BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Z6 or Z8's, most of my riding is done 2 up plus luggage, probably get around 6K out of the tyres.

Have used Z8s for the last 3 years.  They are a factory fit on the 1600TL which weighs in at 349kgs. On that they lasted about 5K. My RT has exactly the same spec, including C rated on the rear.  With only 1 1/2K on them they look new and will hopefully stay that way for another 5 or 6K. I once by mistake put an M rated Z8 on the back of the GTL. It lasted 500 miles.

This link can be used to find the tyres which BMW Motorrad recommend for your bike.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/inde ... _main.html

Where do you buy your tyres, I use National Bike Tyres:- http://www.nationalbiketyres.co.uk/

I just take the bike to my friendly Motorrad shop

beemerbaz wrote: I just take the bike to my friendly Motorrad shop

If you have tyre sensors that's a very wise move.  I have lost count of how many  new ones we have fitted after owners have thought they were saving a few quid at the local tyre supplier.

Yes I do have sensors and its also an excuse and opportunity to browse for the next machine if I can lose the wife for a few mins :-)

Maz12 wrote: I had a independent fit me new tyres..  Never use him again as he fitted the front wheel incorrectly and bust my ABS sensor

Always take loose wheels to a motorcycle tyre specialist, never had any problems.

6200 miles on my RTLC and my rear Conti RS2GT has now squared off badly (due to lots of high speed motorway work fully loaded).
Still loads of tread on the edges though (i hate it when that happens >:( [size=78%]). [/size]


The front tyre still has plenty of life left, so i'm going to stick another Conti on the rear for now, as i cant really fault there performance.

Cambrian Tyres are the largest motorcycle tyre wholesaler in the UK, they do not sell tyres to members of the public.
Their website may be helpful when selecting tyres, checking availability & version codes etc. http://www.cambriantyres.co.uk/.

If selecting Michelin, BMW recommend Pilot Road 2, version code B for the Rear on a 2012 RT.
Can't see a version code B available for Pilot Road or PR2, on either Cambrian or Michelin web sites, http://moto.michelin.co.uk/tyres#s=0.
Looks like I would have to get a PR3 (B) or PR4 (GT).

Well, after 6500 miles of abuse, i think its about time for a new rear Conti.
I cant really fault these tyres, as they've lasted well (still plenty of life in the front), and are good in all road conditions.


However, the rear has squared off badly, due to all the fully loaded, high speed motorway work its done, and now feels horrible...


New....



Abused..



New rear Conti will cost me £141 fitted to bike...not a bad price i think..

Just a comment I heard from the sales guys at Pidcocks.  When the 1200 first arrived last March they received some with Contis on and some with Z8s. They reckoned the Z8s gave a much more planted feel especially with a top box on.   

RTman10 wrote: Just a comment I heard from the sales guys at Pidcocks.  When the 1200 first arrived last March they received some with Contis on and some with Z8s. They reckoned the Z8s gave a much more planted feel especially with a top box on. 

New Conti going on tomorrow. But when the front is knackered, then a set of Z8 are on my short list, as well as the Dunlop Roadsmart 2's which i've heard good reports about.

Agree Contis are not a bad tyre. Mine seem to be wearing similar to yours. I have 5200 miles of which half has been with a pillion and the back is squared off and down to 3 mm decreasing fast. Notices yesterday that my front was also losing its profile, getting a little square. Have a nice pair of Z8s to try next but will wait for a few more miles. Will put them on at 6000 miles. Be interesting to see our they compare and last.


Enjoy your new rubber ;D  I love riding on new tyres the bike always feels soooo good.

I can't put it off any longer, I have 9000 miles on my Metzler slicks !!
Am tempted now to go to Bridgestones 023 GT on the recommendation of the dealer. I know £290 fitted might sound a lot to some but I do prefer the safety of a dealer especially when the bike is still under warranty.