Tire Advice: old front + new rear

[Xdot]

Well I can see the warning stripes in my rear Metzeler Roadtec Z6. Some people call them belts. I think that means it's time to change the tire, right?!

The front tire is also a Z6 and is in pretty good shape. Maybe 4K miles on it and no flattening. I've found Michelin PR, PR2, and PR2CT at a local shop. It' more expensive than the internet but I like to use it since the owner is a great guy. I was sort of thinking about the PR (cheapest by a few bucks) and was wondering if it's a good idea to replace the rear and leave the front when they are different brands and so, one would think, different composition rubber.

What do the guru's say?

[Sunbeemer]

I think the French and Germans should play well together...
I'd try them out a little at a time, dry at first, and then again in the rain.

Based on their patterns, they seem to have different approaches to weather.

[Xdot]

Wound up putting on a Michelin Pilot Power. Bit stickier tire with a little less mileage but I got what seemed like a pretty good deal on it.

[gaweston]

I put Dunlop sportmax front & rear when I bought my 03' last June.The rear was replaced in June of this year (flat spot in center) after 3k , with a Michelin road pilot 2 (the shop I use didn't have the 3).3.5k later, it looks almost new.Handling seems fine to me. The Dunlop front is wearing unevenly,with low spots behind the grooves,and will be replaced soon, with road pilot 3. I can't feel any problem from different brands or mileage between the front & rear.

[riceburner]

Well I can see the warning stripes in my rear Metzeler Roadtec Z6. Some people call them belts. I think that means it's time to change the tire, right?!

The front tire is also a Z6 and is in pretty good shape. Maybe 4K miles on it and no flattening. I've found Michelin PR, PR2, and PR2CT at a local shop. It' more expensive than the internet but I like to use it since the owner is a great guy. I was sort of thinking about the PR (cheapest by a few bucks) and was wondering if it's a good idea to replace the rear and leave the front when they are different brands and so, one would think, different composition rubber.

What do the guru's say?

Those aren't warning stripes, that's the carcass of the tyre.... if you see those on a tyre: CHANGE IT!

I wouldnt worry about mixing models- as long as the front is grippier than the rear (so the rear will slide first if you're really pushing) then you're fine.

[Xdot]

Those aren't warning stripes, that's the carcass of the tyre.... if you see those on a tyre: CHANGE IT!

LOL! Yeah, I know what they are! I was embarrassed to take this tire in to have replaced. Obviously I corner more vigorously to the left than to the right.

[spoon]

Well you about wore it out!!! Good thing the dealer wasn't another 100 feet down the road
Back to the topic, I had Z6's front and rear and replaced the rear with a Dunlop 616, anticipating rain this summer and some dirt roads. Could not tell any difference in handling. Breaking may be slightly less (the ABS has kicked in a few times) but that may be me. The different tread should not change things as long as you drive in at least a semi sane manner. And don't mix radial and bias ply.

[reidmct]

Wound up putting on a Michelin Pilot Power. Bit stickier tire with a little less mileage but I got what seemed like a pretty good deal on it.

Maybe a lot less mileage with that Moto GP compound. When it's gone, try the PR2 (or the new PR3). Very nice balance of grip, handling, and mileage, IMHO.