Need a new rear tire after 1400 oem miles!

Went out to ride the bike to a Drs. appt. this AM, checked the air in the front tire, added 2 lbs., checked the rear tire, and it was showing a big 0 lbs. on the gauge. The bike was on the center stand, so it didn't look flat, but when I put it down on the side stand, sho' nuff, it was flat! Back on the center stand, add air to see where it's leaking, and found about 1/3 of a box cutter blade sticking out from the right side of the tread. I guess I'm just lucky that it didn't go down on me before I got home the other day!

My question is this: would it be all right to mix in a Battlax BT-023GT with the original equipment Bridgestone up front? That's what I was planning on using when I wore the oem tires out, but not at 1400 miles. I was pretty pleased with the handling on the oem tires and understand that the 023 GT is a big improvement, so that's what I'm getting.

Join the club. Seems like when they are new hazards are attracted to the nice new tire. Lots here have mixed tires. I don't think it makes that much difference unless you are track riding....

When I bought my bike, I had about 1500 miles when it felt funny slowing down from hiway speed(maybe a little more), then about 35-40 she went sideways. I gathered it in, but the tire was shot. I put a plug and filled it up with fix-a-flat. It had a bad wobble, but 70 miles from home on a Sunday meant limping home. Made it home and ordered a new Road smart Dunlop rear tire. No problems until worn out. I put PR2's after that and even better. I rode aggressively but had no problems with the mismatched tires.

If you have a way to make it up to St. Lou I have a BattlAx rear in the garage that has over 2/3 of it's life left. Was on the bike when I bought it... but I run DS. Kept it around as a spare in case anyone tripping through the area call on the RAN list.

Thanks for the offer on the used one, but I went ahead and purchased a new one already. Motorcycle Superstore was a good bit cheaper than 2 Brothers, with free shipping to boot! Their price was almost $50 cheaper than what the dealer wanted for the same tire...and yet they don't charge extra to mount and balance if you bring your own tire versus buying from them.