Bidgestone Hoop BO2 REAR and Pirelli Diablo FRONT?

I like and plan to stick with the Diablo tires; however, I have been given a new Bridgestone Hoop BO2 REAR tire. Do you think that I will notice much of a difference with a Hoop on the back? This will be until the Hoop wears out - then I plan to switch back to the Diablo on the rear. Is this an OK idea or is it bad to mix tires as I am planning on doing? Thanks.

I have never mixed tires myself. But I had the Hoops as OEM and I will never go back to them, after having the Diablo's and Metzlers. I'm sure it would not hurt anything at all since there are many SWing owners who do mix tires, as long as it is in good condition. If you do this please come back and tell us what you think? And how it handles?

I wouldn't on a sports bike.....Why not on SW ,not big of a deal.I do agree with JeffR's comment.After having Diablos I'll never go back to Hoops.Mine as OEM was wearing IRC's.Even those were better than Hoops but I cant find them in the market.

There was a big discussion on another forum on the same subject recently.....with the same divided opinions.
My take on the subject is that the tyres on front and rear are different sizes for a start so are bound to handle differently even if the same in all other respects.
By the same token, when I put a Bridgestone Hoop on the rear of my X9 500 it transformed already good handling into brilliant.
It's a strange world!

I had Bridgestone Hoops on my scooter. When the rear wore out someone gave me an IRC' and I went ahead and mounted it and my scooter handled a lot better than with the wore out Hoop.(of course) That said I would and will put the same kind on the front and rear when it is time to replace them. My front tire seams to last twice as long as my rear so when the free rear is wore out I will need a new front also. And I am thinking of trying the new dual compound scooter tires that Michelin is now selling. So to answer your question yes you will notice a difference but the difference is you will have a new tire on instead of a wore out one. Just my two cents, your mileage may differ.

Find someone who needs a rear Hoop and donate it to them.

A simple rule I have always followed is never mix manufacturers on a bike / scooter. In the case of four wheels never mix on the same axle.

I swapped from Hoops to Metzeler on the Silverwing, won't be going back to the Hoops. I'm now waiting for Metzeler Feelfree Wintec tyres for my Burgman.

Cheers,

In what way are the Metzelers better than the Hoops ? I just replaced my Hoops with the same after 6000 miles, I was happy with the grip etc. but do the Metzelers last better ?

Don't know how long they last as I haven't done 500 miles since fitting them. But up to now very happy - no sphincter moments even when leaning well over - chicken strips about 3/8th wide.

I think the rear's profile is slightly wider so to my thinking there is slightly more 'give ' in the tyre so will lessen the bumps. I went for the Wintec due to our wet conditions. (I'm on the Fylde Coast at Cleveleys so you are only down the road from me at Leyland so you probably experience the same long hot dry winters and summers!)

Bought mine from mytires online at very reasonable price (free delivery)

Cheers,

JeffR_ wrote:

I have never mixed tires myself. But I had the Hoops as OEM and I will never go back to them, after having the Diablo's and Metzlers. I'm sure it would not hurt anything at all since there are many SWing owners who do mix tires, as long as it is in good condition. If you do this please come back and tell us what you think? And how it handles?

I decided to go with Pirelli Diablo tires front and rear. This is my third set of Diablo tires - I like them a lot - I did not want to face the prospect of having to ride for 8000+ miles on tires that I MAY not like. Doubt if I will ever venture out beyond the Diablo!

World isn't perfect----Honda recommends 2 tires fr and rear for SilverWing, BridgeStone and IRC---mixing not professional advice, but on my SilverWing, nail in Hoop=IRC I had went on back--actually worked better than 2 Bridgestone.

Since scooter handling is not as good as reg bike---My take not good idea to go away from Hondas tests. IRC fr and rear worked great on SilverWing

Diablos worked great on my ReFlex, but not great on present Burgman----guess what they are not on Suzuki recommended list--affect turn in, rain...slipping. Guess what for Burgman and Silverwing, Hoop is specified and are same size for both bikes-----but compound is different and part #, too. Diablo not on their list, have had slip and hydroplanning issues with them. Me, another new SilverWing, IRC would be my choice. I ride on all weathers and a lot.

john grinsel wrote:

Diablo not on their list, have had slip and hydroplanning issues with them. Me, another new SilverWing, IRC would be my choice. I ride on all weathers and a lot.

Thanks John for pointing this out. I have about 8000 miles until my next tire change - and at that time will reconsider my position. Maybe I will be bold and venture out - maybe not - we'll see!