Does and Dont of Mixing Tire Models Front and Back

Hey guys, I'm looking for imput here. Just finished off my back tire (Corsa III) up at the Convention this past week so now I'm looking to possibly upgrade to more of a track tire like the Supercorsa but my front Corsa III still has a lot of tread left on it. Does anyone know if it's a big deal mixing models i.e. Corsa III front and Supercorsa back?? Also my front is a 120/ 65 instead of a 120/ 70. Is it going to through off my handling if I go with a 190/55 in the rear?? Experienced answers please. Thanks :thumbup

You're not going to have a problem. Just don't put a Shinko on either end, and you'll be fine.

You're not going to have a problem. Just don't put a Shinko on either end, and you'll be fine. Sounds reasonable. Thanks.

Another small thought: If it feels nervous at all when you put the 190/55 on with the 120/65 front, just try adding fork preload in small increments until it feels better, or take out a little shock preload. You will effectively be raising the front or lowering the rear, compensating for the taller profile rear tire. For example, you might try adding fork preload in half-turn increments, or taking out shock preload one click at a time for ramp-style adjusters, or in half-turns for threaded adjusters.

General rule of thumb would be to not, put a rear tire on with better traction characteristics than the front ( i.e. Supercorsa rear with a Corsa front ) the logic being, if you are pushing the tires to their limit, the front will give you grief while the rear is still biting good. That said if you are not pushing limits it shouldn't be that big of a deal. I've run different brands even without too much trouble.... just be conscience of that fact that they will react differently than a front and rear that are designed to be used together. On the 55 series vs. the 50 series...... it will change your bikes " posture " some people like what it does, some people do not. Try it and see which camp you're in.

I respectfully disagree with Yaright's statement. I would always want my front tire to have at least as much grip as my rear, and not less. I can deal with a rear slide. A front slide is a little more disconcerting.

I respectfully disagree with Yaright's statement. I would always want my front tire to have at least as much grip as my rear, and not less. I can deal with a rear slide. A front slide is a little more disconcerting. Then you are agreeing with me........ re read what I wrote. I said you do NOT want to put a tire on with more grip..... hench my suggestion to NOT use a Supercorsa rear and Corsa front if you are pushing the limits of tire traction.........:drunk:

I respectfully disagree with Yaright's statement. I would always want my front tire to have at least as much grip as my rear, and not less. I can deal with a rear slide. A front slide is a little more disconcerting. I'm pretty sure that's what he was saying.

Then you are agreeing with me........ re read what I wrote. I said you do NOT want to put a tire on with more grip..... hench my suggestion to NOT use a Supercorsa rear and Corsa front if you are pushing the limits of tire traction.........:drunk: Sorry...misread what you wrote.

No worries man..........

Sorry...misread what you wrote. I was with you...I misread as well. I think it was the comma after the "not" on the first line that threw me. I have ridden with Dunlops on the front an Michelin's on the back (for the same reason) - rear was done, but front was still good. Didn't have any issues at all (though I am not a knee dragger so they dont get pushed real hard).

i wouldnt worry about mixing tires too much unless youre doing track days im running michelin pilot up front and the michelin 2ct in the back im lovin it.

I tried a Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa once with only a standard Michelin Pilot Power up front. The rear was an SC2, so a pretty soft tire. The front would push just about every time I'd get on the gas hard out of corners....... weird sensation for sure, wouldn't recommend it for the timid ( lol )