Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

General discussion of the BMW R1200RT/R1250RT
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BlueRT
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Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by BlueRT »

My apologizes in advance if this is a rhetorical question. I searched for this topic but did not get a return. My RT is in for its annual service and my tech is recommending I replace my tires. Front down to 10% tread, rear down to 20% tread.  Would appreciate recommendations for opinions on best tires to install on my RT?  Riding factory Michelins at present. 
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stayingupright
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by stayingupright »

I swapped my 2016 RT's original tyres in December for Michelins 5GT's. Fantastic change and so much more confidence inspiring.
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by Casbar »

Read a review on sport touring tyres, Michelin were good, but best all around apparently are the Metzlers 01s. I have always had PR4GTS, but my 1250 came with Metzlers Z8s and they have been really good, so the 01s are an upgrade on Z8s, so might have a go with those next.
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by RC51 Tofuman »

Pilot Road 5

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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by beemerboy9 »

BlueRT wrote: My apologizes in advance if this is a rhetorical question. I searched for this topic but did not get a return. My RT is in for its annual service and my tech is recommending I replace my tires. Front down to 10% tread, rear down to 20% tread.  Would appreciate recommendations for opinions on best tires to install on my RT?  Riding factory Michelins at present.

Hi Blue RT,


Can you qualify your question, please.


Best in the dry?
Best in the wet?
Best wear characteristics?
Least drop in handling performance after 3000 miles?


Due to the compromises in tire tread design and rubber compounds, there is no one tire that is best in all the above areas.


My machine is faster than I am in the dry, so I buy based on wet road performance and least drop in handling characteristics over the life of the tire.
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by Our Gee »

You might want to add “comfort” to that list. That was one of the things I didn’t like about Michelin but loved about Continentals.
During my 10 years or so of RT riding I found the original version of the Dunlop Roadsmart to be a great “all rounder” as no doubt did the various authority riders. There are a few still available out there and I managed to pick up a pair for my Triumph Sprint GT a couple of months ago for less than £130.
Last edited by Our Gee on Thu May 28, 2020 9:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
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David.
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by David. »

Here is a different slant on things. The two tyres recommended by BMW are Michelin Pilot Road 4GT & Metzeler Roadtec Z8.

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As someone who predominately rides in the dry, I'd rather have the most rubber (slick) in contact with the road. Therefore, I'd choose the Z8 over the PR4GT.

In the wet, I'd rather modify my riding style to the conditions. I currently have Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmarts fitted to my 2012 TC RT.

Image

Similar to Metzeler Z8's in the amount of rubber in contact with the road. Never found them to be a problem in the wet.
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David.
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by David. »

BlueRT wrote:Would appreciate recommendations for opinions on best tires to install on my RT?
Here is a poll of tyres folks have fitted to their RT's, viewtopic.php?t=7
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stayingupright
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by stayingupright »

David. wrote: Here is a poll of tyres folks have fitted to their RT's, /viewtopic.php?t=7
A poll that is over 4 years old is hardly a good comparison.
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David.
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by David. »

stayingupright wrote:A poll that is over 4 years old is hardly a good comparison.
Ok, I'm very happy to reset the poll and see what happens. If folks vote again, it'll give a more realistic view of what is currently being used, standby.

There you go, vote away, viewtopic.php?t=7
Last edited by David. on Thu May 28, 2020 6:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
ichavis
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by ichavis »

I have tried a lot of tires.... the 14 RT came with Michelin PR4GT,  Then i got a set of Metzler 01s,  A few sets of Bridgestone T31s,  [size=13px]Dunlop - Sportmax Roadsmart III,  then finally on [/size][size=12px]Pirelli Angel GT II [/size]
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[size=12px]I don't like my current [/size][size=12px]Pirelli Angel GT IIs, they are very sloppy in cornering and harder to get up to temp....  They are worn down and have a new set of Michelin Road 5 GTs going on next week... I did like the [/size][size=9px]Bridgestones and Dunlops were good, but feeling like I will love the new R5GTs...[/size]
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[size=9px]I can honestly say I have tried a lot of tires :) [/size]
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Casbar
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by Casbar »

ichavis wrote: I have tried a lot of tires.... the 14 RT came with Michelin PR4GT,  Then i got a set of Metzler 01s,  A few sets of Bridgestone T31s,  Dunlop - Sportmax Roadsmart III,  then finally on [/font][/size]Pirelli Angel GT II [/font][/size]

[/font][/size]
I don't like my current [/font][/size]Pirelli Angel GT IIs, they are very sloppy in cornering and harder to get up to temp....  They are worn down and have a new set of Michelin Road 5 GTs going on next week... I did like the Bridgestones and Dunlops were good, but feeling like I will love the new R5GTs...


I can honestly say I have tried a lot of tires :)


It would be good to hear your views on the ones you have tried and type of roads you mainly travel on, ie motorways or twisties or both.



ichavis
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by ichavis »

I liked the PR4GT and the Bridgestone T31s.... I got the R5GTs since they are a newer tire and wanted to try Michelins again.    My riding is a mix of road and twisties.  I did not consider tire wear in my thoughts since they are all over the place.  The attribute of a tire I like
is it feeling solid in turns not mushy,  i felt that with the Michelins and Bridgestones.  hope this helps!  Ira
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Casbar
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by Casbar »

ichavis wrote: I liked the PR4GT and the Bridgestone T31s.... I got the R5GTs since they are a newer tire and wanted to try Michelins again.    My riding is a mix of road and twisties.  I did not consider tire wear in my thoughts since they are all over the place.  The attribute of a tire I like
is it feeling solid in turns not mushy,  i felt that with the Michelins and Bridgestones.  hope this helps!  Ira

Coming from PR4GTs on my 1200 and now having the Metzlers, I was wondering how you found the 01s compared to the PR4GTs as I quite like the z8s and the 01s are a newer tyre
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Re: Best Tires for a 2016 R1200RT/LC

Post by hammo »

I agree with the other member , it all depends on how you ride /when you ride / one up /two up/ ?  one can only have opinion when you change your tyres to see how many miles you have covered and how much they cost . Personally for me cost does not come into it , it reminds a long time ago now i was purchasing a motorcycle lock which at that time was £90.00 the shop owner stated how much do you value your bike ?
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