Diablo Strada front/BT020 rear - is this safe??

Just been on a mega Scotland trip this weekend and had to replace my rear tyre up in the northern reaches as it wore quicker than expected

However the place I managed to find didn't have any stradas in stock in the SV size, the nearest thing was a BT020, so it was duly stuck on. Now will this be ok with a strada front, considering I've got another trip to the Nurburgring & alps planned and the odd trackday ion October, or should I change to a matching set?

I know the manufacturers always recommend matching tyres, and I've tried to go for similar type tyres.

I always thought that you had to have the tyres the same but apparently not, its all down to how you feel AFAIK Tim, from past experience the 020 is very good in the wet aswell as the dry, i need to try my new Qualifiers in the wet yet.

How does it feel Tim?
I've mismatched tyres before and got a high speed weave, but that was years ago. Modern tyres seem much better.

Felt fine after a few miles scrubbing them in.

I managed some high speed testing early this morning, and at speed in a straight line and high speed turns there were no issues. I guess my main concern is for when I get out on track, when the tyres are nearer their limits for prolonged periods of time.

I've got a Dunlop D208 on the rear and a Bridgestone BT014 on the front at the moment, and my bike has NEVER felt better.

It's been brilliant (but I never did buy the 'mismatch tyres and you'll DIE' argument).

[northwind]

The 020 seems dead happy in mixmatches, I've run my old 020 with about 4 different front tyres without any problems. It's quite a neutral shaper tyre, not as round as a Metzeler but not pointy either. Then, I'll mix and match anything. Just remember it's not as sticky as your Strada was for trackdays, though still pretty damn good.

I'll be doing the mis-match thing too. I don't have money for a new set and both tyres are goosed. I do have a D208 front that has some tread left and a D205 in a 150 profile. Hardly knee down combo but should be ok for the road until I get some money.

Originally Posted by northwind

The 020 seems dead happy in mixmatches, I've run my old 020 with about 4 different front tyres without any problems. It's quite a neutral shaper tyre, not as round as a Metzeler but not pointy either. Then, I'll mix and match anything. Just remember it's not as sticky as your Strada was for trackdays, though still pretty damn good.

If this is the case, how much less grip will th 020 have out on track? As often on track days you can feel the rear fighting for grip (on stradas all round) when coming out of bends etc.

I may go and get another strada rear fitted and keep the BT020 for a later date without track visits, i.e winter! But it does all seem like a bit of a faff.

[northwind]

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

If this is the case, how much less grip will th 020 have out on track? As often on track days you can feel the rear fighting for grip (on stradas all round) when coming out of bends etc.

Not really sure in track terms, never took the 020 to the track... But at full heat I kept on spinning up my 020 exiting the last roundabout on my commute, never even happened once with Roadtecs. To be fair, this was a pretty old 020 and I don't know its life history, it came with a wheel I bought.

To be honest, if you're into your trackdays I'd get a second set of wheels with more appropriate tyres... Obviously costs a bit to set up but having spare wheels is really useful I've found, if you ever have a puncture or similiar. You'll probably get more out of your trackdays too. Certainly cheaper than running sticky tyres on the road if you do any decent miles.

Not sure I could get a spare set of wheels/tyres on the back for my trip to the 'ring

Pondering changing bikes within the next year, and only do 3-4 TDs a year, so an extra set of wheels and rubber seems a bit of overkill.