Tyres

[billybluesky1]

I know i`m up for abuse for asking ,
But Has anyone ever mixed radial Tyre`s with bias, like radial front and bias rear ?
I have an almost new Pirelli Match MT 08 on the rear,no cracking or apparent aging but need a new front,
Fire away.

[mach1970]

Ok, you asked for it. LOL.

They say you should not mix radial and bias tires. However, I have done it many times over the years and I have never had a problem. However, it sounds like your rear tire is old and should be replaced anyway. Even though the tire may not show signs of age, the rubber becomes very hard and will be become quite slippery. I was out on one of my vintage BMW's a couple months ago. It had fairly old tires and I almost lost the bike in a corner due to that very reason. I didn't realize how old they were till I got home and looked up when I installed them. Immediately replaced them, and now it doesn't get squirleyy in the corners.

Cheap enough that it doesn't make sense to ruin a good bike over an old tire.

Rob'

[Betterthanfabio]

What are you trying to achieve? MT08 is an old model tyre. Anything you put on the front will be better than that tyre now within reason. If your using the original wheels there's not a lot of options for a radial.Some of them are actually made for bigger heavier bikes cruisers etc & those ones will not work well at all on a "sports bike" If your after wet weather grip & long life Michelin Pilot activ have never let me down. Grip when still cold is exceptionally good too. Ive had a couple of early morning emergency stops going to work on earllier model Michelins which didnt have anywhere near the grip of the new type. I wasn't allowed to fit a radial front to any motorcycle that didn,t have one on the rear when I was a tyre fitter either.

[racink]

I had trouble with it sliding around with the original tires on it in 84.

[JezZedexE1]

Fire away.

Just out of interest, what is the date on it.

[billybluesky]

Fire away.

Just out of interest, what is the date on it.

Im not sure , im not saying its old but the date is in roman numerals

[billybluesky]

Thanks for all the responses points taken on board and new rubber will be fitted front and rear ,
Any suggestions for "sports tyres" I run Pirelli diablo supercorsas on my TL 1000R so longevity isn`t an issue and I don`t envisage wet riding

[Turboblew2]

the new Michelin Pilot Activs... in stock sized of course. Just be sure to get the V rated ones.
Those tires work really good on stock wheels. There is a reason why the aspect ratio should be maintained and there is absolutely no need to go to a wider rear.

[mach1970]

I recently installed some Pirelli Sport Demons on mine in the stock sizes, and so far I am happy with them. Grip good on dry roads. As I don't think I have ever had this bike in the rain, I cannot comment on wet road grip.

Rob

[billybluesky]

Choices are indeed limited but 110/80 18 front and 130/80 18 rear Continentals road attack 3 are looking good , any feedback on that choice before I pull the trigger?

[Betterthanfabio]

Original front size is 110/90.
I had a pirelli? 110/80 on the front about 20 years ago & it didn't handle to good but that was a long time ago.
Do a search on the conti's I'm sure someone else on here has tried them.