BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

I had new tires (front and rear) installed immediately before leaving in early August on a 29-day, 12,000-mile tour of Canada and 24 states (including Alaska). Upon return, I noted significant "scalloping" of both tires and am concerned about the wear, given I monitored the air pressure throughout the journey, without either getting more than a few psi below the recommended pressures. Is this expected? I'm considering immediate replacement with Michelin Road 6.

Feck,I wish I was doing that ride,that looks stunning

I fitted the same Tyres to my Twin Cam and they also are a bit noisy. The Scalloping" you mention does seem to be a feature of these tyres (as is the case with some other brands) and this is what causes the noise (when leaning over in a bend) I must admit to being surprised as in comparable tyre tests the Metzeler's did come out top with no mention of "scalloping" or noise. But there you go, that's journo's ! !.

I'm on my 6th set of Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires on my 2010. Overall have been great tires, typically get 11,000-13,000 miles out of them before I replace them and probably could have pushed them further if I wanted or didn't have a long trip upcoming. Originally these were the Roadtec 01 HWM but now they are all the Roadtec 01 SE. Traction wise they have been great, ridden in some pretty heavy rains and never an issue. It does seem that once I get to 8,000-9,000 miles i do see some scalloping/cupping on tread. It never seems to create a traction issue but they can make a bit more noise on certain surfaces and speeds. It's never been a safety concern or that noisy that I've replaced due to this or switched brands as I consider the mileage I get from them to be good and they have worked well for me. I have another brand that I received for a steal (free) from a friend that I might try and see how they wear and work and then decide if I go back to the Metzeler or try another brand. I am not religious about pressures but I try and check and keep them close to recommended pressure with a couple lbs fluctuation due to temperatures.

I wish I was doing that tour and getting that mileage from my tyres, if you have 12K out of a set be very happy:-) Peter

Thanks all. My ride was mostly highway, with some very notable twisties on the Fundy and Cabot trails and the Canadian Rockies and some "interesting" surface roads through Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Montana. Some were in 2nd-4th gears, while others maintained 5th & 6th gear throughout the long sweepers. My offroad was limited to an 18-mile logging road in Hyder Alaska, up to the top of a mountain for a magnificent view of a glacier from above. THAT was a white-knuckle ride, for sure!

After seeing the reviews and speaking to another R1200RT owner/employee at a BMW dealership, I think I'll upgrade to Dunlop Road 6 GTs. $500 for the tires, but I'll still have to get them mounted/balanced while they are replacing the front fork seals, and performing the 12,000-mile tune-up. Looking to do my own oil/filter change, final drive oil replacement and pop in the new air filter.

Overall, the bike has been great and quite the step up from my previous rides - Honda CX500, CB750, PC800 (2), NT700, Suzuki 500GT, Kawasaki Vulcan 500LT (with Velorex 700 sidecar), and current "other" bike - '89 Yamaha FJ1200 (with Comanche Sidebike sidecar), which is FOR SALE!