So it is ok to run a dunlop sportmax qualifier on the rear and a qualifier 3 on the front? My front tire is shot and want to switch to q3 ' s but I have alot of life left on the rear.

 

Oh boy, here we go. This is like an oil thread, there are tons of opinions. Here is mine.

I have run different tires for tens of thousands of miles all year round including rain, cold and snow. My riding is everything from commuting to hard sport riding (14yrs racing so I can push it).

This includes 1&2 up riding as well and full luggage. Yes you can do it especially if they are both dunlops.

I have mixed brands as well but would try to do it only with similar brands (like dunlop and bridgestone). Pay attention to handling quirks and be super dilligent on tire pressure. (check it often especially this time of year w/fluctuating temps).

This is a topic like tire plugs (which done right are also safe). Lots of people have uncle Larry stories of how the heard of someone who's uncle crashed on mixed tires. I have yet to find any evidence of that being true. (only wacky stories)

Logicly, each tire does its job at each end of the bike. Unless you run a stiff tire like a dunlop with a squishy one like pirelli or michelin, each tire will do its job. Even mixing those may be fine but I havent field tested that so wont tell stories.

Do some digging and you wont find any credible evidence of a problem. Only thories & wives tales. My testing is proof positive.

 

I appreciate personal experience. Thanks

 

If someone tells you it isn't ok, be wary of said persons advice. I've done it too and Joe's advice is good. Take it slow at first and feel things out for a while. Then hit the dragon and give 'er all shes got!!

I had a Metzeler Z6 front and a Bridgestone BT-023 for a while (even went to the dragon with them) and had zero (0) issues. Was handling optimal, no. I now run a BT-016 front with the 023 rear. HUGE improvement. The 16 is a sweeeet tire and the combination is pure bliss.


BTW Joe, I recently had to put a plug in the sidewall of my truck tire. It's been in there for a month so far...

 

Well I'm taking the gold wing up next weekend to the dragon with the wife (12 yr anniversary) be there a couple of days then going home to grab the truck and kids .
Should bring the hawk up to the dragon on the way back.

 

Each tire will change the way the bike handles, starts, stops, none of them will make the bike crash,, thats the rider s fault.

Folks run squar car rear tires on touring motorcycles...the bike does not crash because of it, though some have crashed the bike because they did not learn and respect the new lower/ different limitations and handling.

Same for mixing motorcycle tire brands and models..

Tires are engineered and designed as a set, anyone tells you different has no idea what they are talking about, or is purposely lying. .

But that does not mean they will not work when mixed.. just not work the same as designed.. Thats neither good or bad,,just different. So mix and match to your hearts content...it will not make the motorcycle crash,, only the rider can do that.
(Note: the one exception to this "rule" might be speed rating... if you use a tire designed for lower speeds on one end and a Z rated tire on the other, then head out to the Texas Mile, Salt flats, or other high speed event and see what it'll do.. you may find the upper limit on one tire before the other, resulting in a crash....still the riders fault...but you get the point. )