It has always been a standing recomendation that if you change one tire, to change the other at the same time. How many out there actually do that? I have been but I am realy tired of changing my front at the same time as the back when it is only 1/2 worn out. Also, do you really need to put in a new tube every time you change tires. These tubes only have 10,000 miles on them.

 

If the tire has sufficient tread to be considered serviceable, and isn't dry rotted or otherwise damaged, it stays. That bulldung is probably a ploy by the tire companies to sell more tires.

 

I am replacing my rear tire tomorrow and I wont do the front till next time.

 

Same brand and type, Keep the front.
Change brands do both.

 

That would be mostly true if both tires where going on the same axle.

But not true for your typical one wheel front and rear motorcycles.

The other question about tube and protective ring, I always checked them thoroughly and if ok reused. A new tube punctures just as easily as a used one. So if no holes, cracks or worn spots are found reuse is fine.
Is a waiste of money and resources to just change out good parts.

 

First time I've heard of such a recommendation. Especially considering the rear tire wears out twice as fast as the front in most cases. As long as the front tire is in good shape, I see no reason to replace it at the same time. I didn't on mine and have had no issues after a few thousand miles. I have, however, heard the recommendation that, if you are running spokes and/or tubes, to replace the tube and rimband when you replace the tire. I did that when I replaced my rear tire - but I'm tubeless now with the chromed wheels.

 

i've had different brands on front and back for 8K miles. no issues. not really sure what one has to do with the other?

 

Front tire every other time the rear is. New tube with new tire.... you can't tell wear and fatigue on a tube by looking at it.

 

I agree 100%.

 

I think if you change brands you change quality, Dunlops do not appear to be "cutting edge" as far as technology, other manufacturers --at least in the promotion make tire specifically for upgraded or performance Harleys, so two new Metz 880's on wifes 06 Bob.

I also like--regardless of brand----- tires with the same tread pattern, as opposed to, say, offroad tires on one end of a car and regular street on the other---may be o.k. but not for me!!!