Mix and Match Tyres. Good idea or not?

[menzies3032]

Ok had an interesting discussion today and would welcome the groups view on this one. After about 1800 miles I managed to ware through a Metzeller M7RR sports tyre and decided that my naked bike needed more of a sports touring tyre then sports so decided to change the rear for a Metzeller Roadtec 01 SE

The bloke who was changing it got very vocal about not having a sticky sports front tyre and a less sticky touring rear tyre. The suggestion was that they are different profiles, different grips and would make the bike handle like a shed as well as possibly dangerous.

The conversation progressed to the point he was signing the work sheet to advise against what I was doing and suggested in an accident you might find this would invalidate the insurance as not recommended at all.

This was enough for me to change the front as well

What do you guys and girls think…. Good advice to always having a matching pair… or have I just been sold a lie to make me buy another tyre I didn’t need?

[layne]

Would have thought the profiles would be similar both being Metz.

Not a good idea to have a hard front and soft rear. But you haven’t done that.

Years ago they said you shouldn’t have a crossply with a radial but you haven’t got that either.

Probably would have said I note your comment and say I’ll be back to change it later. Then see how it feels and not bothered going back.

[layne]

Forgot - 01 is better in the wet than the 7’s.
Would be ok if you ride accordingly.

Metz are quite good at giving feedback as to how they are gripping though.

[Jug]

I have run different tyres, different makes too.
I don't make a habit of it but if I have decided to switch brands then I won't throw away a good tyre just to have a matching pair.

Also I currently have different versions of the same tyre model on both my road bikes.
T31 front and T30 Evo rear on the SD.
Conti RA3 front and RA2 rear on the 1190.

As for him claiming his comments on the work sheet would effect your insurance, that's just bullshit.
It's not illegal (or an MOT fail) to have different tyre brands or models so he was talking shit. In fact I might have even told him to shove it if he was going to be like that.

[bkingalan]

Recently put new tyres on mine went from super corsa to power 5 there was about 200 mls left on the rear
The fitter said come back for the rear when it's done it's not illegal or dangerous to mix them, if I wasn't going to Wales I would have used it up without any worries
Don't think this guy really knows what he's talking about just going by the old school rules as Layne said, plus he's sold another tyre

[ptolemyx]

Well he was talking bollocks. You should have walked away.

[billinom8s]

When i've done trackdays and it's been colder or damp i've used a mix of tyres with no problems.

I used to run a T32 EVO on the front and a Roadtec on the rear. Only stopped using them when I found out they weren't rated high enough speed wise. Handling side of things I had no problems.

[Tvrv37]

Tyres have made the single biggest difference to the way motorbikes now handle. Sports touring tyres are so good now you can take them on track. On the road you use no more than 50% of any tyre capacity just take a look at your track tyres after a session. There will be a miniscule difference but in comparison to shite road surfaces poor or incorrect tyre pressures, I think you would have been hard pushed to tell any significant difference on road.

However his aggressive and probably well practiced up selling technique seems to have worked and you've been squeezed for another £150. Find a new tyre shop.

[Jay]

Sounds like he bent you over a barrel and took you wallet !!! The bloke is talking out of his arse!!

Find another tyre fitter

[bkingalan]

If he was a employee should have spoke to his boss/manager and complained and said I won't be back and wouldn't recommend them to anyone..

Name and shame Rob

[Kata]

Contact Metzeler and ask them if you unsure. They are pretty good. Do it by email and show the guys boss when they say it's fine.

[Ruffian]

M9rr or t32 evo.

[menzies3032]

Contact Metzeler and ask them if you unsure. They are pretty good. Do it by email and show the guys boss when they say it's fine.

Good shout

[menzies3032]

Well you live and learn people seems I have been taken for a ride and fallen for this one hook line and sinker

I know my M7RR front was only half warm and just thrown it away and spent money on a tyre I didn’t need.

Dam it won’t make that mistake again.

[Ming]

Did you not think of the Just Giving page for donated tyres for Roy?