Z6 versus Pilot Road Tire Comparison

[mvscorpio]

Hi all - I am relatively new to this board, but it seems I can rely on getting some good feedback. I am looking to replace my OEM tires (Bridgestones). I have a 2004 1150R, purchased new May 2005, I've put on over 8K miles. This is my first time replacing tires.
I've heard good things about both the Metzelers and the Michelins. I would like feedback from those of you who have run BOTH types of tires. How do they compare? What did you like/dislike? How is handling, including on wet pavement?

Thanks for the info!

[priapismic]

I've had both on my bike. The rear Z6 was toast by 5800 miles. The current Pilot Road is only beginning to look like it's not a new tire at 3,000 miles. I'm hoping for better than 6k miles, the most I've gotten from any brand of rear I've used - Bridgestone (2 different types), Pirelli, Metzeler.

[dallara]

I toasted the stock Dunlops that were on my R-1150-R in 4,800 miles - right to the rear cord all the way around the center (had to get it home form a long ride, or I wouldn't have cooked the rear to the cords...).

No matter, as I never liked the Dunlops anyway...

I was then trying to decide between Continental Road Attacks, Avons, Michielins, or Metzlers.

Due to all sorts of recommendations, endorsements, etc. I went for the Metzler Z-6's...

I may be in the minority, but it is not a decision I would do again. I love the way the Z-6's handle, and work under all conditions, but the mileage has been disppointing, at best. I will be lucky if I get 5,000 miles out of the rear... *MAYBE* 5,500.

I have had wonderful experiences with Continental rubber in my riding past, but I don't know of anyone that has the Road Attacks, so the jury is still out on them.

I also don't know anyone personally who has the Avons, so that's another sort-of unknown, and those here that have had them complain of them making weird noises and sometimes weaving, etc. on certain road conditions...

I *DO* know some folks who have Michelin Pilot Roads, and many here sing their praises, The guys I know who have 'em are getting much better mileage out of them than I have been getting with the Metzlers, with what seems to be as good a grip as the Z-6's... Sooooooooooo... More and more it is beginning ot look like I might be getting Michelins for next new set of shoes.

Either the Pilot's or the Conti's, one, for sure.

Just my two shillings...

Cheers!

Dallara

[Optimus Prime]

When I got the R it had Z6's with about 2K on them. They worked well, although I never did get around to riding them in the rain (dry summer). They had a little over 7K miles on them when I replaced them last week. They had flatspotted really badly (that's the lack of curves in the midwest for ya) and were getting thin in the back, but the fronts had plenty left.

I put on Pilot Roads and have about 1100 miles on them so far. The bike feels way better to me. Of course going from worn to new tires will do that no matter what, so it isn't a direct comparison. They feel just as grippy if not more than the z6's and they take the bite out of freeze bumps. In addition they worked very well in the rain. I was running 75+ mph in a moderate rain for 200 miles and they felt very, very sure footed.

I'm fairly sure Pilot Roads will be the tire I run from now on.

[Jamis]

I haven't used the Z6 but after two sets of Z4s I was disappointed with the rear tire squaring off so soon. Although I ran them to 10K miles, the rear would be really square for about the last 3K. The front tire always had miles to go but I would change it anyway.

I've changed to Michelin Pilot Road and I've had no regrets. With 9k on the rear, there is only modest squaring. The front tire however was replaced because it was cupping and down to the wear indicator. The rear tire will be replaced in another 1500 miles.

The dealership's shop boss asked me what air pressure I was running. I run them at 2.25 and 2.5 bar, as the manual states. He recommended that I run a little more air in the front because BMW's suspension was harder on the front tire. So I'll try that and see.

[camfarm]

Maria,

Consider Bridgestones in BT014 and BT020 along with Z6 and Roads.

Those answering with small life numbers so far are among the 'hotter' riders of the board. Many get more miles from either the Z6 or the Pilot Road.

Never hear bad things and the informal majority tend to favor the Z6.

Avons, out West, for several have had good reviews.

But I like the Bridgestones - had 'em on a K-RS, the Roadster, the Z1000 Kaw and liked them in dry, wet, cold -- straight highway and mountain twisty.

[tor1150r]

I've been tossing between the two as well.
I have 24k kms (~15k miles) on the Z4's that came with my 04.
They are fairly squared off but not quite down to the TWI mark.
Time for a change over the winter during storage (it goes in Nov 1 here in Toronto).

I average 13-15k kms/season. My longer multi-day trips are 2-up with luggage.

I am not the hottest or slowest rider but I base my routes around the nicest twities I can find on the way to my destinations.

I have been leaning to the Z6's. On the other hand the Pilot Roads seem to last a little longer for the type of riding I'm doing.

I can't answer your comparison question, but in response to camfarm, it is possible to get high milage and performance out of either tire depending on your riding style/habits.

[FGanger]

I say amen to those who speak highly about the Road Pilot. I do as well. Higher mileage than any other tire I've had on my bike. In 50,000 miles I've had a chance to sample a number of different brands, and the Road Pilot is the best.

Now understand I'm not speaking of running on a track, or canyon carving. I'm speaking about “real life riding.”

My definition of real life riding would be some around town, some highway, some single, some two-up, some packed and some light. Someone who does dedicated riding of only one type or variety may have a different experience.

I hope this helps,
Frank

[fnfalman]

So far my front Z6 is at 8000-miles and it's hardly worn at all. The rear is also barely worn at 3000-miles. The other rear (that was mounted at the same time as the front) picked up two nails at 5000-miles. It was also barely worn at that point.

I put a decent amount of mileage on my Rockster, averaging around 2000-miles a month. I don't do burn out but I am not exactly easy on the throttle either and highway riding is usually at around 80-90MPH (Hey, it's Southern California, any slower than that and you get ran over). I do lots of canyon riding and the Z6 sticks pretty well, especially on a 530-lbs fully loaded bike.

I like it. I may try the Michelin Pilot Road next though just for giggles.

[wncbmw]

If I could get over 6,000 or 7,000 miles on a set of tires, I would be overjoyed! I had Z4s on the bike when I bought it used and liked them. Tried to go to Z6s but none available, so I did the Avon thing and they performed well but were toast after about 6K. Now on Z6s and am happy with dry and wet handling. About 4K on them and so far so good.

I may try the Pilots, if people I trust tell me they stick well. They have had some good reports, as witnessed by this thread. I don't want to trade mileage for traction while leaned over though!

[mvscorpio]

Well, I think we have a draw. Good feedback, thanks for the comments. Still not sure which I will try first, but I know I will try each and see what I think.

Thanks again!

[Biff's R]

I liked the z4, and the z6 had good grip, but you could feel it flex a bit more in the corners. I had good milage on both.

I did not mind the rear Michelin Macadam, but hated the front. The Macadam had a bad tread pattern with two continuous groves around the front tire. I currently have the Pilot Roads on, and the front has been a big improvement over the Macadam(1600 miles on the Pilot). The jury is out on the rear Pilot Road, since I (and kevin50r) mounted it last night.

My suggestion is to avoid the front pattern stated above and everything should be alright. FWIW, I usually get 7-10k out of a set of tires, and look at http://www.swmototires.com .

[tipstall]

Note that I have not ridden on a real street bike.

I did choose to have new G6's put on my new, (used) bike. After searching this site and others this seemed like a good choice.

[motozark]

I have the Z6 on my rock with 8,000KM on them which is about 5,000 miles. they are great on these wet Vancouver Island Roads. Iam not a real aggressive rider. but I tend to take the twister routes. The tires still look new, with good tread left on them. I use 38pds on the front and 42 on the rear. Hope this info helps.