Is it safe to replace just a rear tire?

[K3V1N]

I have a 06 M620 with 6k on it. The rear pirelli in starting to get a flat spot. I got the bike with 4k on it and am guessing they are oem tires? I'm think about getting just the back tire since the front looks great. I'm looking at what tires unlimited calls the Diablo sport but I think they are the tires on the pirelli site named just Diablo. Would this be the same tire that came on the bike and is on the front?

http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Pirelli/Pirelli_Diablo.htm

Thanks for your feedback

[Howie]

My fronts usually last two rears.  Just get the rear.  I have no idea exactly what tires were on your bike out of the factory nor do i know what your link is referring to as a "Diablo Sport", maybe you could talk to these folks    http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/320/MANFALL/Complete-List-Of-Pirelli.aspx

[corndog67]

Same here, 2 rears to 1 front.   

[herm]

^what they said^

[He Man]

+1^ and i have ran two completely different rears to 1 front. Currently on Sport front and Sport Touring rear

[teddy037.2]

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/320/MANFALL/Complete-List-Of-Pirelli.aspx

looking at ^  the diablo corse III or supersport have the same tread pattern that my '05 620 came with... so that may be something to start on.


or, just change 'em both to pilots and be done with it 

[ScottRNelson]

Pirelli makes one tire that is the "Pirelli Diablo" and a slightly different one which they call the "Pirelli Diablo Sport".  There are different markings on the sidewall.  I currently have a set of Pirelli Diablos on one Ducati and Pirelly Diablo Stradas on the other.  I like both and am sure that the Pirelli Diablo Sport is also good.  Just buy one and put it on and you should be happy.  Be aware that the front might wear out before the rear, or you might start to see some cupping in the tread, which is reason to replace it before you see wear bars.

I am now a Pirelli motorcycle tire fan, because I really like how they behave, plus they're a bit less expensive than other good tires like Avon.  I intend to stick with Pirelli tires until I find a reason to try a different brand.

The tread pattern looks the same to me across many of the different Diablo tires.

[scott_araujo]

One thing to consider, if you replace only the rear you usually don't want to get something much more sticky than the front. For example, a high mileage sport tour front with a track day rear.  The idea here is that if one tire lets go, you don't want it to be the front.

Scott

[duc996]

2 rears and 1

[K3V1N]

Thanks for all the feedback. Now I just have to figure out if the Diablo sport listed is the same as the Diablo super sport listed on other sites which I think is a sport touring tire. I would like the plan Diablo list on the Pirelli site. I'm just going to pick something and I'm sure it will work well.

[ScottRNelson]

Thanks for all the feedback. Now I just have to figure out if the Diablo sport listed is the same as the Diablo super sport listed on other sites which I think is a sport touring tire.

The Diablo Strada is the sport touring tire.  And it's a great sport touring tire.

As for the quote about stickier rear tires - if you ride in such a manner that the "least sticky" tire on your bike would not be slipping, what difference does it make if the other tire is much more sticky?

How often on the street are you pushing it until a tire starts to slip?

I like to ride at a spirited pace, but my goal is not a hint of slipping from my tires - ever.

[scott_araujo]

Me too, but not everyone.  Plus, some people will do track days with their street tires.  Good information to consider, if it doesn't apply just file it away.

Scott

[K3V1N]

Thanks again everyone. I think the more feedback the better. I ordered the Diablo supersport rear. I do have a new question though. I want to ride to a SCCA race a Watkins Glen next weekend. It will only be about 600 miles total is there a way to tell if my tire has enough rubber left to make the trip?

[ScottRNelson]

I want to ride to a SCCA race a Watkins Glen next weekend. It will only be about 600 miles total is there a way to tell if my tire has enough rubber left to make the trip?

If there is any question at all, get a new tire on there.  I've read of too many cases of people thinking they have enough tread on a long trip only to find cord showing and two hundred more miles to go.  It's not worth the gamble.

[K3V1N]

Thanks Scott, My new tire shipped today and hopefully it will show up early next week.