BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Seems like the Z6 is the winning tire so far....

I do all kinds of riding, just like the bike wants too.
Riding though the twistys hard, Riding in the rain "two up" coming home from a trip and communting to work.

Now the question is ... where shall I get them from???

FiremanLI wrote:Now the question is ... where shall I get them from???

I'm a fan of http://www.ronayers.com. They are also an excellent source for Jap OEM parts.

I've used Dunlops...208s...and Z6s. The Z6s were by far a better ride but they wore out too fast, so now I'm trying the Pilot roads for a while. I don't really notice much difference in the ride since I don't push the edge on the corners. I think if you are a real fast twistie rider, you'd probably be happier in the long run with the Z6s. But what do I know?

Metzler Z-6. Or, go back a step and run the Z-4's for more sporty riding with less life. You pay to play in this tire business.

We've found the best prices at http://www.sporttour.com in Cinncinatti. I try to check around and shop by price and they've been the best on tires, helmets, jackets, luggage, fork springs...you name it. It's a small outfit; a dad, son, bro-in-law, and a buddy. Very nice folks. Sarah

Currently have 6000 miles on the Pilot Roads, rear has maybe 500 left, front 800 to wear indicators. Nice on the highway or twisties, never skipped a beat in the rain. I will try the Z6’s for more center tread life.

http://www.swmototires.com is where I would buy a whole set. They have free shipping when you buy a set of tires. They were shipped in a box and not bound.

I may only get a front and then I will go to http://www.ironpony.com , because their store is about 30 minutes from the house, and they mount tires for a very reasonable rate.

I have had z4, z6, and Mich Macadams. Macadam fronts wear out fast, so I am going to get a Pilot Road front and run it with the Macadam rear(until it bites the bullet). I really liked tthe z4 and z6 Metzelers.

I, too have been pondering what tires to get. This is my first time buying them and there is so (too?) much info out there. Currently have 10,200 on original Bridgestone Battlax BT-020's. Want a slightly softer tire for a bit more grip. Considering Avon Azaro AV 45 & 46 (they come WITH "free" Road hazard Policy). Also looking at the Michelin's and the Metzler Z6. FYI, I am only now starting to really lean into corners; ride fairly sedately, but kick it into gear from time to time.

What's a girl to do? Here in the Bay Area, the competition is thick, so all the stores are within a few $$$ of e. other. Bottom line - just under $300 for tires & mount, balance & install.

Muchas tanx for any suggestions.

I had a pair of Z4s which lasted me 9000 miles.

About 1000 on a new pair of Z6s.

Love them too.

Just a great feel for the road and confidence inspiring.

Tom

rmotodiva , If you are in the S.F. bay area you know tire prices are very competative. Check out Roadrider in SanJose or Cycle Salvage in Freemont. Cycle Salvage is only a few dollars more than mail order with free mount and balance . Likewise with Roadrider. However you must remove your own wheels at both places . Also Check out Doc Wong FREE riding clinics offered once a month.
http://www.docwong.com/st-clinc/index.htm
Good luck
Scott from Tracy Ca.

I'm thinking of modifying my axles so I can run those 70,000 mile Goodyears.

Scott, Thanx for the local info. Yes, I know about Doc Wong's clinics. Aren't they great?? We are really lucky here in the Bay Area.

Back to my tires, I have to go to a place that also installs them 'cause I don't have the know-how or the tools to remove the wheels.

MY Bridgestones (OEM w/ 10,000 miles) have been inspected by a couple of BMW experts; they advised me to do my ride to Arizona (120 -> 395 -> 40) on my current tires, as I am going to be doing mostly freeway riding. Since my rear tire is already flattened from f'way riding and front is still in good condition (plenty of tread to the wear bar), they suggest waiting till I come home so my new tires (esp rear) doesn't get the same wear pattern from all the hgwy riding.

Though I trust the guys explicitly, I tend to worry (maybe unneccessarily?). BTW, I am good about checking tire pressure and keeping them properly inflated.

Thanx for any input..............................

Avons - Good feel to the edge and 16,000 km out of set #1. Currently well into set #2. Like all tyres, they will square off with high speed highway use, but no worse than any other 'sport' tyre. You can see some squaring on mine in the pic. Bonus is that they stick well when cold and don't seem to spin up like my Dunlops did. They match the way I ride and grip well when things start to scrape in the tight stuff. Front is very good under brakes, even when off the vertical. Minor cupping was evident on the front when I replaced it, but these bikes seem to push the front end pretty hard. I'll stay with them for now.

Can't seem to delete the duplicate!

Thanx to everyone for your advice. After much research, including taking my style of riding into consideration, I just purchased a set of Metzler z6's. I think they will last me longer than the Avons; and, I can always try the Avons next time - there WILL be a next time! I have a few friends who ride the metzlers and they LOVE 'em.

Yea, I could have done the trip on the 10,000 mile old B'stones, but with the possibility of rain AND of fun riding over the Tioga Pass, 395 and Az 93.

rmotodiva wrote:Thanx to everyone for your advice. After much research, including taking my style of riding into consideration, I just purchased a set of Metzler z6's. I think they will last me longer than the Avons; and, I can always try the Avons next time - there WILL be a next time! I have a few friends who ride the metzlers and they LOVE 'em.

Yea, I could have done the trip on the 10,000 mile old B'stones, but with the possibility of rain AND of fun riding over the Tioga Pass, 395 and Az 93.

You made a great choice. Watch the inflation and you will get good tire life and great performance.

After changind tyres for my first time i used the Bridgestone BT10 ones.

Tyre pressure 2.1 for the front 2.3 for the rear for solo driving.

Last week that I made a long trip with fully loaded bike i used 2.3 and 2.5

These tyres have a reasonable price against other brands, gave me more than 6000 km have a wonderfull feeling in the highways and made my knee touch the ground!!!

What else should I be asking from them?

Just finished with 9000 miles (if 1 is concerned w/mileage) on Z-6. R1150R Awesome, smooth & no cupping because I kept the correct tyre pressure in them. Bought a new set and picked up a nail after 500 miles. Best price?...cycle gadgets.com $ 222.00 no tax no freight at your door in 2 days.

beemertoni,
I found the z6 set for $211 to my door at http://www.swmototires.com. I am debating between the z6 and Pilot Roads($224).

Any insights?

I had had a z6 rear previously, and thought they were greeat, but I was getting some cupping at about 6500 miles. The macadam rears I have had showed not uneven wear(the fronts cupped bad).

I am thinkin' about going the tightwad way, and getting the z6, but I wanna try the Pilot Roads.

Biff, you will like the Pilot Roads much better than the Z6's. I have run more than a few sets of both.