How important is it to match tires really? I need a new front bun pretty bad as the sides are starting to crack and it's just worn. The front now is a Michelin Race (not full on slick, I think) and the back is a plain Pilot Power with plenty of life still. I really like the Pilot Power 2CT but hate to shell out 300 bones just for a matched set. I'd prefer to change them in pairs but was wondering just how important it is to match them. I might go to a pilot power front, get another 2k miles on them and then swap them out or am I best to swap them all out at the same time? Not too concerned with cost as this is more of a weekend rider with no track days yet so mileage should be good for now and should last for a long time barring a nail in the road.

 

I've been told that the thread should match atleast.

 

its important, but not life or death. I too prefer to have matching sets but this last season I've had a PP2CT on the front and a reg PP on the rear (which needs replaced NOW, lol)

So you should be ok!!

 

its suggested but i dont have matching sets... i got a nail in my rear tire twice so i had to replace it several times... it gave met he opportunity to try new tires and my dunlop 220's grips a lot better than the tire i had before and offers better rain protection since i get caught in the rain alot around me

 

Don't worry about having matching sets. It's not going to make that big of a difference street riding.

 

not a big deal on the street as already said


and playfulgod...that combo really isnt a mixed/match set...its actually preffered by some
i ran that combo on purpose last year on the track with my 04cbr1krr
pp2ct front
reg pp rear

reason: i found the 2ct would easily grease up more so than the regulars after a few hard laps.....the regular pp's only got greasy on me towards the end of the day when the temps were high (high for the nw that is)

 

I've run matched and mixed -
If you're doing track work, it will make a difference depending on how the bike is set up, and your own riding style. Certain brands and compounds do heat up quicker than others, but on the street, with stop-go-stop stuff and less chance of running the tyres anywhere near their limits, I don't think it'll make a major difference for most people.
Having said that, RAIN is another question when discussing this issue...............

 

Wouldnt hurt to have matching. Some people swear by it others will say its not a huge deal. As long as they have good tread on them than you should be fine.

 

i have a continental road attack on the rear and a michelin on the front.. it's not a big deal, thats what i've had on there since i bought it. however i'll be matching next season. but it shouldn't cause you any problems for street (as stated)

 

I dont think it matters much so long as you have decent grip on both. If your interested in a set of take off pilot power 2cts i have em. lll take 125 for the set, not bad tread at all, I just wanted a track tire so i took em off.