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

Ok, I went for my annual safety check and the inspector said I need new tires, especially the front one. It looks like shingles and is almost to the wear mark.

What brand, model tires do you guys suggest?

Thanks!

That might be as personal as advice on selecting a wife!

Many variables - what did it come with?
Were you happy with them?
What kind of riding do you do?

Read some of the tire threads here and you will probably see a preference for Z6's

If you think you are able to read/understand a little german this tire comparison might be interesting:
http://www.motorradonline.de/static/spe ... rtung.html

The startpage of the test can be found at:
http://www.motorradonline.de/static/spe ... en_04.html

They test the Metzeler Z6 as the best handler and as overall winner. The Michelin Pilot Roads are a good second and score very consistent. Second best handlers after the Metzelers and win from the Metzelers in the longevity area. Too bad they didn't use a R1150R for the test, cause that might influence the results a bit... But the test nicely reflects what I've read/distilled on this board in all the tire threads that came by.

For what it is worth...

My own experience:
I can only say I had Bridgestone BT20's and now have Michelin Pilot Roads which I prefer above the Bridgestones. Handling is great, and after about 5000km's they still look like they will last at least another 5000km or more.

Tried Dunlop 207 and 208 and now Metzler Roadtec
The Metz are far better handling than D208 or D207

D207 gave 8700 miles
D208 were gone after 4500miles.
I am hoping ME have more life to them.

Different riders, bikes, experience, roads, loads, weights and so on.

Impossible to answer for someone other than ourselves. I'm an Avon Azzaro fan, so naturally I will recommend them. Others will do the same for whatever they have had good experience with, so it's not really an easy request to answer.

Some of the stuff that will get recommended here is the same as was on my bike when I got it - Damn terrible by my experience, but great for someone else.

Acacia is right - It's like picking a good woman. Good part is that with tyres you can change them more often for something better if the current one doesn't work satisfactorily for you.

One thing is pretty much certain, you should get black ones, the colored ones are TACKY.

If I was stranded on a desert island with an oihead and only one set of tires - they would be the Metzeler Z-6's.

If I was stranded on a desert island with only one woman, she would be...

I use the Z6 for 1000 miles and I love them....they fell like sport tires after the OEM..... BTW I riden thru 2 storm and they hadle great in the rain!

If I was stranded on a desert island with only one woman, she would be...

Alright, Bob - I've gotta know. Who???

Very sat with my Z6. . .

BobFV1 wrote:If I was stranded on a desert island with an oihead and only one set of tires - they would be the Metzeler Z-6's.

If I was stranded on a desert island with only one woman, she would be...

very upset.

Hey I would go with the Z-6 as well they work fine on the bike. I'm about 8 thou into this set and there is lots of life left. The only issue I have is they don't like white lines and over banding, makes the back move around too much at slow (walking) speed. Just seems to wander and steer it's self. But I would buy a new set no problem.

I have stuck (pun intended) with Bridgstones. BT010 BT020 BT014 have all performed well. Light feeling, nimble, 6-8K miles.

I have read reports from those who have switched from BT020 to Z6 that indicated the Z6 is a better feeling ride.

ArjanH wrote:They test the Metzeler Z6 as the best handler and as overall winner. The Michelin Pilot Roads are a good second and score very consistent. Second best handlers after the Metzelers and win from the Metzelers in the longevity area. Too bad they didn't use a R1150R for the test, cause that might influence the results a bit... But the test nicely reflects what I've read/distilled on this board in all the tire threads that came by.

That pretty well bodes with my findings. When I had metzelers (Z4s, before the z6 came out) on my r1100r handled better, but I have put over 10,000 miles on the Pilot Roads and they have a little more time left on them. Since I live in Mississippi and we only have a half a dozen curves in the entire state, I think I will stick with the Michelins.

And as far as a desert island female goes, it had better be my wife. It took us 10 years to get used to each other, I would hate to have to spend 10 years getting used to someone else. Besides which my wife would probably not allow me any time to get used to her again afterwards.

aaron, lance forgot to mention that not only should you get the black ones, but make sure they're round.


(i just got a rear z6...nice)

Pilot Roads have become my tire of choice on both my R1150R and R1200ST. I buy them from SouthWestMototires.

This is my choice.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic906.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic907.jpg

DJ

Once again - like the last thread . . .

Z6 with Avon an acceptable alternative.

wncbmw wrote:Once again - like the last thread . . .

Z6 with Avon an acceptable alternative.

What he said....

Z6's 38 lbs front 42 lbs rear......