Matching front and rear tires

[pcv57]

I recently bought a 2019 XR with 5k miles. The tires both looked like they had decent tread so I didn’t pay a lot of attention to it until I noticed the bike was a little unstable in corners. When I checked out the tires, while they were both Bridgestones, the front was a T30 and the rear was a T32. Also, the front has flattened out in the center so you lean then it feels like it falls into the corner. So my question is, do I replace the front with a T32 or replace both with something I would prefer? The reviews on the T32 are good but I don’t think that’s what I would choose if I were buying two new tires

[wessie]

If you are going to ride through the winter then fit a new front T32 as they will be a good tyre in cold & damp conditions.

I had T31 on my bike when I bought it used in 2018 which I wore out. For my riding I prefer the Bridgestone Hypersport tyre, currently using S21 but there is a newer S22 available.

You could fit a new S21 to the front. In the olden days it was common to fit a sticky Bridgestone 010 on the front and sport touring 020 on the rear to give plenty of grip on braking but longer life overall.

You might want to check local availability as many tyres seem to be on back order due to supply chain problems. This will almost certainly influence any choice you make.

[pcv57]

I always try to run a matched pair so if I change the front, I’ll go with a T32. The rear is almost new and I hate to waste a good tire so I may just replace the front
I had a similar issue with a set of tires on my Multistrada. I changed them both out to Angel GT IIs and loved them

[Darty65]

As your bike has only covered 5,000 miles, chances are someone has replaced the rear and left the part worn front. Best to have a matched pair, but also a shouldered tyre will always compromise handling. What you suggest seems to be a good compromise to replacing both, if as wessie has warned, tyres are available.

The XRs handling is sublime, so hopefully you’ll be enjoying it to the max soon.

[pcv57]

That’s exactly what I suspected. The dealer or PO only replaced the rear. I’ll find a T32 front and see what I think. I’m sure it will be a huge difference

[Versatile1]

In my experience with Battalax tires on the XR, the front tends to Cup out when riding/braking aggressively. Have not had other tires do that "as much" as the Bridgestones.  Good tires, just a characteristic I've noticed on mine and my buddies who ran Battalax.  I think they were the S21's.