R1100S rider recomended tyres

[Chrispy]

Right, the first post from a new member, eyes down...

I've tried BT020's (four pairs) and just getting over a pair of BT021's (not impressed) Both square off quickly, takes 1k miles to really get the best and they fall off after 2k! strangely between 3k and 5.5k they handle like poo. After 5.5k though, there like new, very bizzare!
Maybe it's me but I expect more than 6000 mikes to a pair of tyres that cost £275! For me this equates to over £500 per year on tyres, hmmm.

SO the question is what to try next, I've taken a quick peak at the Metz post (3k miles!) sharp intake of breath, cup of coffee and a quick sit down before looking any further.

By the way, seen the HP2 sport? I wonder how much these cost??

[Dog Tyred]

6K out of a rear

[PBBoxer]

275 a pair? bloody ell

6k to a rear? Wow

Generally I get tyres at approx 200 a pair maximum fitted, may be worth shopping around a bit?
Only tyre I got 6k miles out of was a Z6 Metzler, the norm was 2-3k from most tyres.

Welcome to the Forum

[thedukeofhunslet]

The Metzlers that come on the R1200s are made of chocolate. Less then 2k.

I'm about to fit Michelin Pilot Road2's. Ive got them on the XJR and they feel great. Went to Scotland - racked up 1300miles in a weekend and the fronts still had the bobbes on.

Get my tyres from Leeds Bike Tyres - the michelins were £185 on loose wheels or another £30 fitted to the bike.

[Chrispy]

Yep 6000 from start to peal them off.
I am a bit hard on tyres, Hmm, could be coz I'm a fat git.
This set I was determined to make last 7k, boy do I wish I didn't do that.
Don't need the stand any more, just stop and take the key out! Quite handy I s'pose..

As for the cost, thats what comes of living and working in London along with being to lazy to take in loose wheels.

Thanks for the welcome.

[Lars1974]

Hi Chrispy,

i have BT021s on my S and so far they are ok, but i have only done about 500mls on that set...before i used always Conti Road attacks, which lasted well...i.e nearly 8k with 3k 2 up touring in spain, but i found that the contis squared off easily...hence i went for the BT021s...

hope this helps.
thx & Welcome
Lars

[Ade B]

pilot road 2s from FWR in oval on mine, they seem to last and I've no complaints with grip or handling.

Ade

[timbox2]

Got 4k out of an old Mez 4, cheap and I cant really out ride them, currently have Conti Road Attacks, love the turn in and feel very sure footed in the damp, cant comment on longevity yet, done 1500 and they look hardly worn

[JoeC]

Chrispy

I live in Sidcup and use Sidcup Motorcycle Tyres

http://www.sidcupmotorcycletyres.co.uk

They are slightly more expensive than Watling Tyres (there is one in Dartford) but by the time I have spent my time, effort, fuel taking tyres to another dealer the price equals out. I also get a small discount as I am a member of the KAMG (look on Google)

Dartford Watling is more expensive that Catford Watling so go to Catford if you are passing it.

[box-doctor]

Wow - £275 - I pay £155 including fitting, new valve & balancing - mind you he is a very good friend of mine & has always looked after me with bike tyres. Can't comment on mileage - I've only managed 1000 miles in 12 months. I plan on doing a lot more in 2008. Regards Neil.

[Chrispy]

Cheers for the input peeps.

In order:
Lars1974: Good luck with the BT021's, beware the BIG drop off in grip after 2.5-3k miles. ps they are very noisy!

Ade B: Just might give them a try (tyres not FWR though, rip off merchants the last time I went there!!). Watch this space.........

timbox2 (and others): looks like I'm doing better than most as far as wear is concerned! How surprised am I Gone are the days of the jolly old VT500 with 16k back and 22k front, thems were the days...

JoeC: Never tried Sidcup Tyres. If I do go to Watlings then it would only be Catford, been going there since they were in Lee High road. Tried the Dartford branch twice, both times I was greeted with "Oh a bike, well we can order some in for you but it will be a few days". As far as what they charge, they can only add on any extra cost to get the tyres to that branch the same or next day, if you point out that they are charging more they "in the past" have reduced the cost to the same as Catford.

Me, I now use Essential Rubber in N1, excellent service, nice people and up to the BT021's, a reasonable cost. PLUS they sell crafty plugger kits!

Again, cheers for the comments, I'll let you know how I get on.
To those of you going, I'll be the blue blur wizzing around the IoM in August with the Shark end can.

Isn't it fun pasting Jap plastic!

[winger]

There are only two serious sellers at the moment,Mich Road 02's and Avon storms,some interesting prices i have to say!!!!!,both good and bad.

[Chrispy]

Cheers Winger, I'll add them to the very short list.

[Lars1974]

@ Crispy,

yes, you are right about the BT021s noise...i thought first we mounted them the wrong way round.....its wired as the road attacks were soo much quieter...

i will keep you posted about the BT's status...

cheers
Lars

[herrman]

Just paid £198 for a pair of Michelin Pilot Road 2s to loose wheels. No need to think about anything else for me after stretching 10k from the last pair!!!! I may not be hard on tyres but used to think I was doing well to get 6k from 020s.


Regards Peter.