Different tire pattern on front and rear-handling problems?
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Rhode Island/Pensacola Florida
Different tire pattern on front and rear-handling problems?
I'm replacing my second set of stock Dunlops on my 09 EGC, I have 40000 miles on the bike. Believe it or not but I did get almost 21000 on the rear tire. The front tire still has one more riding season left. I ride two up about 90 percent of the time and keep 40 psi in the tires. I'm replacing them with the Dunlop American Elite because I have heard a lot of good things about them.
I will be replacing both the front and rear tire. But i'm curious would there be any handling problems if I only replace the rear tire? The tread pattern between the Elites and the stock tires are of course different.
I will be replacing both the front and rear tire. But i'm curious would there be any handling problems if I only replace the rear tire? The tread pattern between the Elites and the stock tires are of course different.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
It should not make any difference. The big thing you don't want to do is mix a bias with a radial. I very seldom run the same tire on the front and rear. Actually I recently did, and had issues. But That's a different story...
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
I doubt very seriously if you experience any ill effects that could be traced directing to the mismatch. Now if the front were worn unevenly (cupping) then you may notice a little something, but still nothing drastic. Purchase the Elite's and have the only rear mounted, ride a couple of hundred miles or more and see how it feels. If you don't like the way it rides then go ahead and mount the front. Only you can be the impartial judge in this matter.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 771
Likes: 3
From: St. Bonifacius, MN
I'm replacing my second set of stock Dunlops on my 09 EGC, I have 40000 miles on the bike. Believe it or not but I did get almost 21000 on the rear tire. The front tire still has one more riding season left. I ride two up about 90 percent of the time and keep 40 psi in the tires. I'm replacing them with the Dunlop American Elite because I have heard a lot of good things about them.
I will be replacing both the front and rear tire. But i'm curious would there be any handling problems if I only replace the rear tire? The tread pattern between the Elites and the stock tires are of course different.
I will be replacing both the front and rear tire. But i'm curious would there be any handling problems if I only replace the rear tire? The tread pattern between the Elites and the stock tires are of course different.
That being said I did not try all combos of tires so there maybe a combo that will not work.
I am also running the American Elites and I like how they ride a little softer and if I can get the same milage as the stock ones I will be a very happy rider.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 154
Likes: 7
From: Eau Claire, WI
[quote=jus2anoyu;10639067]The big thing you don't want to do is mix a bias with a radial./quote]
I see this statement very often. I have logged over 75,000 miles on my previous bike (metric) running radial rears and bias fronts. Never an issue.
The way I see it is even in stock configuration, the front and rear tires are not the same size, don't have the same contact area with the road, don't have the same tread pattern and are rolling on axles independent of each other.
Sort of the same deal as not storing your battery on concrete because it will discharge....
I see this statement very often. I have logged over 75,000 miles on my previous bike (metric) running radial rears and bias fronts. Never an issue.
The way I see it is even in stock configuration, the front and rear tires are not the same size, don't have the same contact area with the road, don't have the same tread pattern and are rolling on axles independent of each other.
Sort of the same deal as not storing your battery on concrete because it will discharge....
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
In the decades I have been riding I have only occasionally had problems running different types or brands of tyres front and rear. Most often they are fine, but occasionally I have found the bike just doesn't handle to my liking, so have junked the offending tyre, to make them a pair. I should add I have also had pairs of new tyres that I haven't liked, so have junked both early! You should be fine, but if you are not happy, replace the older tyre.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
imo 2 NEW tires ride and handle soooo nice i will replace them in sets even if the front has some tread.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Rhode Island/Pensacola Florida
Thanks for the advise. I'll change out the rear tire but keep the front tire on. If I find any issues, which I don't think I will, then I will go ahead and change out the front.
Thanks
Thanks
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
I'm replacing my second set of stock Dunlops on my 09 EGC, I have 40000 miles on the bike. Believe it or not but I did get almost 21000 on the rear tire. The front tire still has one more riding season left. I ride two up about 90 percent of the time and keep 40 psi in the tires. I'm replacing them with the Dunlop American Elite because I have heard a lot of good things about them.
I will be replacing both the front and rear tire. But i'm curious would there be any handling problems if I only replace the rear tire? The tread pattern between the Elites and the stock tires are of course different.
I will be replacing both the front and rear tire. But i'm curious would there be any handling problems if I only replace the rear tire? The tread pattern between the Elites and the stock tires are of course different.
Last edited by fat_tony; Dec 8, 2012 at 02:37 PM.