Mixing tyres

OK, as I have a BT021 at home that was on the previous bike for a couple of days I am wondering what the opinions of the org were if I were to fit it to my bike and leave the standard front on........

Alternatively, does anybody want to buy an almost brand new BT021????

[ixlr8]

Better a BT21 on than the rim protectors that come standard. IIRC, their respective profiles are similar so shouldn't change the tip-in/steering. I'd just rather a stickier front than vice versa.

I've heard a sticky front, long wearing rear is one way to go, but I wouldn't mix manufacturers if I were you. What about replacing both tyres with 021s? If you've already got the rear you'll only need a front and they'll be better than the standard rubbish.

Never had a BT021, but the BT020 rear and the D220 front is not a good combo, and I think the BT021 will be the same.

The D220 is quite a shallow profile tyre, so it feels like the rear end of the bike wants to tip into corners more enthusiastically and hence the front feels reluctant in comparison. The bike is slow to steer and if you switch directions from lean angle in one direction to the other the rear end feels like a pendulum swinging around the steering head. Lots of counter steer required to get the bike to lean hard. I got used to it and the tyre gripped all the same in the dry, but in the wet I lost the rear end a lot (IMO BT020 are not good in the wet generally).

Dicky Ticker rode my bike when it was like this and 'cos he wasn't used to it and I forgot to warn him, he lost the rear end about 3 times in an hours bike swap. I only put up with it for 3500 miles 'cos I was too tight to by a new front tyre.

Manufacturers not important, but you can have shallower profile on the rear and steeper on the front, but not the other way round. That usually follows OK with what people are saying above about a stickier front as sportier stickier tyres usually have a steeper profile.

Did 40000 miles on my triumph with mixed bt's on,nine sets allways with stickier front though.both tyres wore out together front on sides

don't mix tyres across brands - will feel terrible as it changes the handling, sterring etc - in the wet cranked over it feels like your on skates.

you can mix within brand but only as the manufacturer specifies

if mixed tyres are the cause of an accident I've heard of insurance companies trying not to pay out as the vehicle hasn't been kept road worthy.

Originally Posted by GavinD

don't mix tyres across brands - will feel terrible as it changes the handling, sterring etc - in the wet cranked over it feels like your on skates.

you can mix within brand but only as the manufacturer specifies

if mixed tyres are the cause of an accident I've heard of insurance companies trying not to pay out as the vehicle hasn't been kept road worthy.

You'll find that'll be manufacturers advice, but you'll also find plenty of people who've been riding for 20 years mixing tyres and never had any problem with steering or handling so long as they follow the basic rules.

Insurance companies would have a right hard time with me if they pulled that one, if the tyres are legal the bike has been kept roadworthy, are they going to stop paying out on cruisers just 'cos they don't go round corners very well? If you ride the bike inappropriately for the way it is handling then maybe place some fault on the rider for the accident, but don't tell me the bike is not roadworthy just 'cos the rider can't adjust to a handling problem, I did it for 3500 miles.

use to run an 020 rear and 010/014 front no probs.

Anybody wanna buy a BT021....

Here is your answer....


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bridgestone-BT...#ht_740wt_1165

Again I don't rate the Bridgestones as being the best tyres you could be on, but you could do a lot worse and they'll knock spots of the OEM D220's. If you've already got the rear....

PS: you can see in that picture how much steeper the profile is than the D220, look at that then go and look at the one on your bike.