Tire advice

[challey]

I know that this topic has been covered almost as often as engine oil, so forgive me in advance.

It's finally time to put new rubber on - especially since I hope to be at the Bash in a couple of weeks. Since I've been reasonably happy with the ME Z6's I've been on for the past 10 thousand or so miles, I was just going to get another pair of Metzlers. Quite a few on this board seem to like the Pilot Roads and a few others favor the Azeros so I thought I'd at least ask for some advice on these. And what about the Pilot Road 2 - don't think I've seen any posting about this one?

I have to say that I have no complaints about the Z6's; they grip nicely, though not so much now but after 10k+ miles, that should be expected. Longevity has been good and wet performance is acceptable. Any real reason to change?

Charlie

[CycleRob]

I'm in your same predicament. After 2 sets of Z-6's I'm changing to the more expensive Pilot Road-2 for their higher praise by riders that have also made the same brand/model switch. Staying with the Z-6 is OK too, but I found the handling deteriorates when they are ~80% worn or squared off by the sometimes timely necessary interstate highways.

.

[mojosaan]

I got a pair of Dunlop Qualifiers and so far, so good.

[challey]

CR --

Did some quick research on the Pilot Road 2: They are dual compound tires, front and rear. The front has a very soft outer and moderately soft center section, the rear has the same compound that the front has on its outer edges while its center section is a harder compound. The are a bit more expensive than the Metzlers but according to the Michelin adverts, they grip better in the wet and wear better than everything else.

Prices from SW Moto are (Front/Rear):
Pilot Road - $116/$136;
Roadtec Z6 - $122/$147;
PR2 - $132/$160.

Since I seem to be able to get quite a few miles out of the Z6's, it's probably not worth paying extra for the PR2's on that basis. The ad rated the Z6 third in wet traction (forget who was second) so it's probably not worth paying more on that basis either. So now the question becomes; "Is it worthwhile to pay less for for the Pilot Road?"

Charlie

[riceburner]

If you like Z6s - try Pirelli Diablo Stradas. Basically the same tyre, but with a bit more tread pattern and (IMHO) they warm up a touch quicker and don't square off as easily. I've had something like 6 pairs.

[R4R&R]

Look into the Dunlop "RoadSmart" tire. It's Dunlops answer to the PR2, but much cheaper. I have over 3k miles on a set and so far, I like them.

[wncbmw]

I have had 3 Pirelli Stradas on the rear (3 on the front as far as that goes) but just put a new Z6 on the rear. No problems with the Pirellis, but in reviewing my service log, they have consistently given 5,500 miles or so before needing replacement. My two sets of Z6 rears got slightly better. BTW, I never get more than 6,000 or 6,500 out of any rear tire. Either of those will give good service. My local shop had some Z6 tires left over from the BMWRA rally in town last summer and gave me a decent price.

I hate to experiment with tires once I have found something I know works and I can trust! Trust matters more than anything in tires when leaned over!

My experience with the Avons is that handling issues came up long before the tire tread needed replacing. It does not seem that they wear evenly or something.

Edited to add - I have no experience with the PR2 tires. Sorry, can't help there.

[Biff's R]

I have had several sets of Pilot Roads, but just bought a set of Bridgestone BT021. Dual Compound rear tire, and they were $220 for the pair. RBrider has gone through a set and has liked them so far.

[markg]

Pirelli Diablo Stradas. See the article linked and you too will be a believer.

http://www.bikeland.org/articles/Diablo ... c%20Z6.pdf

[Kazushi]

Pirelli Diablo Stradas. See the article linked and you too will be a believer.

http://www.bikeland.org/articles/Diablo ... c%20Z6.pdf

Hi,

After reading the article it appears that the Z6 will outlast the Diablo except from the rear side
wear (data from the graphs), which can be balanced by not leaning too much

Taking under consideration also the fact that the Diablo is somewhat more expensive than the Z6,
the Z6 makes more sense to the average sport touring rider as value/quality !

In these parts a great deal of roads can make an ice scatting ring blush, so what you wear can make
all the difference from riding or crashing...

I now wear a Z6 pair and I'm really happy, they managed to survive 3 hot Greek summers and wet
winters with several thousands of Km to date with perfect traction. As my Z6's are now starting to
complain, I'll be getting a new set within the next couple of days, just in time for a small
blood drive promotion trip (200+ bikes) !

BTW Thanks for for the article, it it was a good read...

Ride Safe !
Demetre

[challey]

Thanks all.

Based on some independent net research, a couple of BS sessions with other riders and Markg's link to the Bikeland article, I've decided to get another pair of Z6's.

I was pleased with both the wet and dry handling of the Z6's and certainly can't complain about the mileage. All in all, they seem like the best value for the money. I plan to autopsy the carcasses and post the info and pictures - I measure about 1.5mm in the sipes nearest the center of the rear tire and want see how much tread is really left after 10k+ miles.

Charlie

[rdsmith3]

I went through a similar decision process about a month ago, and I ended up at the same place -- I got a pair of Metzler Z6's. After putting 1,000 miles on them, I am happy with the tires and my decision. Of course, any new tire makes a bike handle better.

I just wish I did not do so much highway commuting because I agree with others who say that squared of Z6's do not have anywhere near the handling of the new ones.

[dnat928]

Continental Road Attack's here - just replaced the rear, got 10k-miles on that one...looks like and hoping to get 20k-miles on the front...yielding a just right 2:1 swap out ratio...I'll keep you posted. I like the tread pattern on these...and they seem to handle well.

[TicTac50]

I listen to CycleRob and placed an order with SW for Pilot Road 2.
$291.90 (F & R) and tires will be at my doorsteps in less than a week.
My ridding buddy put Pilot Road 2 on his RT and he likes them very much.
My local BMW dealer is asking $65.00 + TAX + Valve + shop fee to put the rear tire on and balance it.
Since the economy is so great, I will take my tire to the "Chicken Rally" in Alabama
and let the good old boys mount it for whatever price they will charge me.
I rather give it to someone who needs it, than someone who wants it.

[dcameron]

put on a pair of Conti Road Attacks last year - great tires - had Metzler z6's before and a little slippery due to no tread in middle of tire - the Road Attacks cover it all - stick like velcro my $.02 worth

[bluelight]

Well after puttin the heart attacks on my R and riding for an hour yesterday I will tell
you that these are not ordinary tires. First they seem like they are bigger or wider
than the dunlops they replaced. When my front wheel was bent I would put it on the center stand and spin the wheel and I could almost see the rim from dead on.
Now all I see is tire till I look from the far side.ese tires make you feel like you are glued to the road. They track straight and lean with no effort and straighten back up with no effort either. I think they are very neutral, well manored, and have real grip, and seem to
have a large contact patch with the macadam. $230 per pair shipped from SW Moto
including shipping. 'Z" front and plain rear, Ok.

If they are good enough for BMW to put on the R1200R, I think they are good for us too.

[Brooksie]

Major 'thumbs up!' to Pilot Roads! I just changed mine out to another set of PR's) and checked my records: 20910 kms!!!

[MattPie]

have a large contact patch with the macadam. $230 per pair shipped from SW Moto
including shipping. 'Z" front and plain rear, Ok.

Great, so now there's *3* different 120/70ZR17 Road Attacks (plain, C, and now Z)? At least there's only one rear that fits the bike. What's the wisdom on which is best for our bikes?

+1 on the Conti's BTW. I have 7k on my set ( C front, plain rear), and they're both appear to be holding up well.