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Should tires always be replaced as a set?

3K views 14 replies 14 participants last post by  OzCrow 
#1 ·
Ok, I have another post about changing your own tires, but now I need to know, should you always replace tires as a set? My rear tire is worn worse than the front. What do you do? Do you change both at the same time just so you have a new set? Or do you wait until the individual tires wear out? Appreciate your input. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
This rule isn't hard and fast but it is pretty typical. 2 rear tires for every 1 front tire.

It's ok to mix and match within reason. Date comes a factor on a front as well as the tread getting choppy or uneven wear. A lot of times I'll change both front and rear at the same time just because I don't like the look of the front even though it may still have tons of tread left on it.

I tend to ride corners pretty hard.

Like I said though, to answer your question, yes it's ok to change which ever one is in need of replacement.
 
#3 ·
Change each tire when you need to change the individual tire. Unless of course you feel like doing them at he same to me.

No reason you have to though.

..Tom
 
#4 ·
If the front is in good shape it isn't necessary to change both. I'd personally try to keep them at least of similar style though.
 
#5 ·
I wear out fronts well before rears, and these days I just replace both. Problem is that handling is below par with one worn tire.

If I were really short of money I wouldn't, it's not something you have to do, but the bike will behave better and have a bit more margin with something near equally worn tires both ends. If you are always riding conservatively even less of a reason to replace both.

Pete
 
#6 ·
In the past, I've gotten the 2 rears to 1 front, but more recently - the Anakee 2s, at least, they were changed at the same time at ~13k miles. The Front still had some tread, but was cupping. Unless I am clearly going to get 2:1, I prefer to change both. With my riding pattern, it works out on the Wee and scooter to be about every 2-3 years.
 
#7 ·
I generally do 2 to 1, I only change either as required, I do tend to change them with enough tread left on for another 1,000 km or more though.

I'm happy to mix and match, including running cross ply and radial at the same time.. had absolutely no issue.
I do keep similar tread patterns, currently running 50/50 style tyres with the Mefo Explorer on the front and the Mitas E07 on the rear, these tyres match very well for my riding and give excellent wear.

I also have mixed tyres on my Kawasaki KLE500 and am about to mix the tyres on the DR650 I just bought the other day, they are currently 70/30 but I'm going to put a 50/50 on the front as I don't feel confident with the front end grip on the dirt (though it's not real bad).
 
#10 ·
All right, I'm committed now. I just pulled pulled the trigger on a pair of Bridgestone Battlewings. I don't really need them just yet but they were on sale at Chapparal motor sports for 40% off! I couldn't pass it up. I think I'm really going to like them.
 
#12 ·
A vote for both...

I've never been completely happy with the way the handling feels unless I replace both tires.

I do ride rather hard, so I tend to wear out fronts faster than normal people. (Harder braking and cornering.)

If you don't ride very hard, you may never notice any difference in the way the bike feels and handles. But depending on how much you ride, you may need to check date codes -- I would definitely go ahead and replace any front that's three or more years old.
 
#13 ·
Depends on how cheap your cheap ass is and what price difference there is in buying a pair.

Personally, I swap them out as pairs, even though the front might have a little more wear left. I also tend to move to a different type of tire, just for kicks. Heidenau K76 at the moment. Previously Metzler, Michelin, Bridgestone.
 
#14 ·
I am currently looking for a couple of tires for a friend's Benelli BN600.
These street tires seem to be a little difficult to find in Costa Rica at the moment.

Do you guys think there might be a problem if I install a Pirelli Diablo in front, and a Pirelli Scorpion in the rear. Tire size and specs will match the original tires of the bike, both front and rear.
 
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