a little, maybe a lot depending on your preferences. Me personally, I always match the front and rear just because that way you know that the tires were tested together and will work together 100% properly.

[Nooch]

Obviously, those are two fairly different tires, with different compounds and different purposes (Sport/Sport Touring) so don't expect them to handle/grip the same.

I believe the grippier tire should be in front if you're doing the mix-n-match thing. And I think in your case, its the other way around.

EDIT: I lied, the Sportmax is the more sporty tire apparently. So you're still good.

[Clovis]

Alternatively the other option is to use a Q2 rear again. They're great tires and feel very confident but the tread life just sucks. About 3000 out of a rear and 4500 or so from a front -- on a 600.

Replacing out the rear with another Q2 would mean the front and rear would be up for replacement together the next time around.

2 fronts and 3 rears in a single summer

[Scer]

You can run different tires. The ride will most likely be different than you are used to.

You can tune your geometry to have your bike turn in faster or slower. If you have a tire that changes your 'feel', you can most likely get it back by turning some screwdrivers/wrenches.

The grippy tire doesn't always need to be in front. You can actually save some crashes by applying a handful of throttle instead of worrying about the front.

What pressure are you running the Q2s?

Sorry for the short responses. Don't mean to sound like a know it all just short on time..

Reply on replyas

[BC14]

You can run different tires. The ride will most likely be different than you are used to.

You can tune your geometry to have your bike turn in faster or slower. If you have a tire that changes your 'feel', you can most likely get it back by turning some screwdrivers/wrenches.

The grippy tire doesn't always need to be in front. You can actually save some crashes by applying a handful of throttle instead of worrying about the front.

What pressure are you running the Q2s?

Sorry for the short responses. Don't mean to sound like a know it all just short on time..

Reply on replyas

"When in doubt, power out"

[Clovis]

36psi on both front and rear.

It's a 07 FZ6 -- With gear and everything I'm about 250lbs.

Should I increase the PSI?

What I'm thinking is exchanging the Road 3 (its unmounted) for another Q2 to finish out with the front.

Once those are ready for replacement (late Spring of next year hopefully) I'll switch to two new road 3s.

You can run different tires. The ride will most likely be different than you are used to.

You can tune your geometry to have your bike turn in faster or slower. If you have a tire that changes your 'feel', you can most likely get it back by turning some screwdrivers/wrenches.

The grippy tire doesn't always need to be in front. You can actually save some crashes by applying a handful of throttle instead of worrying about the front.

What pressure are you running the Q2s?

Sorry for the short responses. Don't mean to sound like a know it all just short on time..

Reply on replyas

[Nooch]

What I'm thinking is exchanging the Road 3 (its unmounted) for another Q2 to finish out with the front.
.

If you have this option and the money to do it, I say its worth the peace of mind and having the bike run as close to 100% as possible. Especially if youre the original owner. You know that bike backwards and forwards by now, unmatched tires could change that and make it "psychologically uncomfortable", for lack of better terms.

[Clovis]

Original owner, bought brand new in 07.

I love the fell of the Q2 but hate the tread life. I don't need a super aggressive lean angel. The foot peg position prevents full on knee dragging.

[Scer]

36psi on both front and rear.

It's a 07 FZ6 -- With gear and everything I'm about 250lbs.

Should I increase the PSI?

What I'm thinking is exchanging the Road 3 (its unmounted) for another Q2 to finish out with the front.

Once those are ready for replacement (late Spring of next year hopefully) I'll switch to two new road 3s.

yes. the front is not horrible. you can put an extra pound in if you want.
as for the rear, that is pretty low. unless you are commuting in the canyons every day. For regular commuting I would say start at 38. But in your case I would be closer to 40.

remember that is it is easier to get a good grip tire to last longer rather than a long lasting tire to be grippy.

Last on lastas

[The_Jackel]

Clovis, we had no issues "mixing" tires at all. We just always recommend having the front tire stickier than the front so the front doesn't push. This means if any tire slides out it will be the rear which is way easier/safer to control than the front sliding. We normally do a Q2 front and Roadsmart rear but the Road 3 should act the same. I wouldn't worry

[OUTLAWD]

.

2 fronts and 3 rears in a single summer

I think I'm on my fourth set of tires this season...if you don't like buying tires...don't ride.

[asp_125]

I ran a Sportmax rear with a Qualifier front for part of one season. No adverse effects but then they were both Dunlops and similar profiles.

[BC14]

I think I'm on my fourth set of tires this season...if you don't like buying tires...don't ride.

+1

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

I think I'm on my fourth set of tires this season...if you don't like buying tires...don't ride.

Agreed. I wish I'd gotten a chance to ride enough to go thru 4 sets of tires this summer, but lack of funds put paid to that. Luckily, things are better now.

Me, I THOUGHT about running a softer front and harder rear tire, but the M3's gave acceptable mileage at both ends and I switched 'em out as a set, so I'm good with that.

[Ezzzzy1]

This conversation makes me wonder why there is not a mix and match tire sale at any of the dealerships.... Or for that matter at the car tire shops? Must be something behind purchasing 2 of the same motorcycle tires and 4 of the same car tires together.

I really like running two Dunlops on the front of my dually, two michelins on the inside of the rear double wheel and pirellis on the outside of my setup. Shit gives me all around performance.

Save money by switching to Geico and spend what you saved on matching tires.

[brennahm]

Cool story bro!