New tires for 2000 RT- Metzeler Z6s or Michelin Pilots?

[rjvbmr]

Hi everyone,

I've looked through all the posts on the oilhead forum, and didn't see my question, so here goes:

I bought a 2000 RT in March, knowing that I might have about 3K miles left on the front Michelin Pilot. I am now

just about at the wear mark on that tire. Rear still seems to have a good amount of tread left.

I'm at a crossroad- do I replace the Michelin Pilots with the same, or, do I go with the highly lauded Metzeler Z6s?

Also, tire dealers have specials, where they replace both tires at the same time for a much cheaper cost. Is it worth it to replace both tires at the same time?

I use the bike mainly for commuting- about 60 miles daily.

Any thoughts?

[ShovelStrokeEd]

Neither, given your intended usage, put a set of Metzeler ME 880's on there.

[Mr. Frank]

I found the Z6 front to be too responsive in truck turbulance and gusty winds. The rear Z6 has no sipes in the center of the tread which makes it hard to read for remaining life. The Michelins are a very good all around tire. If you can wait awhile a new Pilot Road 2 is coming out soon. It's a dual tread design for longer life. The original PR is pretty good in that regard already.

[NEOHMark]

I've run about 7K on my Z6s on my '02 1150RT. I can't imagine a better-matched tire for it. MHO.

[bross]

I just replaced my OEM Z6s with Conti Road Attacks and I like the Contis way better. There was nothing wrong with the Z6s, but the Conti's just seem way more responsive. It's hard to describe but I'm way more confident on the Conti's than I was with the Z6s. I now understand what people mean when they say "It's like it's on rails", that's what the Conti's feel like, you just pick your line, tip in, and twist and squirt out the other side, it's a hoot. I could never get rid of that last 1/4" of chicken strip with the Z6's but I don't have any chicken strip left with the Conti's and I still feel like I can lean way over.

 

I got 16,000kms out of the Z6s but only have 5,000kms on the Conti's but they're holding up well.

[Lawman]

No matter what type of riding I'm doing the only difference I can tell between tires are those that the air comes out of when I get a flat..

[T__]

Hi everyone,

I've looked through all the posts on the oilhead forum, and didn't see my question, so here goes:

I bought a 2000 RT in March, knowing that I might have about 3K miles left on the front Michelin Pilot. I am now

just about at the wear mark on that tire. Rear still seems to have a good amount of tread left.

I'm at a crossroad- do I replace the Michelin Pilots with the same, or, do I go with the highly lauded Metzeler Z6s?

Also, tire dealers have specials, where they replace both tires at the same time for a much cheaper cost. Is it worth it to replace both tires at the same time?

I use the bike mainly for commuting- about 60 miles daily.

Any thoughts?

Rjvbmr, you are asking about tires here.. Might as well be asking about what color shoes to buy.. You just won’t get a consensus from a motorcycle BB on oil, tires, or gasoline brand..

 

Tire wear & handling is not only effected by the rider but by roads ridden on, type of roads ridden on, material in the roads in your area, loads carried, type of riding you do, how hard you brake, etc..

 

About all you can do is try different tires to see WHAT WORKS FOR YOU in your area & with your riding style..

 

One thing to keep in mind is; in almost any case a new set of tires on a motorcycle will handle better than the old set removed so in about every case whatever tire a person just installed is going to be better than what was on there..

 

The guy that gets 12,000 miles out of a set of tires sure isn’t riding that bike very hard so won’t be able to give a good indication of handling in the twisties or when leaned way over.. Someone like me that gets 5,000 miles or less out of a set sure can’t comment on how they will be for long term durability or long term light duty usage..

 

Twisty

[bross]

Hi everyone,

I've looked through all the posts on the oilhead forum, and didn't see my question, so here goes:

I bought a 2000 RT in March, knowing that I might have about 3K miles left on the front Michelin Pilot. I am now

just about at the wear mark on that tire. Rear still seems to have a good amount of tread left.

I'm at a crossroad- do I replace the Michelin Pilots with the same, or, do I go with the highly lauded Metzeler Z6s?

Also, tire dealers have specials, where they replace both tires at the same time for a much cheaper cost. Is it worth it to replace both tires at the same time?

