Poll of Tyre Options - R 1200/1250 RT

[David.]

Z8's (16) are not far behind PR4 GT's (18) in the Poll.

[Ganesh]

Hi, I bought my RT twin cam in May and so far covered 8,000miles. This included a 2000mile round trip to Lucca. They came fitted with BT030, not sure what mileage they had. Changed them recently for another set of BT030 as the front was squaring slightly although enough tread for another 1000+ . Decision was based on the winter setting in, price, riding style and commute (110miles) along with opinions from tyre fitters and two BMW dealerships. Hoping to get at least 8,000 out of the new set.

[David.]

They came fitted with BT030.

Is that the same tyre as the T30 GT.

[Our Gee]

Metzeler Roadtec 01 added to the Poll.

Who's going to be the first to have them fitted to their RT in January 2016.

It will be interesting to see if they replace Z8's as one of the 3 Factory Fit Options for RT's.

I wonder why Metzeler deemed it necessary to design in a section of the front tyre where there is no tread grooves. The section at about 2/3 lean angle ?.

[David.]

There does seem to be a trend away from "fully cut" tread patterns by some tyre manufacturers.

Michelin Pilot Roads are an example of how tread patterns have changed over the years of tyre development.

PR(1)

PR2

PR3

PR4


When speaking to Steve at NBT, he suggested that the change from PR3 to PR4 gave a bit of a "slick" area where it's needed the most when tipped over
& that in the wet, it's unlikely you'd be using that part of the tyre, just a thought, his not mine.

[chrismckay]

How many of you have the ability to ride to the limits of any of the popular tyres?


Certainly not me.


I read through the comments on tyre threads suggesting that they are grippy when leaned over or tetchy until warmed up.


Seriously?

[badger]

Very true, that is why mileage and grip comments are meaningless IMO

[David.]

Avon Storm 2 Ultra added to the poll.

[k9doc]

Avon Storm 2 Ultra added to the poll.

Best vote then when I get them. MZ8 for now.

[Sullivj]

Metzeler z8s on my 2012, which have been on there since new.


The bikes done 5,000 miles, with another 1,000 going on next week.  I plan to change them when I return, as the rear is starting to square off.

[RogerM]

Got PR4`s on mine. This is the only bike I`ve had that wears out the front tyre first.

Regards Roger.

[wbrenner]

I have a 2016 RT1200RT, and have just used up my original fitment tires, which are Pilot Road 4 GTs.
With previous sport touring machines that I have owned (this is my first BMW), I am used to the front tire lasting almost twice as long as  the rear tire.  It is good when I can combine a tire change with the required service appointments.

At my 6,000 mile service, I replaced the rear tire, which we (dealer and I) determined had another 2,000 miles of life left.
At 11,500 miles, I hit the wear bars on the front tire, and they still had enough tread left to make it to 12,000 miles, when I will go for the 12,000 mile service maintenance.  Slight cupping on the front tire, off of center.  Could have been less cupping if I used more engine breaking.

I run 36/42 tire pressures front/rear.  Sometime after 6,000 miles, I found that I was handling less neutral, but that more frequent tire pressure checks helped - at 33/39, I could feel the difference from 36/42.  Filling them back to 36(or 37)/42 helped restore a more neutral feeling.  My riding 75% commuting (usually behaving, but sometimes riding more agressively), and the rest on curvy mountain roads, riding briskly.  About 1200 miles two up, but the two of us together only weigh 240 pounds.

In a magazine test, in 2014 (Rider magazine?), one of the tester did not like the PR4s as much, because the of the smaller tread blocks  than some other offerings.
I saw a Dunlop Roadsmart ad in the U.S. magazine 'Rider', July 2017.  It compares tire life and other qualities againt the PR4 GT.  Was hoping to see more reviews of the Roadsmarts in this thread to judge rider satisfaction.  I have attached the the ad in my post here.[attach=1]

Looking at the posts on this subject, having some challenges understanding how to use them for comparison.  When someone says that they took a trip somewhere, and came back with 2 mm of tread left, it does not inform on how much mileage the tire may go.

[David.]

Dunlop Roadsmart III added to the poll.

[B787MECH]

Just fitted a pair of Metzeler Roadtec 01 HWM's on my 2017 LC to replace the original Michelin PR4 GT's after a rear puncture at 3500 miles. The Metzelers are getting rave reviews in the bike media, so I thought I'd try them. Only done 350 miles so far but they give a smooth stable ride, turn in nicely, and cross lines better than the PR4's. HWM stands for 'Heavy Weight Motorcycle" and are 2 Ply construction, which gives a very strong and stiff sidewall, designed for two up fully loaded touring. The tyre fitters remarked on how stiff they were, comparing them to 'Run-Flat' car tyres!
One thing I noticed was when I had the slow puncture and was stopping every twenty miles to top it up, the TPM went a bit erratic giving about 0.5 bar difference. After the new tyre was fitted and the pressure was constant the readings returned to normal!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[David.]

Just fitted a pair of Metzeler Roadtec 01 HWM's on my 2017 LC. HWM stands for 'Heavy Weight Motorcycle".

Are HWM's recommended for both front & rear, or is it personal choice.