New Tires

[Biff's R]

I am going to need some new tires soon and I am debating between the Metzeler Z6, and the Michelin Pilot Roads. I had a Z6 rear on my old bike with a z4 front and liked them. I currently have Pilot Roads and like them.

They are priced within a few bucks of each other.

[Lost Rider]

I'm not sure about the other, but I know I will not be buying the Metzeler's when it comes time for me. I've had too many close calls with the rear end sliding out coming out of corners. I hate them. They feel greasy at all temps to me.
Just my opinion.

[Airman]

I'm not sure about the other, but I know I will not be buying the Metzeler's when it comes time for me. I've had too many close calls with the rear end sliding out coming out of corners. I hate them. They feel greasy at all temps to me.
Just my opinion.

I don't know about the Z6's, but my ME-Z4's that came on my `03 were great. I live in an area with a lot of winter rain and I found the Z4s confidence inspiring. I'm wearing the Pirelli Diablo Stradas now and find them an excellent tire as well. As you know, the Strada is a fraturnal twin to the Z6.

[MikeCam]

If you get Z6 then I can't ride with you anymore, Biff.

[Kevin Markwell]

I've had a couple of sets of Z4s on my RR and recently switched to the Pilot Roads. I think this was the first time I switched tires where I actually felt a dramatic difference. I let the last set of Z4s wear down and flatten quite a bit, which might explain the big change, but regardless, I really like the Michelins.

On a more expensive note, I just put the Metzler Sportec M3s on my KR and they were very nice on the twisties at the Hungry Mother get together over the weekend. I'm hoping they hold up for a while because it will be hard going back to something else when they wear out.

Kevin

[Motorrad]

I got Z6s last summer...HUGE improvement! Not tentative in the rain anymore.

[challey]

I've been pretty happy with my Z6s - big improvement over the stock Dunlops, especially in the wet. I'm not a particularly aggressive rider, so you need to factor that in.

[hotzuk]

Have to agree with motorrad. I went from Z4s to Z6s. More stable. Stuck a little bit better in the twisties. Got caught in a good soaker once for about two hours. The bike felt nice and stable the whole ride. I was very impressed.

[wncbmw]

Both Z4s and Z6s have been on my bike. Both were great. I don't understand any sliding issues in corners. Maybe I ain't riding hard enough!

The Pirelli Stradas aren't in your poll and they are essentially the Z6s with a slightly different pattern but might be cheaper.

[MattPie]

Not trying to hijack, but have anyone tried Continentals on the bike?

[frozennorth]

A little south of the topic, so apologies.

Depending on the depth of your pockets, I would recommend the Dunlop Sportmax D208's (I think they are now just labelled D208's). Basically a detuned racing tyre. If you want "stick", this is the tyre. BIG downside . . . about 5,000 - 7,000 miles depending on driving style. You will never slide out. You'll probably flip the bike due to hitting the centre stand or some other hardware before you lose tyre. I've had the bike on the track on tyre edge and never worried.

For touring, I just ran 500 miles in 1 and 1/2 days of heavy rain. Of course, no stupid fast corners or anything, but the bike was solid . . . Mrs North and I, on the other hand, were a little wet.

I've thought about the 6's and the Diablo Stradas but being able to do hairpins at 60mph and not worrying about your rubber is worth something to me.

My two centavos.

[Martyn]

Not trying to hijack, but have anyone tried Continentals on the bike?

Yes - a few years ago, Conti-Force, which were good.

I now have Conti Road Attacks on my RT, & am so impressed I have ordered a pair for the 1150R. Good handling, wet & dry, comfortable feel & certainly, here in the UK, very competitively priced,

[Biff's R]

I wanted to buy from a local store here in the area. They advertise good prices online, but have shipping costs. I went to their store, and asked noticed that the prices were higher. I asked if they would honor their online prices and they said "No".

I am going to take my business elsewhere.

I am leaning toward the Pilot Roads so MikeCam will still ride with me.

[MikeCam]

Jeff,

To be fair, I wouldn't ride with you anyway.


















Wait! Wrong answer. Give me a minute.















Oh yeah. The Z6 compared to the Pilot Road in my experience (long miles, wet dry, little hooning, big chicken strips....etc

Z6 sticks better. Pilot Road lasts longer.

[larry]

I too, have issues with the Z6's. I have a fair number of miles on them, but there is still plenty of tread left. The rear tire slides on corners and in moderate to heavy braking situations and fails to inspire confidence. They seemed ok when new, but not any more. I'll be replacing them soon, but not with Metzelers

[bikermeow]

I can't get the Z6s in size 170 for the rear .. do Meztler sell them in 170 size?

Cheers

Cat

[Biff's R]

Ordered Pilot Roads. They are better in the rain, and I like a groove in the tread across the middle of the rear tire.

[RDGRNR]

replacing my Z6's - liked 'em but have experienced mild sliding when stopping straight up when wet - and considering Continental Road Attacks or Sport Attacks ... does anyone know the difference or have experience with either? 2005 R1150R

[Rog(UK) - Yorkshire Dales]

I'm running Pilot Road 2 now and am very happy with them. The last pair were Continental Road Atacks and they only managed 4000 miles. I don't quite know how you guys in the US manage 10-15 thousand miles on a set of tyres; my maximum was 7500miles on a set of Metzler Z6s

[AdrianS]

I have just put a set of Conti Road Attacks on my 02 R1150R.

Like them a lot - mind you my old tyres were well past their "use by date"! It was like having a new bike and feel comfortable in the wet cornering hard. The chap who fitted them has a 955 Triumph and is on his second set as he feels they are a good tyre. He also gives his bike some stick!

Also in the UK good value. I just hope they last more than 4000 miles. My last Metzelers lasted 6000 at the rear so I replaced the set.