I use the bike mainly for commuting- about 60 miles daily.

Any thoughts?

Rjvbmr, you are asking about tires here.. Might as well be asking about what color shoes to buy.. You just won’t get a consensus from a motorcycle BB on oil, tires, or gasoline brand..

 

Tire wear & handling is not only effected by the rider but by roads ridden on, type of roads ridden on, material in the roads in your area, loads carried, type of riding you do, how hard you brake, etc..

 

About all you can do is try different tires to see WHAT WORKS FOR YOU in your area & with your riding style..

 

One thing to keep in mind is; in almost any case a new set of tires on a motorcycle will handle better than the old set removed so in about every case whatever tire a person just installed is going to be better than what was on there..

 

The guy that gets 12,000 miles out of a set of tires sure isn’t riding that bike very hard so won’t be able to give a good indication of handling in the twisties or when leaned way over.. Someone like me that gets 5,000 miles or less out of a set sure can’t comment on how they will be for long term durability or long term light duty usage..

 

Twisty

Yeah but will running synthetic oil make my tires last 80,000kms? and cure global warming?

 

He's just asking for opinions. All your points are valid but it still helps make a decision based on rider feedback. I tried the Conti's based on several friends recommendations. None of them ride BMWs or touring bikes for that matter, nakeds and sport bikes, but I admire their riding ability and trust their opinions. Worked for me.

 

Seems like that's all rjvbmr is doing and he will pick through the chaf of extreme riders and pay more attention to those who posted, who like you said have similar riding styles.

[arbee]

When you say Michelin Pilots i assume you mean Pilot Roads

and not Pilot Powers, note... both are Michelin Pilots

 

Z6's were explained to me by a tyre expert that by having the V-Cut in the tyre pattern this will introduce scalloping

never the less Z6's are an excellent tyre and whilst i havent used them to me anything is better than Pilot Roads

because they slip on me in the wet... dry.. not much apart

between brands Bridgestone BT020's are good stuff for the Beemer

[Kenny2]

I primarily commute, with the "weekend warrior" riding. Two tires that performed well for me, Avon Azaro, and the Conti Road Attacks. I rode to the Ohio Rally on the Azaros and liked the grip in a BAD rain storm. Also, they have Road Hazard, took a nail in Kansas City, 1700 miles, new tire, free!!!

my .03 (inflation)

[bwr]

Neither, given your intended usage, put a set of Metzeler ME 880's on there.

 

+1

 

FWIW, I have run several sets of Conti Road Attacks on mine and LOVE them, but they just weren't lasting long enough for me. I've just worn out my first ME880 and while from a performance perspecitve the Contis were a bit more responsive I don't feel I've given up much for almost twice the life-span with the 880's. I'll be putting on another 880 this week. I've been riding the 880's just as aggressively as the Conti's (i.e. zero chicken strip on the tire I'm pulling).

[AndyT]

I agree with Ed and Brian about the Metzler ME 880's RADIALS not the 880 Biased .... The 880 Radials grip as well (for me!) and wear a lot better than a ST tire! My two cents! AndyT

[doc47]

For commuting: ME880s. There's a bit less response and the rubber's harder so it won't be quite so sticky, but for what you're using them for they should do you jes' fine.

 

I just wore out a set of Pilot Roads and liked them a whole bunch but they are softer rubber and will wear out faster.

 

As stated above, try out different tires and see how they feel. The manufacturers have to work against stiff competition. In 6 years on this discussion board I've heard good and bad things said about 'em all. Buy tires. Ride hard. Form your own opinion. It'll be fun.

[bross]

For commuting: ME880s. There's a bit less response and the rubber's harder so it won't be quite so sticky, but for what you're using them for they should do you jes' fine.

 

I just wore out a set of Pilot Roads and liked them a whole bunch but they are softer rubber and will wear out faster.

 

As stated above, try out different tires and see how they feel. The manufacturers have to work against stiff competition. In 6 years on this discussion board I've heard good and bad things said about 'em all. Buy tires. Ride hard. Form your own opinion. It'll be fun.

Best advice I've heard in a long time.

