1150RT Tires

[German Rider]

The time has come to consider replacing the tires on my 2004 1150RT. I was able to get about 7,000 miles on the Metzlers, which I hear is good. My riding is generally in the Catskills and Poconos, with lots of twisties.

 

Any thoughts out there on a good replacement to the stock Metzlers that optimizes performance, given my location, with wear?

[Blue Beemer Dude]

Lots of threads on tires here. I swtiched to the Metz Z6 because they are supposed to wear a bit better. I have noticed that they don't stick quite as well as the Z4, so like everything, it's a trade-off.

 

Michael

[Les is more]

Here's a link to a recent lengthy dicussion on the topic.

 

Happy reading!

[BFish]

just switched my 04 rt from metzler z-4's to the z-6's. had 9500mi on the original 4's. be thrilled to get that on the 6's.

[cjwheeling]

As a former sport bike owner /racer, I was hesitant to purchase "touring tires" for my 1150RT, but following some of the many threads on this site, I decided to try some. I bought the Metzler 880s and I couldn't be happier so far. They stick great, and the wear so far (2kmiles) has been exceptional. I expect to get between 10-12k miles.

 

Michael aka cjwheeling

[scottie_boy]

As a former sport bike owner /racer, I was hesitant to purchase "touring tires" for my 1150RT, but following some of the many threads on this site, I decided to try some. I bought the Metzler 880s and I couldn't be happier so far. They stick great, and the wear so far (2kmiles) has been exceptional. I expect to get between 10-12k miles.

 

Michael aka cjwheeling

 

My dealer wouldn't install the 880's on my RT because it wasn't a BMW approved replacement. Supposedly the bike has too much horsepower for that hard of a compound of rubber so I have been using the Metzler Z6 and I have been impressed enough that I just bought my third set. I average 7-8k per set.

[Paul Mihalka]

My dealer wouldn't install the 880's on my RT because it wasn't a BMW approved replacement. Supposedly the bike has too much horsepower for that hard of a compound of rubber

BS - How come then that the even harder ME880 belted tire is standard on the more powerful and heavier K1200LT?

[BobFV1]

I am on my second set of Z-6's and could not be happier - got 8K out of the fist set before the rear squared ff so I replaced both of them. Keep them inflated properly and they should last well and handle excellently!

[jackflash]

Guys, I gotta ask! I have a 1200RT with 3750 miles on the OEM Bridgestone Battlaz's and the rear is a little more than half way gone already. Is this just an inferior tire or am I just hard on the throttle and corners? I know I don't ride as hard as a lot of more skilled people and I watch my tire pressure very closely. Help me understand!

[cjwheeling]

I know, late response, but better late then never.

 

"Too much power"? What world do we live in that a stock 1150 or 1200 BMW twin makes too much power. What's going to happen? Am I going to go to pass a semi and start spinning the tire? (don't I wish) The only possible place that this could come across as even half true would be leaned over and grabbing a handfull of throttle, in which case you'd be an idiot anyway. (not you in particular, 'you' in general)

 

Like I said, unless you ride at 9.5 to 10/10ths on a regular basis, almost any name brand tire will work fine. Some will feel better than others when pushed to the limit, but for most of us "mere humans" we will never come close to that limit on the street, and if we do, it's time to get to the closest racetrack for some safer closed-course action.

 

Agh... I'm wearing flame retardant underwear!

[MarkF]

Try the Avons! BT-020's lasted lomger but not so good in the wet. The OEMs were shot by 7,000mi.