I'd say only under circumstances where you are observing the strictest economy. I have done this recently because Pirellis are so expensive and I can get two rears out of every one front. I have done some hard cornering with a half used up Super Corsa front and a brand new Super Corsa rear. It wasn't bad. I only ride hard in very good conditions when the air is 80°+ F.
The other side of the coin is that you should have optimum traction with a new front and somewhat less than optimum with a used front. Motorcycle tires are usually designed to offer more traction in front than in the rear so if one end lets go, it's the rear end swinging out. If the front slides, you are going in a different direction and pretty much out of control. SO why defeat the purpose of all the safety engineered into a set of tires?
Also, new tires feel so great, it is a shame to only have the rear running as smooth as it can get.
SO if you're short on $$, give the half used front a second time. If you can afford both front and rear, do it and enjoy the bike at it's best.
* Last updated by: Rook on 5/5/2019 @ 1:49 PM *
08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected
2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!