Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Sgt_H on August 06, 2008, 05:11:06 PM

Title: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: Sgt_H on August 06, 2008, 05:11:06 PM
I read the tire review thread but I figured I'd post here to keep from cluttering up the reviews.

I picked up a nail in my rear tire yesterday.  I bought the bike used with a new pair of Metzler M3's.  The front is still nearly perfect but the back is starting to get squared off.  I can't say for sure but I'd guess there's about 2,000 miles on them.  I'd like to try a different rear tire but I'm not sure if I can get the same size in a different brand or not?  I'm not a terribly aggressive rider and I won't be doing any track days on this bike.  I take a hard corner here and there but I doubt I'm fast enough to really push the rubber to the traction limit. 

Am I better off just getting another M3 since the front is still good?  Or since I'm not doing trackdays, is there something out there with similar profile I could try that might have longer life? 

Thanks
Title: Re: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: He Man on August 06, 2008, 05:42:42 PM
As long as the profiles are similar i dont see a problem. aka if your runnign a sport touring tire on the front and a sport tire on the rear, then you have a more squared off tire and a more round tire, which = not good. Just try to get something similar or just get the same tire. and switch them both out later. your call.
Title: Re: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: Pedro-bot on August 06, 2008, 08:09:59 PM
Not sure what your budget is but this site has a really good price if you decide to go with a new set!  [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclesector.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BSTONE-BT016-SET
Title: Re: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: accrocker on August 06, 2008, 09:10:46 PM
I am running a stock bridgestone battleaxe on the front, and a new pirelli diablo on the rear without any problems at all. The diablo was a great deal, I paid 120 for it.
Title: Re: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: arai_speed on August 06, 2008, 11:38:12 PM
No problem - I ran Dunlop fronts and Metzler rears on my R1 and never had any problems.

I may have some Metzler take off's 180/55 if you want them - free, you pay shipping.
Title: Re: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: Sgt_H on August 07, 2008, 03:47:16 AM
Thanks for the info everyone. 

Quote from: arai_speed on August 06, 2008, 11:38:12 PM
No problem - I ran Dunlop fronts and Metzler rears on my R1 and never had any problems.

I may have some Metzler take off's 180/55 if you want them - free, you pay shipping.

Thanks for the offer but I'm not sure that will fit.  I have a 99 750 with a 160/60 on there now.  Is the 180 too wide for my rim?

Thanks again
Title: Re: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: A.duc.H.duc. on August 07, 2008, 04:32:12 AM
Quote from: Sgt_H on August 07, 2008, 03:47:16 AM
Thanks for the info everyone. 

Thanks for the offer but I'm not sure that will fit.  I have a 99 750 with a 160/60 on there now.  Is the 180 too wide for my rim?

Thanks again

Yeah, the 4.5 in rim is the problem when it comes to tires on the 750s. You should probably try to stick to a 160. Of course swapping to a 5.5 in rim isn't hard, if you can find one.

Justin
Title: Re: Mixing tire brands?
Post by: Sgt_H on August 07, 2008, 01:48:56 PM
Quote from: A.duc.H.duc. on August 07, 2008, 04:32:12 AM
Yeah, the 4.5 in rim is the problem when it comes to tires on the 750s. You should probably try to stick to a 160. Of course swapping to a 5.5 in rim isn't hard, if you can find one.

Justin

That's what I figured.  I know there's a range of rim sizes that tires will fit, I'm just not sure what's what. 

I was wondering about the swap.  I figured I'd need the whole swingarm.  Can you swap just the wheel?