BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Great - I hope he'll be able to tell us how they are better than (and therefore worth more than) PR4GTs, or even PR3s .....

Comparing Metzeler Z6 https://www.metzeler.com/en-uk/products ... #gallery-2



with Metzeler Z8 https://www.metzeler.com/en-uk/products ... #gallery-2



it can be seen that the width of the "central slick stripe" has been reduced.

Hopefully, this will minimise the risk of being caught out with the centre of the tyre breaking up & showing threads whilst the rest of the tyre still looks good.

David. wrote:
Hopefully, this will minimise the risk of being caught out with the centre of the tyre breaking up & showing threads whilst the rest of the tyre still looks good.

If that's the concern, you need a PR3 or a PR4GT.  They have tread across the whole width of the tyre, thus enabling measurements to be taken from new to the legal minimum and beyond, and a cursory glance will give an excellent estimate of wear / remaining life.  The lack of tread in the centre of the Metzelers was one of my few complaints with those tyres.

Coincidentally, I got caught out with the Metzeler Z6 in Scotland, where the road surfaces are more aggressive/abrasive on tyres.
I used Z6's for 8 years, covering many miles in all conditions. Other than the one poor experience, was very happy with their performance.

Decided to switch to the Dunlop Roadsmart "I" (original) which has a groove across the central section of the tyre to help monitor wear.
Would be more than happy to continue using these, but unfortunately, they are now no longer in production.

Currently, I'm leaning towards the Z8's. My riding is April to October, plus I do not deliberately go out in the wet when I don't have to. Therefore, would prefer to have, "more rubber in contact with the ground", than a tyre which is cut heavily with grooves & sipes. Some tyre manufacturers achieve wet weather grip through chemical compounds, whilst others prefer a more cut tyre approach, both methods work.

At the end of the day, tyres are a personal choice which we all need to be happy with. It's good to have the discussion/debate with others and I appreciate their input to any threads, thank you.

Had the PR5 GT's for just over a week now and I have to confess I'm hooked.
They appear to work great from startup. The PR4's only got to their best after about 20 miles or so.
It feels like I've been given power steering.

Bridgestone Battlax T31 added to the Poll.

The Poll of "What tyres are on Your RT", is now over 4 years old. Would it be worth resetting the vote count to get a more realistic up to date representation of tyres now being used.

Perhaps it could be changed to "The best tyre for the R1200 / 1250RT in my experience / opinion"


That way, it would not be weighted in favour of OE tyres ?

David. wrote:The Poll of "What tyres are on Your RT", is now over 4 years old. Would it be worth resetting the vote count to get a more realistic up to date representation of tyres now being used.

Poll reset, get voting, your votes count!

If your tyre isn't listed, it can soon be added.

The poll is still for "what tyres are on your RT ?" rather than "The best tyre for the R1200 / 1250RT in my experience / opinion"


Is it possible to poll both ?
I've voted for PR4GT because that's what I have on the bike. However if the PR3 was still available that's what I would fit. They handled as well as the PR4GT (including in the wet),lasted longer and were cheaper. Ease of monitoring wear due to the tread pattern was marginally better than the PR4GT too. I'm no racer, so ultimate dry grip is probably never going to be tested and I've never understood how normal road riders measure "warm up". I live in a built up area, so the tyres will never have any challenges before everything is warmed up - engine, transmission, brakes, rider .....
I do have this theory that the "best" tyre is often the one you have just fitted since it is new, and you had become accustomed to a worn pair. Without back to back testing it is difficult to be sure of a fair comparison. All just my opinion, for what that's worth .....

The poll has been reset as requested because it was over 5 years old.

I'm happy with the Dunlop Roadsmart I's on my 2012 TC, so would therefore recommend them based on my use & riding style etc. They are still available to purchase, although now discontinued. Once the Roadsmarts are no longer available, from experience with Metzeler Z6's (again, now n/a in C spec. rear for RT's),  I'd go for Metzeler Z8's.

Surely, most folks would have what they think is the best tyre fitted to their bike for their needs. It's down to the membership to vote to get any meaningful result.

Over to you guys.

I purchased my 2018RTLE new with Metzeller fitted , i,m a steady rider maybe thats why i got 8000 mile on them and they were still road legal , however changed to Michelin Road Pilot GT hope to establish this season if they are as good as the Metzeller !!!!!! 

The title of the thread has been changed to, "Poll of Tyre Options - R 1200/1250 RT".

Hopefully, that will make it more inclusive. Yes, Z8's & PR4GT's are likely to be popular as they are the only two tyres currently OE factory fit by BMW.

As said above, if folks vote for what's on their bike, it's got to be representative.
If you would prefer to vote for a tyre not fitted to your bike, (but currently available),  which in your opinion is better, just vote for that one, "simples".

At the end of the day, (after original factory fit),  tyres are a personal choice.

Really like these Metzeler Z8s. 2500mls hardly worn and I ride two up always. No white lining and plenty of grip. Will replace with same.


If it aint broke, dont fix it.

David. wrote: Hopefully, this will minimise the risk of being caught out with the centre of the tyre breaking up & showing threads whilst the rest of the tyre still looks good.

No:-) I had Z8s on my K1600GT all wear indicators good and all of a sudden canvas/steel showing on centre of tyre, current RT has them fitted as OEM but they will be replaced with RoadTec01 or PR5s as soon as they are done...  Peter