marknetm Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 looking to replace the oem B-020 tires on my (new to me) '09 RT1200. I now have 7K miles on them & I can tell they're nothing special. I 've narrowed the replacements down to the Metzler Z8 or the B-023GT. Anybody have experience with either of these on your Hexhead? The Battle Axes are ~$80 a pair cheaper, & I'd guess they are longer lived, too. several folks tell me they're way, way better than the earlier versions. We ride 2up mostly here in the mountains of PA, NY & VT.
Survived-til-now Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 I had to move to 023-GT's a few hundred miles ago after having 020s, which had been my choice since the bike was new (2005 RT). I obviously cannot advise on the tyres' longevity but the difference in handling and road holding is nothing short of amazing. It may just be subjective perception but they seem so planted, not a twitch. I just love them! The rubber is obviously very different. I used to be able to tell if my rear tyre was at the right pressure just by rapping it with a knuckle (it had a certain ring at 36 psi and above) as well as feeling less than taut on the road at less than 40psi. The 023 GT is a softer rubber - so i guess it won't last as long?
aggieengineer Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 I've got BT-023s on my RT at the moment. No complaints. They show little wear after almost 3000 miles, and they were pretty cheap from Iron Horse BMW. In in six years of riding 1200RTs, I've tried most of the sport touring tires on the market. My favorite has been the Pilot Road 2, simply because they are so easy to install (not ridiculously stiff), and Michelin replaced one at their cost when I picked up a nail. They also seem to be really well-balanced, and require few if any weights on the wheel. The worst in that respect was a Korean-made Continental Road Attack. I don't think I could tell what tires I'm riding on without seeing them, and I get a chuckle out of the reviews citing huge differences between tire brands and models. Show me a blind test with an expert rider, and you'll have my attention. Of course, there will be a pronounced difference between a worn-out tire and a fresh one. There are lots of fine choices for the average rider.
David13 Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 Let me say one word to you. Michelin. PR3. You will definitely know what tire you are riding on. dc
dirtrider Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 Afternoon marknetm Unfortunately you will never get a consensus on tire type, handling, or expected mileage when asking on an Internet forum. Just too may variables from how a person rides to the areas & roads they ride on to what a good tire means to them. I haven't personally used the B-023GT yet so can't comment on that tire. I can on the Z-8 as I have used the Z-6 for a long time & now the Z-8 with some PR-3's mixed in with hope in my eyes. For me the Z-8 beats the PR-3 hands down in both wear & handling. My suggestion to you is to pick one that either looks good or is priced right then try that tire. Keep trying different tries until you find something that works FOR YOU on the roads YOU RIDE ON.
marknetm Posted July 17, 2012 Author Posted July 17, 2012 Thanks, for your feedack every one. I think I'll start off with the 023's & move up to the Z8 or P3 from there, if not satisfied. with my other bike there's more of a consensus on tires among owners. Wasn't sure about the Beemer. Looking forward to maximizing the bikes potential. I think it's handling is one of it's best features....
aggieengineer Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 Nothing wrong with that choice. I buy tires from these guys every year. Heckuva price.... http://swmotorubber.com/index.php?cPath=2_159_203
I812 Posted July 17, 2012 Posted July 17, 2012 Nothing wrong with that choice. I buy tires from these guys every year. Heckuva price.... http://swmotorubber.com/index.php?cPath=2_159_203 Bookmarked!
mig Posted July 18, 2012 Posted July 18, 2012 I currently have pirelli diablos that were on sale from cycle gear for 189 for both!!!. I have had them on for over 4000 miles and LOVE them. I was worried that they would not preform well or last for that cheap of a price and figured for that amount of money i could take the risk. I ride year round and they were very good in the wet weather. I love the cornering on these tires. they give you incredible confidence. I would like to try the PR3's but if these last another 4000 miles and are on sale, you know i'll buy again. but as said before, just my opinion Good luck
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