Radial/crossply mix

Subject: Radial/crossply mix Mon Mar 14, 2022 4:27 pm

Evening All,
Now what I'm after here is REAL WORLD experience of putting a radial tyre on the rear and a crossply on the front.
Now I know all the theory states keep tyre types the same, but in real life, given a Silverwing is not a high powered, race handling rocket ship, has anyone mixed rubber and honestly noticed any problems?
Look forward to the responses of your actual experience guys!

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Mon Mar 14, 2022 8:38 pm

Yes, I have. However that tire was a 165/70-13R Sumitomo car tire. No ill handling effects other than a slight need for coaxing thru the twisties due to the flat tread profile. I had that tire for 40,000 miles.

I don’t think that a car tire will pass your MOT though.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 2:31 am

I know some offroad guys use some odd mixes and it's legal to mix radial rear, cross ply front (and legality is important unless you want to give your insurance company an escape clause), but why do you want to do it?

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:07 am

I already have a new crossply front and the best combination of quality and value rears seem to be radials.
Interesting regarding the legality question.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 8:37 am

I see you are over here UK so have a look at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-motorcycles/5-wheels-tyres-and-suspension

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 9:05 am

Thanks. Looks like the combination is legal.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 9:55 am

Please let us know which tires you are using and how you get on with them.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:00 am

Glad to.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 12:03 pm

Grambazz wrote:: Evening All,
Now what I'm after here is REAL WORLD experience of putting a radial tyre on the rear and a crossply on the front.
Now I know all the theory states keep tyre types the same, but in real life, given a Silverwing is not a high powered, race handling rocket ship, has anyone mixed rubber and honestly noticed any problems?
Look forward to the responses of your actual experience guys!

I can only pass on what my son and a friend said about their experiences with the Darkside tires on Goldwings 1500. BOTH said the same, loved the wear / life but said the transition on cornering " took some getting used to ". Both went back to a regular tire after they wore those out.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 1:38 pm

The only time you can legally use car tyres on a bike over here is if its a trike or sidecar outfit and then the wheels rims have to be suitable for car tyres.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 2:08 pm

I don't intend to 'darkside' my Swing. Just put a radial bike tyre rear and Xply front.

Subject: Re: Radial/crossply mix Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:09 pm

I guess you could be our "test" subject! If you use both, report back, just be careful!!! Laughing