BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Only ebay for £185 a pair. 6 months ago i paid £240. What comes to mind id they are fazing out the standard one and now only the SE versions. Hence the price drop some are passing on.

I’ve got the Road Pilot 4 GT on my RT, not had an issue with them. I’ve found them to be good in the wet and I’m more than happy with them.

Had a good chat with a guy at Cambrian Tyres. His advice was, if a specific version code tyre is recommended, then fit it. This seems to be down to the weight of the bike itself, irrespective of the loading on it. Although, it is probably recognised that an RT is more likely to be used two-up with luggage than perhaps some other bikes. Therefore, as a lightweight solo rider, I should still fit the "full fat" version if available. If the non-recommended version code tyre is fitted and problems occur with it, any warranty claim is likely to be rejected by the tyre manufacturer.

Steve398 wrote:Tyre specialists Two Tyres

This makes interesting reading, BMW R1200RT and R1250RT Tyre Guide - Best Touring Tyres (twotyres.co.uk)

"Even though some tyre manufacturers make heavyweight tyres (called things like GT and HWM) the RT doesn’t need these tyre versions. Contrary to the myth; fitting a heavyweight rear tyre isn’t a good idea. Some riders think that’s a good way of getting more miles from your rear but the fact is the tyre itself is stiffer and just won’t give the same feel or performance as a regular tyre as it won’t get worked in the way it’s designed to be."

Tyres will be with me tomorrow morning. I removed the wheels this afternoon and a good job i did. The inside brake pads were near to the metal. So ive had to order 2 packs of EBC HH pads to fit. Not bad price at £43 total delivered. Already fitted a new disc and pads to the rear. Expected to do bits like this when i bought an older bike. So far the parts have been cheaper than parts for my old Tiger 1050.

David quoted
"Even though some tyre manufacturers make heavyweight tyres (called things like GT and HWM) the RT doesn’t need these tyre versions. Contrary to the myth; fitting a heavyweight rear tyre isn’t a good idea. Some riders think that’s a good way of getting more miles from your rear but the fact is the tyre itself is stiffer and just won’t give the same feel or performance as a regular tyre as it won’t get worked in the way it’s designed to be."

This is what ive read on the net, that's why i went for the standard rated tyres along with some tyre shops including Two Tyres who the quote comes from i called today saying GT/HWM is not needed as my type of single riding with light loads but if i rode with a passenger and heavy loads all the time then they would recommend a higher rated tyre.

Having spoken to Two Tyres myself, they confirmed that a pair of Metzeler Z6's are still available at 159.00 GBP and Z8's for 199.00 GBP. The Z6's are just standard tyres, should have a version code (C) on the rear but now discontinued. The Z8's would be front standard (M) and version code (O) for the rear. The Z8's can still be found as factory fit on a new R1250RT.

Doctor T wrote: This is what ive read on the net, that's why i went for the standard rated tyres along with some tyre shops including Two Tyres who the quote comes from i called today saying GT/HWM is not needed as my type of single riding with light loads but if i rode with a passenger and heavy loads all the time then they would recommend a higher rated tyre.

I've had Pilot Road 3's,4's,4GT's and now running 2's on my RT, they've all felt the same whilst riding, very similar amounts of grip wet or dry and I've got roughly the same amount of mileage (11k) miles out of each pair. As long as the tyre is the right weight rating and speed rating for the bike you shouldn't have any problems.


I did have one clown on this forum saying that when I had the standard PR4's fitted that they'd be destroyed within 300 miles because they weren't recommended by BMW lol.

A clown, more like one less brain cell than a blonde(my wife is a true blonde so i know what am stating). I better not fit the Grip Puppies as they've not a BMW recommended accessories. DUH

David. wrote: This makes interesting reading, BMW R1200RT and R1250RT Tyre Guide - Best Touring Tyres (twotyres.co.uk)

"Even though some tyre manufacturers make heavyweight tyres (called things like GT and HWM) the RT doesn’t need these tyre versions. Contrary to the myth; fitting a heavyweight rear tyre isn’t a good idea. Some riders think that’s a good way of getting more miles from your rear but the fact is the tyre itself is stiffer and just won’t give the same feel or performance as a regular tyre as it won’t get worked in the way it’s designed to be."

Interestingly, just to contradict this information, my 21 R1250RT comes factory fitted with Michelin Road 5 GT

My local tyre fitter of choice has also confirmed that, if a version code (GT or otherwise) is recommended and available, it should be fitted.

Roadtec 01 fitted, new EBC HH pads fritted to the front calipers(£42 for 2 pairs delivered). Now the problem, I cant run the tyres in as today we have winds of 80-100 mph. Pity as the sky is bright blue and not a raindrop in sight.

I'd choose between standard and heavy duty based on the following:-


If I only ever rode solo at speed at around the UK legal limit, I'd feel perfectly secure enough with standard spec tyres.


If I planned a European tour riding 2-up, fully laden at 100mph+ on a German Autobahn for 90 minutes, I would definitely feel more secure on a heavy-duty tyre.


A simple choice for me anyway.

Even fully loaded+2 up at those speeds won't deform the tyre or affect the handling on a standard rated tyre as long as you have the right loading and speed rate. IRC the rear is 73w(axle weight). As long as the tyre weight ratings is kept to there should be no problems.  The only bike ive owned that needed H/D tyres was a 2000 Goldwing. All that H/D tyre gives is 1 extra ply or a harder compound, which gives a harsher ride and a bit more mileage. As a H/D tyre is stiffer and reduces the flex of the sidewalls in the carcase which is OK for long motorways but less predictable in the twists. A bike tyre needs flex of the carcase to handle corner movements. The likes of the K1300 upwards bikes are heavier than the R bikes and these do need H/D tyres.
Looking at tyre recommendations in my handbook none say anything about using H/D tyres. This is only my view on the subject but i do respect other peoples views too.

I think this talk on tyres could go on like the choice of engine oils. Everyone will agree to disagree.

This is the BMW Motorrad list of Tyre Options for a Camhead, Tyre Options | BMW Motorrad (bmw-motorrad.com)

"This information is not binding and is based on the statutory provisions and technical regulations for Germany - changes and deviating provisions may apply abroad."

Bridgestone Battlax BT 021 F 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Battlax BT 021 R 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Continental Road Attack Z 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Road Attack C 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Sportmax Roadsmart 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Roadtec Z6 C Interact 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 K Front 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Roadtec Z6 K 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Roadtec Z8 Interact C 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Michelin Pilot Road 2 Front 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Pilot Road 2 B Rear 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

The version codes are highlighted in bold text.

Of those on the list, the only tyres still currently in production are Metzeler Z6 & Z8.

The Z6 version code C is no longer available, would have to fit F&R standard tyres.

The Z8 front standard is now M and the rear version code O has replaced C.

The Rider's Manual only gives a tyre size and speed rating, no load rating or version codes are listed.

You can obtain an up-to-date list of approved tyres from your authorised BMW Motorrad dealer or on the Internet at "www.bmw-motorrad.com".

From the list, I've used, Bridgestone BT 021, Dunlop Roadsmart, Metzeler Z6 & Michelin PR2 (not code B rear).

From what I can see, this is the list of current tyres for a 1250.

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 M 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Roadtec Z8 C 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Michelin Road 5GT 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL Road 5GT 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

Bridgestone T30 EVO GT 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL T30 EVO GT 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL

The Z8 has stood the test of time, all 3 recommended tyres have a version code.