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What's the science behind matched tyres?

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 12:59 am
by Cooler
Folks,

My new (to me) kawi gpz550 has been a bit skittish in the handling department and I'm going to fit some new tyres. Someone said that I should have a matched pair. Will this make a difference and how does it work?

C.

Re: What's the science behind matched tyres?

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:13 am
by jonnythan
Cooler wrote:Folks,

My new (to me) kawi gpz550 has been a bit skittish in the handling department and I'm going to fit some new tyres. Someone said that I should have a matched pair. Will this make a difference and how does it work?

C.
Different brands or models of tires will have different grip and flex characteristics that can make handling be awful and dangerous.

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:22 am
by Johnj
Image

There are different schools of thought on this subject. Some say you should match your tires (Dunlop Sportmax 220 on front and back). Others say it doesn't make any difference at all. I'm from the second school now. I run a Dunlop Sportmax 205 on the front of my Concours, and a Dunlop Elite 2 on the back. I need to replace the back tire soon, and Dunlop discontinued the Elite 2 in my size, so I'll go with a Dunlop Elite 3 next. Then I'll be mixing a radial on the front with a bias-ply on the back. I know several people doing this with no problems at all.

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:43 am
by slimcolo
While on tyres does any one know where I can get a mild (90/10 or 80/10) dual sport tyre. Size is 3.25X19 (MM90) 3.50s are too wide and Avon discontinued this size in the Am24 Gripster. This is a really hard to find size in a DS tyre.

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 10:50 am
by Cooler
Folks,

A matched set of hi-max tyres, wheels balanced and aligned, and it is a different bike. Transformed for the better.

C. :D :D

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 1:49 am
by Marc Davis
nice:)