Do you have any reason for doing this or is it just size availability? I ask, because the tire shops basically say it is "instant death" to mix and match (my friend just went through this with a Goldwing). I am very aware I do not have the experience of many members on here, so I am curious if that is the best combination you have found or if there is another reason?
Thanks!
Ryan
Ryan -
Instant death? Maybe for the tire shops profit margin!
I don't know how many 100,000 miles I have done with this combination and I reckon I am still alive last time I checked.
The reason I do it is I can only get 3,000-5,000 on a rear radial on my ST1100s.
It's probably a problem with the throttle but it's consistent on all 4 machines ...
I run a BT020 bias (correct size) designed for the BMW KLT1200 and I will get around 10,000 miles out of them.
This lets me ride to Alaska and back without a tire change.
I run the Bridgestone 'flavor' of the month radial (in the correct size) on the front (BT020, BT031, BT032 ...).
I've also ran a bias on the front and a radial on the rear, bias and bias and radial and radial.
I've mixed brands, etc. over the course of years.
As a general rule, radials handle better, bias get better mileage.
My 'theory' is most of the handling is in the front anyway and the rear just follows.
If I get to ride this year as I have in years past I will cross the 1/2 million mile mark on ST1100s.
And I've been using this combination for most of those miles.
The shops really have a stroke when someone wants to put a car tire on the back of a motorcycle!
The reality is if you were going to the race track it might make a little difference.
And I ride like an old man - just ask some of the folks that come to the BRG.