Don't you realize that the STOCK tires have differences in tire compound from front to rear? the tires are ALREADY DIFFERENT, that's is why they wear differently, the back is a softer compound than the front. Mixing brands, should cause NO problem.

 

I'll let you know later this week. Having my rear changed out from stock to a Dunlop Elite 3. I guess I'm only half right since they are the same manufacturer but different model.

Indy did say to see how it felt before getting to agressive. He didn't forsee an issue but threw it out there just in case.

 

No!!!! they donot have to match. When Dunlop was on strike had to get rear tire...went with Metzler, still had Dunlop on front.....never noticed any difference.

 

Wow this one is all over the place, most say no problem and allot say no way....
Well my opinion is that this will be ok as long as I don't start road racing, excessive heat and really tight turns. ( hadn't planned on it anyway)
I would venture a guess that for years most people made due, hey just a guess, what do I know? ( not much)....LOL
Thanks to all who took the time to answer.
I am really more concerned now about the rubbing and possible lowering of my bike then the tire compound. I am a weekend rider and don't go too far and to speed.
I will probably end up replacing this back tire and will at that point look at matching the front Dunlop
I got an email from the guy who I bought it from and he said the original owner said he got a wider wheel then stock so I might see how this is shakin out, wider and bigger= hitting the bolt head.
I don't want to have to buy a new wheel as well $$$$$, maybe a 130 tire can fit and a wheel for 140's ??? Have to ask the shop.
BDR

 

Hell yes I used to road race Nickname: Rev... as in RPMswound up tight, now they say it's because Ipreach to much

We/I ran mixed tires all the time. I liked the sticky Dunlops on the back and the full wrap tread of the Metzlers onthe front. Made for great launches and was great in them frame scraping turns.

Just never mixed brands for the Left and Right Sides. Same brand and size per "axle".

Metzler didn't have a nice sticky compound back in the early 80's but the Dunlops did. Dunlop didn't offer a frount wrap around as good as the Metz back then either. Now daysI would probably run both Metz's.

 

I just took off a Michelin front tire and a Dunlop rear tire. I had no problems at all with this setup until the Dunlop wore out the center tread. Then I noticed a slight wobble when leaning to turn, but nothing scary at all. It wore so flat across the tire that it almost looked like a car tire.

I really like the new Dunlop Elite 3's. The ride seems a touch firmer, but they handle extremely well. I'm looking forward to putting more miles on them.

 

I agree with most here that matching brand/model isn't necessary, unless like Oldhippie said you're putting a radial on one end and bias-ply on the other. Radials aren't recommended on Harleys anyway and I've never known anyone to run them. On cars there may be an arguement against putting a less-sticky tire on the rear, which may induce oversteer, an inherently dangerous condition. On a bike you don't oversteer or understeer, you just slip, and mismatching tires won't discourage adhesion any more than a given tire would when matched, IMO.

I plan on buying an Elite 3 for the rear next time, which will mean I'll be using it with the D402 on the front, which won't be worn out at 20k or likely even 30k miles. If I sense any handling problems I'll change the front too, but I don't think that will happen.

 

I don't know much at all about motorcycle tires. Except I have read that some expand more when hot, some are more sticky, and some are softer or harder. The expansion of the tire, and the size, is probally what your issue is. I did install tires at a auto parts store for a few years, so I do know that it is discouraged from having two different makes of tires ion the same axle.Some just ride different, which could cause drivability issues (wobble and such). I doubt (and I am NO expert by any means) that having two different brand of tires front and rear would hurt to much. Now, once you change the rear out, and it becomes time for a new front, I would match them up. Actually, I am so OCD, it would drive me crazy having two different brand of tires on my bike (or truck, for that matter). But, If you do start to have any issues after replacing the rear, go ahead and replace the front, to match them up. IMO

 

i too wanted a larger rear but just read an article where the dunlop rep said even if a larger tire appears to fit ok you should not do it . said as the tire ages the rubber relaxes and tire actually gets a little wider to some degree..

just replaced my rear with a dun 402 and will replace both next time with the conti (milestone ?hi miler? cant remember the name now) as ive read great things about the wear and grip on these.