Z6 tire type for R1200RT?

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Metzeler Z6, sized for 1200RT, there are several letter designations for front:

 

120/70R17 METZ ROADTEC Z6 (58W)F TL BW F

120/70R17(K)METZ ROADTEC Z6 (58W)F TL BW F

120/70R17(G)METZ ROADTEC Z6 (58W)F TL BW F

120/70R17(U)METZ ROADTEC Z6 (58W)F TL BW F

120/70R17©METZ ROADTEC Z6 (58W)F TL BW F

 

And for the rear:

 

180/55R17 METZ ROADTEC Z6 (73W)R TL BW R

180/55R17©METZ ROADTEC Z6 (73W)R TL BW R

180/55R17(K)METZ ROADTEC Z6 (73W)R TL BW R

180/55R17(E)METZ*ROADTEC Z6 (73W)R TL BW R

 

 

specs shamelessly stolen from www.motorcycletires.com.

 

Southwest Moto indicates that "C" is the correct tire for the rear, but what of the front?

 

Also "C?"

 

[Rob L]

We are BMW owners.......which one is cheapest

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

We are BMW owners.......which one is cheapest

 

Interesting point.

 

From www.motorcycletires.com, the first front tire on the list is $105. The remaining three are $127.

 

Same place, the first rear tire on the list is $138. The remaining three are $168. :eek:

 

So this is, literally, a $52 question.

 

:lurk: :lurk: :lurk:

[Satguy]

Somewhere out there is a BMW approved list of tires for each model of bike. The tires on the list have been tested and approved by BMW....bla,bla....

 

If memory serves, it lists the heavier rear tire which I think is the one with the "C" designation on it. The sidewalls are supposed to be heavier on a "C" tire to support the extra load of a fully laden motorcycle. I don't remember any special tires listed for the front tho.

 

Dealers should have the BMW approved list.

[notacop]

Tiers are funny beasts. ONe set will last you 10K miles. The next may only live half that long. Mostly due to riding style. Ask me how I know this.

Z-6 was a disappointment. Only 6k miles.

Lots a luck with your next choice. I'm hoping my Pilot roads 2's last many long time.

[Bernie]

If you go to the Metzler website and download there catalog,

you will find the following tire recommendations.

Quotefrom catalog, link below:

> OE K Spec front for BMW K1200R, R1200RT and R1200ST

> OE C Spec rear for BMW K1200GT, R1200RT and R1200ST

http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/en_US/browser/attachments/pdf/2008_METZELER_FULL_LINE.pdf

If you go to Metzler Germany website, you will find certification to use either tire, even mixed with the plain Z-6 tires.

 

http://www.metzelermoto.de/web/fitment/metzeler/downloadHomologation.do?idHomologation=230009

[Rob L]

If you go to Metzler Germany website, you will find certification to use either tire, even mixed with the plain Z-6 tires.

 

SEE!! Just get the cheap ones!!

[Firefight911]

Here's more tire info for you Mitch.

 

LINKY

 

A 'B', 'C'. or "umpty frat' spec tire is a tire that has been manufactured by a tire company based on a set of given parameters from a manufacturer. Typically, they are looking for a particular handling characteristic in the tire over teh "standard" tire.

[Twisties]

Somewhere out there is a BMW approved list of tires for each model of bike. The tires on the list have been tested and approved by BMW....bla,bla....

 

Dealers should have the BMW approved list.

 

So my manual says. Since I couldn't ever find the list, I wrote BMW and got a phone call response from BMWNA. I was told that there is no longer any list. This was like back in 2007 or early 2008.

[tallman]

Mitch,

The only time (7sets) my Z 6's wore out "early" (7kish) was when I had the wrong rating for the rear tire.

Running spec'd tire I get much longer usage, in fact I'm over 10k right now on a rear tire and it is still looking very good.

The GT is different than the RT, but I would go by the suggested

rating which I think is C.

Front tire I'd match just because.

Best wishes.

[John Bentall]

To me the priority for motorcycle tires is

1. Wet pavement grip

2. Wet pavement grip

3. Wet pavement grip

4. Tire Life

5. Price

 

Therefore I only put on Michelin Pilot Road 2 but would consider Dunlop Roadsmart.

Basically I wait for the German magazine Motorrad to do annual sport-touring tire test and buy whatever comes out top for wet pavement grip. The tests are carried out at a tire company test track using various tires fitted to a control motorcycle and riders who don't mind crashing if the limit of grip is exceeded.