Rear Tire...2005 R1150R

[curtis]

So I am picking up my 2005 R1150R this weekend(private sale), and am new to BMW and road motorcycling in general....
She needs a rear tire, a 170/60r17 from what I gather.
I am so green with this(& let me mention also thrifty), that I am tempted to just drop it off at one of the 2 local ATL BMW dealers and have it done, but also interested in doing it as economically as possible.

-1. I assume dealer tire pricing is significantly higher than what one might can get online? Do dealers typically install tires purchased from an outside source?

-2. Would there be significant risk in using a non BMW dealer to do it, or a reseller like WOW?

-3. What tire brand(s) are preferred &/or disliked by the group?

-4. Any other pertinent advice would be appreciated.

Thanks very much in advance for the help.

Ron

[sjbmw]

I just had Metzler Z6's put on my 2004 R1150R.
My 4th set in 35k. (Z4's were on it when I bought it)

[lguardiola]

Hey Ron,

I recently had this same problem. I just got my bike in december and I needed to change out the front tire. I wasnt sure if I wanted to go with a dealer or not, specially because they are kind of pricy.

In the end I ordered my front tire from Revzilla, removed the tire from the bike and took it to a look motorcycle shop. They changed it out for $15. It was awesome, way cheaper than going to a dealership.

In regards to the tire, I went with the Bridgestone Battlax BT-023. Like I said, I am new to motorcycle riding so I have no idea how other tires are. I just looked in this forum and read around and a lot of people seems to like this tire.

Hope this helps a bit. .

Luis

[timl]

Ron, if you can find a nearby place that will change motorcycle tires at reasonable cost ($15 is great), go with that. Or learn to change them yourself. It is quite a bit cheaper to purchase online.

Also, you might find a local BMW MC club that has access to a tire changing machine along with the necessary expertise to make the change.

Many including myself like Michelin Pilot Road.

[Buckster]

Make sure you call an independent dealer first to make sure they have the adapter to do rims with a single side arm mount. Not everyone will.

[curtis]

Thank you all for the information. It is good to know of such a valuable resource here on the internets. Perhaps at some point I will be knowledgeable enough to impart some useful wisdom of my own.