Tyres for R1100RT?

[Ed Harley]

As you most likely are aware R1100RT tyre sizes are 120/70ZR17 and 160/60ZR18.

If the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT would still be available decision would be easy - unfortunately rear tyre is no longer available.

I was looking at available tyres on Mynetmoto and 'main' alternatives appear to be:

Pirelli Angel GT
Michelin Pilot Road 3
Metzeler Z6
Bridgestone T30 Evo
Bridgestone T31
Continental RoadAttack 3

I'm not that keen on the Metzelers or Continentals. And the Pirellis tend to be made in China.

So that leaves Michelins and both Bridgestones. Michelins are most likely made in Spain and B-stones in Japan.

Use of this bike is mostly sport touring.

Any pros/consopinions/recommendations of these (or other) tyres?

[simbo]

I had the Michelin Pilot Road 3's on my RT when I got it and they felt fine, I changed to Pilot Road 4's when they wore out and didn't notice any great improvements over the 3's.

[Ed Harley]

Thanks for the info - Michelins they are! I'll visit the dealer in the morning. With a bit of luck I may have new tyres on for Easter weekend.

[David.]

Any pros/cons opinions/recommendations of these (or other) tyres?

One manufacture not mentioned is Dunlop, I'm now on to my sixth pair of RoadSmart I's on a R1200RT Camhead.

RoadSmart I's are now discontinued, RoadSmart II's are available in sizes for an R1100RT.
https://www.dunlop.eu/en_gb/motorcycle/ ... mart2.html

If RoadSmart I's were not discontinued, I've have no reason to look for an alternative, I'm perfectly happy with them.

[Ed Harley]

Roadsmart IIs are available. For some reason I did not pay attention to them as Dunlops usually are more expensive here than other brands. Now that I checked the prices they are actually cheaper than Michelins. Need to read a bit more of these as well before ordering.

[David.]

Well there you go, another money saving idea.

[Ed Harley]

Eventually Pilot Road 3 pair was ordered and bike went in today. I was planning on a nice ride on Sunday as forecast has been for warm weather.

Well, as it often happens to me the front tyre that arrived from Parts Europe was a Pilot Power so just the rear was changed. Front will have to wait until next week.
And the Sunday weather forecast is getting colder and colder... 

[Ed Harley]

As usual new tyres feel really nice.  ^-^

[Ed Harley]

Well, since I got another R1100RT - after trading in the earlier for a Road King (always a good !) - it is time again for a set of tyres.

That earlier short list is now even shorter as some of the tyres are discontinued. Not so much need nowadays for 160/60ZR18, I suppose.

After long agonizing consideration between Bridgestone and Dunlop I today ordered Dunlop Roadsmart IV set, 120/70ZR17 GT and 160/60ZR18.

GT version for front was recommended by Dunlop. I had these Dunlops on my previous R1200RT and they were great.

[Doctor T]

I would go to Angle GT mark 1 any day. Good in the dry as well in the wet. Neutral handling. and long lasting. Before these I was on Mick 01 and I thought these were good until I fitted the GT. A rated front, standard on rear.
7K on them so far. I will be fitting the MK1 again
The Mk2 Angle's have a different tread pattern on the front. Some say that they can cause a very slight weave.

[Ed Harley]

They were my 3rd option after Dunlops and Bridgestone T32.

Pirellis seem to be very good but I wanted a 'newer' design as the cost here was about the same.

[Ed Harley]

Right.

New tyres (Dunlop Roadsmart IV, 120/70ZR17 GT and 160/60ZR18) were installed today.

After the ride today I can honestly say that R1100RT is completely different bike now. So planted, so effortless line changes, does not react on longitudinal ridges and grooves, etc. Absolutely fabulous change.

I must note though that the front was a one year old Pirelli Angel ST with perhaps 1000 km on it. The rear, on the other hand, was a Bridgestone BT021 made in 2006.



New tyres tend to be a really nice change on a bike.