Matched Tires?

[lax4ever]

How important is it to match tires really? I need a new front bun pretty bad as the sides are starting to crack and it's just worn. The front now is a Michelin Race (not full on slick, I think) and the back is a plain Pilot Power with plenty of life still. I really like the Pilot Power 2CT but hate to shell out 300 bones just for a matched set. I'd prefer to change them in pairs but was wondering just how important it is to match them. I might go to a pilot power front, get another 2k miles on them and then swap them out or am I best to swap them all out at the same time? Not too concerned with cost as this is more of a weekend rider with no track days yet so mileage should be good for now and should last for a long time barring a nail in the road.

[Soyko]

I've been told that the thread should match atleast.

[PlayfulGod]

its important, but not life or death. I too prefer to have matching sets but this last season I've had a PP2CT on the front and a reg PP on the rear (which needs replaced NOW, lol)

So you should be ok!!

[NYKnick1015]

its suggested but i dont have matching sets... i got a nail in my rear tire twice so i had to replace it several times... it gave met he opportunity to try new tires and my dunlop 220's grips a lot better than the tire i had before and offers better rain protection since i get caught in the rain alot around me

[abeer1]

Don't worry about having matching sets. It's not going to make that big of a difference street riding.

[dwschultzy]

not a big deal on the street as already said


and playfulgod...that combo really isnt a mixed/match set...its actually preffered by some
i ran that combo on purpose last year on the track with my 04cbr1krr
pp2ct front
reg pp rear

reason: i found the 2ct would easily grease up more so than the regulars after a few hard laps.....the regular pp's only got greasy on me towards the end of the day when the temps were high (high for the nw that is)

[Shadow]

I've run matched and mixed -
If you're doing track work, it will make a difference depending on how the bike is set up, and your own riding style. Certain brands and compounds do heat up quicker than others, but on the street, with stop-go-stop stuff and less chance of running the tyres anywhere near their limits, I don't think it'll make a major difference for most people.
Having said that, RAIN is another question when discussing this issue...............

[07white600rr]

Wouldnt hurt to have matching. Some people swear by it others will say its not a huge deal. As long as they have good tread on them than you should be fine.

[Junior2552]

i have a continental road attack on the rear and a michelin on the front.. it's not a big deal, thats what i've had on there since i bought it. however i'll be matching next season. but it shouldn't cause you any problems for street (as stated)

[i3enny]

I dont think it matters much so long as you have decent grip on both. If your interested in a set of take off pilot power 2cts i have em. lll take 125 for the set, not bad tread at all, I just wanted a track tire so i took em off.