[philbytx]

ME880's......better tyre wear and good grip .

[Heck]

ME880's

 

 

+6

[boatzo]

ME880's......better tyre wear and good grip .

 

I was almost ready to order 880s to replace my Avon Azros which I think wore out rather quickly. After much readind and discussion, I changed my mind and ordered Pilot Roads. Hope I did the right thing, but time and riding will tell. Maybe I'll try 880s the next time.

 

Only problem is, I can't remember to bring home milk so I am not very confident that I can remember how the tires performed over a season ??

[NonComp]

Has anyone had any experience with the new Avon Storm-STs?

[SOTA]

being a fairly new rider and just buying a RT-P. my bike needed tires. I asked Tom at his shop and as I mentioned before he is one of about 40 BMW masters Mechanics in the country. he puts only Avon on the bikes he services says best tire around. said he went down twice with his bike and it was on Metzelers and should have not went down for the speed and curve he was on. and this guy use to race bikes till he got hit head on by a teen driver going 75 MPH.

 

when he is going 40 mph and the teen going 75 mph I guess being in the hospital for 8 months is not that bad.

 

But this is only one persons view,but if I have to leave it up to someone this is the guy I will trust my bike to.

[keithb]

I totally agree with the ME880 recommendation for commuting. You want a harder compound to increase your mileage if you are going from point A to point B. No sense wasting a good sport touring tire on slabs of concrete or asphalt. I do not commute on my bike but I guarantee you the next set of tires on my bike will be ME880's.

 

GlenT- I have the new Storms on my bike right now. The front has about 400 miles on it and the rear has about 2.5K miles on it. The rear tire looks very good at this point. Pressure per the manufacturer for my bike is 36F/42R. So far I like them. Neutral steering with very good handling and stickage so far. At this point I just need more mileage out of a tire and that is why I will try the ME880's next. In total this is the 5th set of tires on this bike in 2 years (24K miles on the clock). The fun factor has definitely been there but the cost of rubber is just killing my wallet.

[SinNH]

Has anyone had any experience with the new Avon Storm-STs?

Ran two sets on my K11, loved the feel , easy nice mounting/balancing, great feel means soft rubber , I got about 5000 max front and rear on the K.

Just put a set on the R11, the front is 80% gone after 3200 miles and the rear is just about 50 %.

Seems like on the R11 it's going to be two fronts to one rear.

For air pressure I use almost max f and r.

I measure tyre depth when new , so when planning a ride I can figure if there is enough rubber left for the trip.

Just ordered another Storm front , I really like the handling with the Avons.

[daveinatlanta]

I can't compare Z6s and Pilots - but I have had Z6s.

 

I had the Z6s and they lasted at least 7K miles. That's how many miles I put on them before they were replaced this week with Metz 880s. I bought the bike used and I don't know how many miles the previous owner put on them but they looked relatively new when I got it.

 

I can't compare the Z6 and 880 tires either. ANY new tire will be better than just about any old tire. But I'm pleased. The noise (from cupping) is gone, at least for a little while. And the turn-in is seamless, almost scary until I get used to it. My old Z6s had a definite transition point on the turn that I had gotten used to and, in fact, it helped me initiate the turn. I now know that it was simply where the flat portion of the Z6 ended and the side (though cupped) profile started.

 

But...what a pleasant difference a new tire makes.

[Kurt Snyder]

I have used the Pilot Road and Z6. I will never use a regular Pilot Road again. I had a number of unexpected slides and almost highsided (thrown out of the saddle) with the PR. I have not had those issues with the Z6 or BT021 on the same roads. I like the Z6 but I never got more than 5000 miles form a set. I got 6000 on the PR. I have a set of Bridgestone BT021 now. I had to replace the front tire at 2700 miles. The sides were gone from trail braking in the corners. I now have 6000 miles on the back and 3300 on the replacement front. I might get another 1000. I haven't been on my favorite road since I replaced the front tire so it is still going. I will try the PR2 when it becomes available.

 

Kurt

R1100RSL

[jstraw]

I've been running 880's on my H-D Deuce since it was purchased new and one thing about them that's worth noting is they are utterly immune to grooved pavement and metal grate bridges.