2023 Poll of Tyre Options

[Doctor T]

Found this. What is the difference between a Michelin Road 5 and Road 5 GT?
Gt model has ZERO compound difference from a NON-GT pilot rd 5. The GT has extra belting and plies to support 650-plus pound tour bikes with riders and cargo. FJR1300, C14, ST1300 K1600, and other models. GT model rides stiffer due to extra belting.
Our bike's weight is 505 lb (dry) and 571 lb (wet) plus a little bit extra for panniers. So even fully loaded our bikes are below the 650 Lb plus rating for GT tyres. So going by this the RT Hexheads or Wetheads will be OK with standard tyres

[David.]

So going by this the RT Hexheads or Wetheads will be OK with standard tyres.

Camheads too are OK with standard tyres. The Michelin Pilot Road 2 rear tyre should have been a version code (B). I ran a standard rear tyre without any problems. For version code, read it as GT.

[Doctor T]

After days of research ive ordered a pair of Pirelli GT "A" spec. £246.00 delivered. I didn't go for the Mark 2 model as i found many posts on how the new front tyre can cause a slight wobble due to the two middle track lines. Most were going back to the Mark 1 version due to this. I hate searching for new tyres. Am sure picking a house is easier. My other choice was the Bridgestone T32 GT but because of the lack real world reviews(i don't trust people that are paid to review tyres) it put these into second place. My cousin has them fitted to his R1250R and rates them but his is a lighter bike and the weight of the RT may make them not as good.
Anyway, i will post some pictures once fitted and give an initial review and then follow ups as the miles stack up.

s-l500 (1).jpg (35.32 KiB) Viewed 5077 times

[Steve398]

I had a set of those on the Pan, great grip wet/dry, and a comfortable ride. Wear life was about average, but the rear squared off.

[Jggpossum]

Considering that my now new RT came with Michelin Road 6 GT it is not surprising that it has my vote.

My previous experience with the F900XR which is 50Kg lighter is that I prefer the road feel of the Road 6 over the Road 6 GT. The dealer who sold me the bike commented that the GT were more appropriate for a bike like the RT which is heavier but I don't agree with him. Either tyre is designed for the loads they carry and it is just that the GT has a stiffer sidewall which might be more suitable on rougher roads.

My experience is that the 6's give more feel of the road and a more progressive feel through cornering. In comparison I find the GT a bit more skittish particularly if you hit a bump cornering. I suspect the GT might hold better when riding on the limits of the tyre edge but I don't ride like that anyway, (my chicken strip is a good 2cm) so prefer the improved feel of the 6's.

Each to their own

[David.]

My new RT came with Michelin Road 6 GT.

Out of interest, did your RT come with a GT version fitted to both the front and rear. The reason for asking is that a.n.other had Road 6's fitted by a BMW dealer in the UK and their recommendation was to only fit a GT to the rear.

[Doctor T]

Pirelli tyres recommend standard rated tyres on the front with a GT, H/D, and "A" tyre on the rear. This is for all 1250 models except the GS. I believe Michelin and the Mets are the same. Personally due to the weight force on the front tyre a H/D, GT, "A" would be recommended too.

[David.]

The Michelin fitting guide recommends Road 6 GT F&R for a 2023 R1250RT.

[Doctor T]

Strange we seem to have been informed differently. I hope the person whose bike came with Road 6 can settle this.

[John_Northdowns]

Interesting distraction from my original conundrum, brake pads! Tyres, I've only recently brought my RT, after riding GS's for years, and years, and as such still feel like I am not yet qualified to comment on the tyres. But here's my initial thoughts on Bridgestone BT23's from a Michelin fan, on my GS and my track day bike (GSXR750). I have tried Metzelers, they felt ok, warmed up quickly on cold days, gave lots of feed back in the rain and cold, but didn't last, and I also tried a pair of Conti's, the rear delaminated after about 1000 miles (that was 12/13 years ago) so swapped back to Michelins and been that way for the last 100k miles give or take! My RT, 2nd hand from a Motorrad dealer, came with new 'old stock' Bridgestone BT23GT's! My initial thought was that I'd potter around for a bit getting used to the bike, and if they gave me any worries I'd swap them, but they haven't. 3 months, 3000 miles in all weathers not a single moment of concern, unless I've been a bit silly! The only noticeable difference, is that they need a little bit more initial effort to turn in, but after that, all good, plenty of feedback, they hold a line well, they are quiet, warm up quickly in the cold - and I've enjoyed some really cold starts this year (heated seats - who'd have thought it!!), and I've been super lucky to have ridden many miles in heavy rain, where again the old BT23's have provided plenty of feedback to allow for safe positive progress. Good enough to touch the pegs in fast sweepers, so if the BT32GT's are better (everyone says they are) I think it's going to be a simple choice in the next couple of months or so. I'll check back for any further feedback from others on their rubber choice before I buy. Cheers, John
P.S If there was a BT23GT option on the query, I'd have proudly ticked that

[Doctor T]

BT23 were good and known for high mileage. Took a while to warm up and after that, the grip was good in all weather. Bit old tec now compared to the T32

[Doctor T]

A quick update on my Pirelli Angle GT tyres. Now just over 2500 miles. Very little wear to report, the Single compound tyre even old tech grips very well in all weathers as does the rear. I used to praise the Roadtec 01 tyres highly but the Angle's ride rings around them

[simbo]

Continental 'ContiMotion'.. Any one tried them? I can get a pair 'loose for £179 and they seem quite appealing for the price

[Steve398]

I’ve used Conti’s in the past on several bikes, from an Aprilia Caponord (Conti Trail) to a Bandit 1200 (Conti Road Attack) and loved them, but not tried either the Contimotion or the R/A on a BM at all.

I’d be interested to hear how they feel on your GS.

[Doctor T]

It's classed as an economy touring tyre. Old tech, nothing flashy. Seen reports of up to 15000 miles.