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I bought my 1150R about a week ago (2nd hand) and I believe that the rear tyre will need changing soon. Currently it's running Bridgestones front and rear. My pal Nick with his 1150R swears by Meztler tyres, however there are choices aren't there ?

So what do you recommend and why? N.B. I live in UK where, for most of the year it can be wet / damp. (However this summer was long and dry !!)

Thanks for your input

I swear by Metzeler Z6 tires. Great sport touring mileage with good grip. I got 14k miles out of my last rear Z6 and my front Z6 looks like it'll go 18k miles.

Listed in order of apparent popularity and good endorsements:

Metzler Z6
Pillelli Diablo
Michelin Pilot Roads
Avons 45
Michelin Pilot Sports
Bridgestone BT14

GTR350cc wrote:Listed in order of apparent popularity and good endorsements:

Metzler Z6
Pillelli Diablo
Michelin Pilot Roads
Avons 45
Michelin Pilot Sports
Bridgestone BT14

For real high mileage Metzeler ME880. Using them saves me a couple of pairs a year.

Hijack: GTR350cc: Do you have a Bridgestone GTR 350? Was a great bike in it's time. I had one.

I got a set of the Pirelli Diablo Stradas just for the reasons you cite--it frequently can be wet.damp down here in New Orleans. I have about 2500 miles on them now and have been very pleased.

John

Hi John,
One more vote for Z6's here in the damp UK. I haven't been disappointed with them and can easily get to the edges in the dry as well. Been a great set of tyres so far. The michelins also look good tho...choices eh!

Paul,

Had one from about 1969-1975(6) and didn't know just how good I had it! Now if I could find one to restore I would.

running Michelin Pilot Roads now, did have the Metzler Z6's, like them both.

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Well since I'm here
I'm on my second set of Pilot Roads and like them.

Enjoy your new "R".

Many thanks chaps; it looks as though the Z6 get the largest vote; and hey, they're German also !

Thanks

John I. Stephen wrote:I bought my 1150R about a week ago (2nd hand) and I believe that the rear tyre will need changing soon. Currently it's running Bridgestones front and rear. My pal Nick with his 1150R swears by Meztler tyres, however there are choices aren't there ?

So what do you recommend and why? N.B. I live in UK where, for most of the year it can be wet / damp. (However this summer was long and dry !!)

Thanks for your input

Hi all

Metzeler Road Tec are the best. Good grip and warm up fast. Also last. Im using them for 12,000 km (about 7,500 miles)

One more for Pilot Road.
My previous set lasted about 13,000 miles (80% highway) and still worked well on a hairpins...

The Z6s and Pirelli Diablos are about the same compound, slightly different tread patterns. Both good tires (tyres )

My Avons were OK but handling got strange as they got mileage on them. The others handle fine down to the cords!

My dealer in Grimsby swears by Bridgestone BT020's. However, I had Z4 and now run Z6's. They do well for me.

Croc

I like the Pilot Roads, and fell better with them in the rain than I did with the Metzeler Z6. I liked the Metzeler Z4 the best, but it is no longer made. Some people have also had good things to say about the Continental Road Attacks.

The question really is what kind of riding do you do..... fair weatehr or year round. the answer should drive your buying decision. I am not scared off by rain or cold so I run the Bridgestone BT020.

They have never let me down and keep me well ahead of the pack in the wet. cant say enough good things about them.

VP

I have Michelin Pilot Powers fitted to my Rockster and am very pleased with the performance so far . Wear seems pretty good with only 5000km. They look pretty much as new still. The outside edge seems to be wearing a little more but my understanding (very limited) is that they have a different compound in this area than the tyre centre.
They feel very secure on the road with no nasty downsides. Havnt ridden much in the wet with them but with limited exposure to wet roads they do feel quite good, hanging on with no problems.

John I. Stephen wrote:I bought my 1150R about a week ago (2nd hand) and I believe that the rear tyre will need changing soon. Currently it's running Bridgestones front and rear.

Wouldn't you consider changing BOTH front and rear tires? I'm assuming they were a pair when installed. Or would you retain the front and inspect it more frequently, knowing it too may need changing soon?

I'm asking because I'm also thinking of replacing my rear tire.

Yet another vote for Metzeler Z6 front and rear. I put a pair on my last BMW (R1100R) and they changed the bike dramatically (for the better). Now, on my 1150 with just 5500 miles, the front stock Dunlop is shot and I can't wait to slap a pair of Z6's on it.

I have used Bridgestone 020 on several bikes, and while they are a good tyre, they dont seem to get good mileage.
I now have Michelin Pilot Roads, and so far seem to be good in both traction, and wear.
Had Metzeler Z4 on RT, and no good for mileage either.
A mate has Z6 on his RT, and swears by them.