Mixing tires
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 359
Likes: 100
From: Florida
Mixing tires
has anyone mixed tires (Michelin on front Dunlop American elite on back). 3K miles ago I replaced front and rear on my 2016XL 1200C with Michelin Scorchers (they were on sale) I have been wanting to switch to Dunlop American elite II.
well today while I was out riding I got a roofing nail dead center in the rear tire. I plugged it to get home and get to my dealer. I want to put an American elite II on the rear. I have never mixed brands before.
Are their problems mixing brands or is it fine.
well today while I was out riding I got a roofing nail dead center in the rear tire. I plugged it to get home and get to my dealer. I want to put an American elite II on the rear. I have never mixed brands before.
Are their problems mixing brands or is it fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,609
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From: over the mountain
If you plugged it right you have plentily of time to decide. The last time I plugged a rear tire I ran it 6 months before I replaced it. For the record I have never had a plug come loose and I have been riding for 57 years.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 359
Likes: 100
From: Florida
thanks. I am pretty sure I plugged it right.
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Snow Hill, NC
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 694
From: over the mountain
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Snow Hill, NC
I would like to see some solid evidence that says you shouldn’t.. Bias cross ply technology has come a long way since the old Bias ply tires that were wobbly...
I currently have a Elite III Bias ply on the rear and a radial on the front and i can’t see any adverse effect, it’s not the 1st time I’ve run the combo either in the 100000 miles I’ve had the bike...
I currently have a Elite III Bias ply on the rear and a radial on the front and i can’t see any adverse effect, it’s not the 1st time I’ve run the combo either in the 100000 miles I’ve had the bike...
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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The adverse effects come in play when you're pushing the limits of the tires and the two constructions have entirely different reactions. This can lead to minor geometry changes and road force changes that may seem insignificant but can be the cause of extremely dangerous instabilities. And when I say instabilities, think uncontrollable tank slappers or sudden loss of traction.
Manufacturers can mix because they are tested at the extremes and the instability is eliminated in the design process. If you deviate from the original construction in a bad way, that is when you run in to problems.
Also, it is widely known in the car world that mixing radial and bias ply the wrong way is extremely dangerous.
Manufacturers can mix because they are tested at the extremes and the instability is eliminated in the design process. If you deviate from the original construction in a bad way, that is when you run in to problems.
Also, it is widely known in the car world that mixing radial and bias ply the wrong way is extremely dangerous.
Last edited by Scuba10jdl; May 25, 2018 at 08:18 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 911
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From: west coast
The other way around (radial rear, bias front) is not so unusual and is the stock setup on some bikes from HD, Triumph, etc.
For Sportsters the 100/90-19 front tire on many bikes is only made in bias ply for many (possibly all 90 profile MC tires are bias ply ??) makes and models even when a matching rear radial is available
Last edited by 08xl1200r; May 25, 2018 at 01:21 PM.