Rear Tire Issue

[JamesW]

Wow, another thread concerning my antique motorcycle.  I have a concern that I might have a future issue finding a rear tire for my oldie but a goodie '93 R1100RSL.  The rear wheel is an outlier with the 160X60 ZR18 rear tire which is available as we speak from Metzler made in China.  Hence my question:  Does anyone know of a manufacturer other than Metzler that can supply this rear tire?  I like Michelin tires the best but I don't think they can supply this tire size.  I just replaced the tires front and rear with new Metzler's so it isn't an urgent issue at the moment.

[Oldrider51]

Look at Revzilla.com, they show Metzeler, Pirelli, Continental, Avon, and Bridgestone in this size. Cyclegear is part of Revzilla so you could look there and I am sure there are other places.

[WRP]

Arrrgh- when did Metz move production to China? Just put one on my rear hoop, couldn't readily get a Pilot-3. 

[Skywagon]

I didn't click them all to see if they have them, but as Oldrider51 says...appears Revzilla/cyclegear has some.

 

Motorcycle Tires For Sale With Expert Opinions & Reviews - RevZilla

[MikeB60]

32 minutes ago, WRP said:

Arrrgh- when did Metz move production to China? Just put one on my rear hoop, couldn't readily get a Pilot-3. 

When they merged with Pirelli about 5 years ago. Crap shoot if the tire is made in Deutschland or China. No thanks for me

[R21A]

https://www.denniskirk.com/avon/bridgestone/continental/pirelli/1999-bmw-r1100rt-abs.mmy/4:9451.attrs/60.ipp

 

You will like the Pirellis

[JamesW]

Yeah, my Metzlers say "made in China".  I can't really comment on if this has any effect on the quality of the tires and I can only hope Metzler played a part in making sure the tires are of good quality.  Maybe just psychological and the tires are alright.  I looked at Michelins in my sizes and struck out.  Too bad I can't fit a pair of wheels from the R1150 bikes as I think they would be less prone to pot hole damage which the R1100 wheels are known for.

 

Oh what the heck, I think my days on two wheels are about over anyway.

[9Mary7]

My experience with the China factory Metzelers has been just as good as the German made.

[MikeB60]

On 9/9/2023 at 8:21 AM, 9Mary7 said:

My experience with the China factory Metzelers has been just as good as the German made.

My experience is different. Bought a set of Roadtecs just as Metzler released them. Front made in China and within 1000 miles I had a horrible vibration.  Sent it back to Rocky Mountain who delt with Metzler and refunded my money.  Fast foward to last year bought a set of Scorpion Trail 2 for the GS (Pirelli owns Metzler and the Chinese factory makes both brands) front made in China.  Vibration from day one. Pulled the tire and there was a huge bulge inside the tire. Sent a few photos to Revzilla who refunded my money after they received the tire.  No more for me

[Rockosmith]

35 minutes ago, MikeB60 said:

My experience is different. Bought a set of Roadtecs just as Metzler released them. Front made in China and within 1000 miles I had a horrible vibration.  Sent it back to Rocky Mountain who delt with Metzler and refunded my money.  Fast foward to last year bought a set of Scorpion Trail 2 for the GS (Pirelli owns Metzler and the Chinese factory makes both brands) front made in China.  Vibration from day one. Pulled the tire and there was a huge bulge inside the tire. Sent a few photos to Revzilla who refunded my money after they received the tire.  No more for me

I was about to try a set of Roadtec 01 SEs but after reading this I am sticking with Dunlops. Not interested in any tire made in China!

[9Mary7]

1 hour ago, MikeB60 said:

My experience is different. Bought a set of Roadtecs just as Metzler released them. Front made in China and within 1000 miles I had a horrible vibration.  Sent it back to Rocky Mountain who delt with Metzler and refunded my money.  Fast foward to last year bought a set of Scorpion Trail 2 for the GS (Pirelli owns Metzler and the Chinese factory makes both brands) front made in China.  Vibration from day one. Pulled the tire and there was a huge bulge inside the tire. Sent a few photos to Revzilla who refunded my money after they received the tire.  No more for me

Well, that sucks. I have and had Scorpion trail II's and Z6 Roadtecs from that factory with no issues.....At least you were able to return them and didn't get hurt.

[9Mary7]

1 hour ago, Rockosmith said:

I was about to try a set of Roadtec 01 SEs but after reading this I am sticking with Dunlops. Not interested in any tire made in China!

Just know that my experience with the Buffalo New York made Dunlop was horrible in Moto-America competition. Only brand I like less is Michelin......

[Oldrider51]

I have had two set of the Metzler Roadtec 01SEs and both were manufactured in Germany and I have had no issues. Both sets were purchased from Cycle Gear.

[Rockosmith]

6 hours ago, 9Mary7 said:

Just know that my experience with the Buffalo New York made Dunlop was horrible in Moto-America competition. Only brand I like less is Michelin......

I was referring to street tires, Roadsmart 4, not competition track tires.  They suit me just fine.