Is it safe to mix tires?

[Guest]

I had to buy an H rated tire for my front and a V rated one for the rear.

A friend is telling me this is bad, is it dangerous?

[DanTheMan]

Same tire mfg & type? Tread design similarities, made to run together? Not a problem. H rated is only designed to run at about 130 mph though...
BTW, forgot to welcome you to the forum, and ask.... What is your ride? Where are you from? We need pictures of your bike too, we love pictures....

[JEEPRUSTY]

The tires are the same manufacturer I just could not get the Rear in an H
I am Glad it is just a speed rating and not a tread grip issue.

I have a Kijiji special gs550 1985 and I am from N.S. Canada.

Thank You.

[hampshirehog]

You'll be fine.

[tkent02]

Some mismatches work very well, others feel very unsafe.
Inaccurate steering, wandering in turns, traction differences front to back, that kind of thing.
One K100LT I test rode, the near new tires were mismatched so bad, I almost dumped it just going around a roundabout. Out of control at any speed.
I guess just try it and see, if it feels dangerous it probably is.

[hampshirehog]

I guess just try it and see, if it feels dangerous it probably is.

It's an '85 550 - it'll feel dangerous if you've never ridden one before . Watch out for the first roundabout - takes some getting used to if you've only ridden the bigger wheeled bikes. Once you've got the feel of it though, you're away.

[koolaid_kid]

The real answer is "sometimes". The speed rating is not the issue. The issue is the way the tread pattern follows the road, and the traction of each tire. If you like to take chances, go ahead. If you like to maximize safety, match 'em up.

[JEEPRUSTY]

Well they are identical in every way except for the speed rating.
I guess it will be very obvious in the first sweeping turn


Thank You.

[koolaid_kid]

Well they are identical in every way except for the speed rating.
I guess it will be very obvious in the first sweeping turn


Thank You.

You should be good to go. I would do it, and I stress about this issue.

[SqDancerLynn1]

There shouldn't be a problem as long as they are the same type tire
Re bias ply or Radial. DO NOT mix the two types

[JEEPRUSTY]

They are Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires the only difference is the speed rating, I relearned tire mounting today.

It is odd that you get the knack only after an hour of frustration.
I think the last tires were glued on very hard to break the bead.

[Qckslvr]

when I bought my 78 GS750 it had a Dunlop front and a Bridgestone rear both were simular patterns. Rode pretty good, for being cracked and hard as rocks.

[Gilmoses]

There shouldn't be a problem as long as they are the same type tire
Re bias ply or Radial. DO NOT mix the two types

What they said. . . .I was told just not to mix bias ply tires and radials, because they react differently . . .

[tkent02]

There shouldn't be a problem as long as they are the same type tire
Re bias ply or Radial. DO NOT mix the two types

when I bought my 78 GS750 it had a Dunlop front and a Bridgestone rear both were simular patterns. Rode pretty good, for being cracked and hard as rocks.

What they said. . . .I was told just not to mix bias ply tires and radials, because they react differently . . .

All well and good, just go easy when you first start riding on it, some mismatches are terrible even though they are the same basic types.

[oldgrumpy]

mixed tyres.... had no problems....

hi guys i have a 1980 gs1000e.. run bridgestone battleaxe front and rear... on the front its 100/90vx19....rear 130 /90h x17 handles like a treat i wouldn,t mix brands thu. hope this helps you regard david