Front Tire

[ChuckSpeed]

When I buy a new front tire do I need to replace the rear to ?
the rear is still in good shape while the front is shot.
2007 Sprint 1050
Thanks !

[NotSoFast]

This is my opinion, I always replace the set. I like to ride hard and I'm not as concerned with the mileage as the two thing that connect me to the road. If you a casual rider, replacing the rear if the front is still in good condition is not a bad thing. It's best to keep the tires matched as far as the manufacturer though.

[kludge]

Originally Posted by ChuckSpeed

When I buy a new front tire do I need to replace the rear to ?
the rear is still in good shape while the front is shot.
2007 Sprint 1050
Thanks !

You have one o' them thar special edition front wheel drive Sprints? :wink:

Did you replace the rear alone last time? I think most people find a front lasts from 1.5 to 2 rears. Ok, except DaveM, he's a special kind of hooligan. :wink:

I'd say if you're going to replace the pair with another same model / brand tire, then just swap the front now and wait for the rear to go. If not, swap the pair out now.

[steventhechef]

+1 on kludge. If the type is the same there are no issues. If you are changing brands and feel the need to save a few bucks, pick a similar compound IMO.

I generally change sets if one is "almost" gone just for piece of mind but in saying that I have a Pilot Power on the rear and a Dunlop D208RR on the front (much softer compound). I will be changing to a PP2CT in the next week or so (also stickier compound)

I wouldn't go harder compound on the front than the rear unless otherwise you'll really need to ride with the tyres in mind. My $0.02 worth

[KitNYC]

The General Rule of Motorcycle Tires says one front lasts approximately as long as two rears. If you're going through fronts faster than rears, it may be worth looking a little deeper to figure out why.

My Trident wore out its front faster than the rear when I first got it. Turned out I had a D208 up front & a D220 rear! The sporty front wore out real quick, while the sport/touring rear lasted.

Currently, my Sprint has a brand new Conti Road Attack rear with a Michelin Pilot Power up front. I bought a set of the Contis, but didn't have a chance to put the front on. The rear was absolutely done at 9500 miles, but the front still has enough tread to be safe.

Cheers,
-Kit

[DaveM]

Pretty much what the guys have said already.

a search will bring up results on this.

basically it depends on your riding style.

factors that affect mis matched tyres:

If you ride very hard you may encounter some strange handling

tyres are designed for the tread to line up in the wet, mismatched tyres are not as good as the designed pair in the wet.

Profile also affects handling and grip, I would if I had to have an unmatched tyre stick to the same profile ie. round or pointed.

Also as Steven said ensure compound is either the same or front softer than rear. Sprints push the front more than a lot of bikes which is why cupping is an issue with the Slipstone BT 020.

If you just commute and do not attack the corners with great vigour and the tyres are similar profile it most likely will not matter much for a short time.

Personally I replace a set, but I often need to replace both at once anyway (not very normal).

DaveM

[steventhechef]

Originally Posted by DaveM

Also as Steven said ensure compound is either the same or front softer than rear.

Thanks Dave, i learnt that from you..

[welshrob]

You don`t have to replace them both, as a set. Unless you have done only highway mileage and your front is badly squared, you won`t notice any difference between a 5000km front tyre and a new front tyre. So long, as others have said, as they are the same flavour,