Educate me on tires

[flintster55]

So, since I'm still pretty new to the world of 2 wheels still, I figured I would try to gain a little knowledge here.

- I don't plan on doing any trackdays anytime soon so my riding is all on the street.
- I had qualifiers front and rear when I bought it.
- I replaced the back tire with a Michelin Pilot Power based on recommendations from friends and fellow riders because it was completely shot.
- I'm looking to replace the front fairly soon because it's decently worn now too

Is it crucial for front and rear tires to match exactly? (tread pattern, amount of wear, etc.)
If it isn't necessary for front and rear to match, any other brand or particular tire you guys recommend?

[.RJ]

They should match front to rear, if nothing else to keep the profiles consistent although they dont have to both be new.

For the future, the new crop of sport touring tires is supposed to be really good and all you should need on the street - michelin, dunlop, pirelli, and bridgestone all have something good out.

[Kaan]

I dont think my FZR has ever had a set of matched tires. just dont ride like a jackass and just about any tire will do you.

[.RJ]

Bikes in the junkyard dont really need tires...

[Kaan]

Bikes in the junkyard dont really need tires...

neither do bikes in the garage that just sit and look pretty

[Sijray21]

So, since I'm still pretty new to the world of 2 wheels still, I figured I would try to gain a little knowledge here.

- I don't plan on doing any trackdays anytime soon so my riding is all on the street.
- I had qualifiers front and rear when I bought it.
- I replaced the back tire with a Michelin Pilot Power based on recommendations from friends and fellow riders because it was completely shot.
- I'm looking to replace the front fairly soon because it's decently worn now too

Is it crucial for front and rear tires to match exactly? (tread pattern, amount of wear, etc.)
If it isn't necessary for front and rear to match, any other brand or particular tire you guys recommend?

It's important for the front/rear to match mainly for water-channeling purposes as you hinted at. I don't think it's a huge deal if you don't ride a lot in the rain, but i'd feel more comfortable with a matching set. The profiles of the different makes is the only other main difference IMO. I prefer Pirelli profiles because they tend to be a little rounder and give a bit more of confidence when leaning (for me) - i find it more progressive. The Dunlops i've had have either been factory or factory replacement, and they've done well for feel, grip, and tire wear. Michelins are great as well, but their profile tends to be a little sharper when compared to Dunlop and Pirelli, as to make it seem like the bike was going to fall over when leaning (when i first started riding). Any tire from Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop, or Michelin will do find on the street though, just look for a good deal. I may try Bridgestone after my Dunlops wear out just to try something different.

[Kaan]

Miss match sets can have different "cups" on the tire... as in the shape of the tires are different. so its something to be aware of. This is also true with sport touring tires. you really have to be weary because you are a new rider. sure they are just as sticky, but from what i have seen, they induce the lean "quickly" and might not allow good control of your lean angle between say upright and 60 degrees. you sort of just "fall" over and the tires catch at degree X... where as the "sport bike" tire will give you more control over all the degrees of your lean angle until they start to take wear. but at least you have wear time to learn what the tires do.

I'd say go with a step above the stockers. and if you need to put heat in your tires, you are riding too hard on the street. well unless you are riding sub 40 degrees. the front tire on my bike reads as 7 years old, and its well abused. it didnt need heat in it to stick. i was half a mile from my house (leaving my house) when it held the bike up on the front just before my accident