Front Tire Wear 2018 R1200RT

[georgiarcoach]

Wondering if anyone has an opinion as to why I am only getting around 4000 mi out of my front tires. I realize this is a broad question with many variables but I am getting really crappy mileage. When I bought the bike I was delighted to see it had new Pirelli Angels on it as I had run these on my FJR (whose front end seems heavier than the RT) and got around 6K. I was really disappointed when it was shot at just over 4K. So I now have a Dunlop RSIII and am seeing similar results---at 2600 mi I am down to 2.5 to 3/ 32's left, so 4000 might be a stretch.

My riding is mostly in N. Georgia where we have lots of hills and twisties and I am mildly aggressive I guess, but no more so than many I ride with, all of whom seem to get better tire wear on their bikes, RT's included. I keep an eye on my pressure and run 38 or so in the front and do not have any balance or front end issues (that I am aware of).

Just wondering what many of you other riders of this bike are averaging for front and rear mileages and what experience you have had. Most of the tire reviews are based on handling moreso than longevity, so those have not been helpful in this regard.

Puzzled in North Georgia..........

[Randyjaco]

Regardless of the brand/type tire you are using. That is unacceptable tire wear unless you are in full race mode. Are your back tires getting the same type of mileage? If not, you have a major problem. With the type of driving you say that you are driving. The back tires should be wearing faster. My fronts are running @10k miles and the backs @6-7k. I ride a lot of Texas back roads at a pretty serious clip.
My current front tire actually has 13K on it.

I would first check to see that your front wheel is running free and true. You should eliminate the possibility of bad bearings, dragging brakes and improperly assembled axel. What is mfg date of those tires? I am sure that others will chime in soon.
Good luck, and tell us what you find out.

[Stu]

This is certainly an odd one!

I have 8k on the front on a Michelin Road 6GT which is only about half worn I also run 38psi in the front

[beemrdon]

Hello folks. I just got rid of a 1996 K1100 LT SE which I rode for 10 plus years. It weighs just a little more than the 2015 RT that I just bought. I have run Michelin (pilot) Road tires for the whole time I had the K1100 bike. The last 3pair I got over 13,000 miles per pair. I can't see why I can't get that mileage with the RT.

[beemrdon]

I forgot to say that I ran 40psi front and 42 psi rear.

[Steve398]

I also run 38f/42r on 6GT’s, no problem on excessive front tyre wear

[Doctor T]

I have MK1 Angle GT fitted to my RT. So far ive covered over 4,000 miles and going by the wear rate i should be on 10,000 miles before the front needs to change. Am a heavy front breaker and ride like a sports bike sometimes. Ive found single compound front tyres seem to last longer and as they wear down you don't get the high center patch that you get with multi-compound tyres.
The previous pair were RoadTec 01 and they wore out in 4,000 miles
36f/42r

[Tenequip]

It seems you have a problem with your front wheel, assuming your back tire is not doing the same thing. I see some others here
have mentioned looking at the bearings and races which is correct. I would check to see if the wheel is running straight. Put the bike on the center stand and spin the front wheel to see if it wobbles. If it does you probably need a new front wheel.
Tenequip

[afaber1]

Regarding front tire wear, I have a 2016 r1200rt and also a 2019 r1250rt. 40,000 miles on the 2016 and 36,000 miles on the 2019. Over the past 2-3 years I have noticed a significant decrease in the life of both the front and rear tires. Of note is I'm using the exact same tires as always which are Dunlop road smart 3's. My mileage has decreased from 10-12,000 in the front down to 6-7,000 and in the rear from 8-10,000 down to 6-7,000. My riding habits or areas I ride have not changed. Anyone have an explanation and has anyone else had a similar experience?

[Stu]

The only thing I would be looking at is the suspension on the bike to make sure it's in good shape

[Glenn]

Has Sumitomo changed the rubber formula from what was used during Goodyears Dunlop ownership?

[Doctor T]

Update on my MK1 Angles. Ive just changed the front tyre with the same again. I got 8.5 thou miles from the tyre. So if you are only getting 4k from yours, i would start looking at the balancing, suspension, and head bearings Also, check your wheel is running straight