Different Thread Patterns on Bike

[retcol]

I just bought this 88 GSX 1100 Katana with 25K miles and brand new tires. The question I have is this: the new tires are the correct size, but different manufacturers. The front is a Michelin Macadam 90X and the rear is a Dunlop Sportsmax. They are both radials, but their tread pattern is different. Will this combination be OK or should I be concerned any? I'm a fairly conservative street only rider. Thanks for your opinions.

[subforry]

Welcome. Seems like most matched tires have different front and rear tread patterns. I would think it is fine. I might be more concerned about a big difference in the age of the tires and would check the date codes.

[retcol]

Thanks for the advice. The tires are new, still have the little tits on them. i don't know why the PO bought 2 different brands unless he bought them at different times or places.

[92xjunker]

Tits don't mean nada. I know the macadams on my Honda are obsolete, no longer made. I know the 50 series is obsolete. Not sure about the 90 series. 100 series seems available. I thought the whole macadam line was discontinued.

[subforry]

If you want radials for the 16" wheels it will be hard to find matching tires. Its possible the PO went to a tire shop, insisted that it have radials and this is what they came up with. My Avons are different models between the front and rear. I expect any truly matched 16" tires will have to be bias ply - which might be a better match for the bike.

[retcol]

I'm sure you are correct. The PO probably found the discontinued tire on a great sale and bought it. Anyways, I'll ride it as is for now, the tires seem to do OK on the street. I'm not planning any long trips in the neat future. I have a 95 CB1000 that has 18 inch wheels, now those are hard to find tires for.

[Retro]

Dunlop still offers the ARROWMAX GT501's to fit the 1100 Kat 16" wheels.

I have a "matching" pair mounted on my '89 1100 - 150/80-16 rear and 120/80-16 front.
I always seem to get lucky when mine wear out since the mega dealer not far from me has them on sale. They mount and balance (loose wheel) for about $20 extra each while I window shop their accessories dept.

[retcol]

That is a great deal on mounting, its 40-45 a wheel around here OFF the bike.