Mixing Tyres

[RosePetals]

Hi everyone,
I probably know the answer to this , but as I was checking for the problem on my triple (other thread), I looked at the new tyre that GW also fitted before delivery. and Noticed that it does not match the front.

Rear = Metseler M1 (new from GW)
Front = Metzeler M3 (old)

Checking the handbook it only recommends the M3's as a pair and specifically states NOT to mix tyres even of the same brand as it could result in an accident.

Now even though it probably is ok, if I were to have an accident for any reason, would this void my insurance if they found I had not followed the manufacturer’s guidelines?

[Wrider]

Hey first I gotta say before advertising you might want to contact Mike/TotalMotorcycle and ask his permission seeing as he owns the forum.
Secondly yeah you're supposed to be the same on both. The M1s and M3s should be ok though because they have the same type of profile on them (the main differences between tires are carcass hardness, compound hardness, and profile). Seeing as both are from the same line, they'll have the same carcass hardness and profile (or just slight differences) but they'll have a different compound hardness on them.
And they can't void your insurance (in the US at least) unless they can prove that a modification caused the accident.

[Johnj]

I've run a radial on the front, and a bias-ply on the back for years.

[earwig]

I know tons and tons of people that do not have the same tires and even sometimes the same type... so far no problems.

[Keyoke]

As above - I would generally only buy pairs if I was replaceing both, but have have different Front/Rears many times with no problems. (In fact, the ones currently fitted to my TDM aren't even the same brand!)