Tire question?

[shilohsk8]

I already had a Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier rear tire so I bought what was listed as a Qualifier front tire on ebay. When the tire showed up today in the mail it was a Sportmax D208F not a Qualifier. Am I just stupid or is this a different tire?

 

[Stevenc150]

You're correct. They are different tires. The Qualifier was designed as an upgrade/replacement for the D208. Their tread patterns are even different.

 

[shilohsk8]

I don't think I will be able to return it. I wonder if I should just run it. Sucks for me. They even had a picture of a Qualifier in the listing. I guess it's my fault I took the FU*KING ebay gamble.[sad]

 

[shilohsk8]

What is everyone's input on my scenario? Should I run them together?

 

[Stevenc150]

Personally, I'd fight it, though it can be a long drawn out process. You paid for a Qualifier, which is "higher grade" and got a D208, which for all intents, is a "lower grade" tire, so it's not fair for you.

 

[shilohsk8]

I emailed the seller about the mistake and they offered to refund my money or refund me $30 if I want to keep the tire. I paid $100 for it. I would take the $30 and run it if I could find out if there wouldn't be any issues with tire warm-up, grip and wear. I'm not that concerned about wear since my back tires are usually toast before the front is cupping to bad.

 

[ophawk]

I put 208's when they first came out and loved them, but I picked up a chunk of steel in the rear, with about 70% tread left, put another 208 on the rear, wore that out then put a 220 on the rear. The 220 I hated, and when the front started showing some age I put Q's on both ends. I really liked the 208 on the front even more than the current Qualifier.
Just My Two Cents

 

[shilohsk8]

Thanks ophawk that's just what I needed to hear. It sounds like it something worth trying out.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

If i didnt need that tire right away I would return it. Get what you paid for Shilo. Don't let people get away w that stuff. I hate that bait and switch crap. Some Vanson dealer in TX tried to pull that sh*t w me once. Jacket was pictured with a liner. I even asked if it was included and was told it was. Got the jacket, no liner, and a lame excuse that he made a mistake when he told me it was included. They said I could return it for a refund but I didnt like that option. I told them their mistake was not my problem and I would be expecting my liner to be shipped. I got it a few days later. Those freakin liners cost $175. Still havent worn the stupid thing...but thats not the point

 

[shilohsk8]

I know dude I hate that sh*t, but I'm in a bit of a situation now. I could get my money back and spend a few more bucks and buy the Qualifier locally, or get $30 back and run the 208. I just wish I could get some more feedback on my mixed matched scenario. It's mainly tire warm-up time in comparison to each other. I would hate to have a cold rear tire and a warm front in the same time span or vise-versa. I ride the canyons a lot and we have some really tight one out here in So.Cali.

 

[teh Nub]

The qualifier is probably a "better" tire since it was the D208's replacement, but personally I don't like Dunlops at all. You could have a fairly cheap front until your rear wears out then i'd replace both tires with a different brand or even send it back and run a mis-matched brand on the front waiting for the rear to burn up.

I know most people don't like the idea of mismatched tires, but i've seen and more so read about a lot of sport touring guys having good results using different tires with different compounds.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

Like I said, if you needed it right away, its prob not the end of the world. But if you did return it, it would give you peace of mind and confidence. Both important factors for motorcyclists.

+1 on the diff tires tho. Switch to Mich pilot powers and see what you think of those bad boys. I was sold on mich after turn one.

 

[teh Nub]

Michelin is all I will buy as well.

 

[ophawk]

Yeah, after these are burnt up I will be looking into another brand, I don't go carving canyons that often, anymore, and most all the road here in the Phoenix area are straight as arrows so you end up wearing the center out of a soft tire, so I looking at the various multi compound tires.

 

[teh Nub]

Look at Michelin pilot road 2. Dual compound, more sport touring tire. I have a PR2 on the front and regular pilot road on the rear which is not dual compound, but that's a different story about tire availability and waiting until your rear is about bald..

I hit the twisties pretty hard and have great grip from these tires wet and dry. My bike feels better than with the stock D208's (when they had plenty of tread on them)....

 

[keisersozae]

i just bought my 2nd diablo rosso for the rear. great tire and i got 7k out of my last one. i still run a regular diablo up front. great grip for the twisties on the weekend but doesnt wear out like some from commuting all week.

 

[GatorBuell]

I give a nod for the Michelin PR2's, I may run something different next time just to see but I def hate Dunlops and really like the Michelins.