Metzeler Z6 Rear Tire for 2005 R1200RT

[fastdogs2]

When I did a web search for Metzeler Z6 tires, I saw there are two different versions of the rear tire (size 180/55ZR17). One is for bikes less than 935 lbs GVWR and one for bikes over 935 lbs GVWR.

Which is the correct tire for a 2005 R1200RT and what is the Metzeler part number?

[cjack]

When I did a web search for Metzeler Z6 tires, I saw there are two different versions of the rear tire (size 180/55ZR17). One is for bikes less than 935 lbs GVWR and one for bikes over 935 lbs GVWR.

Which is the correct tire for a 2005 R1200RT and what is the Metzeler part number?

Code K on the front (120/70ZR17) and Code C on the rear. You can go to the Parts Unlimited catalog on line (but you can't buy directly...just thru dealers) and see what tires fit what, etc. A great resource when you are looking stuff up at home before you get to the dealer.

[marcopolo]

If you check the Metzeler website, and look at their tire fitment chart, you'll see that for the R12RT, they recommend a code "C" Z6 for the rear, but a Z6 with no code for the front. You may want to ask.

[cjack]

If you check the Metzeler website, and look at their tire fitment chart, you'll see that for the R12RT, they recommend a code "C" Z6 for the rear, but a Z6 with no code for the front. You may want to ask.
I got K for the front from the Parts Unlimited site. I did hear that the codes refer to tests and modifications made to the tires after max speed run tests for stability with the various tires by BMW. If that is true, then I think that these differences in tires of the same type but different codes is pretty transparent to most of us who tour from coast to coast at one half max speed.

[acesbeemer]

What mileage are you guys getting out of the Z6's? I only got 5000 out of original dunlop 220 rear front looks like 10 to 11k. I don't ride hard and am disappointed mostly with the rear.

[ROLAND]

Try AVON, I'm getting more mileage with them than Z6's

[fastdogs2]

Thanks, but I already had the Metzelers installed. My BMW dealers only carry the Bridgestones and the Metzelers. I noticed the Metzelers track much better than the Bridgetones. I have been careful with these tires the first 200 miles because I know the tires may be slippery until they get roughed up a bit.

I had Metzeler 880s on the R1200C that I owned previous to this bike and was very pleased with them.

Just a personal opinion, but length of service/tread wear is secondary to me compared to tire adhesion on both dry and wet road surfaces. If I get around 6,000 miles out of the tires, I will be happy. I would rather have a tire that keeps me upright on the bike that may not give as long a tread life to one that I have to baby in the curves, but will give me longer service.

[Boxerkuh]

My food for thought.... :eat :drink

I can only encourage you to do a lot of research on your tire needs... When I had my 99 RT I found the following to be true:
1. Avon tires were the softest compound, they gave me the poorest mileage, but the best handling.
2. Dunlop tires were lasting in the mileage department, but were cupping real bad.
3. Metzler and Bridgestone tires were about equal in mileage and handling. I most of the time choose the Bridgestone's due to a better price.
Remember it depends on your riding style and use... Ask yourself these questions:
Do I primarily ride Interstate or Country roads? What important is handling? What about wet road performance? For most people price is also a factor... In my case I did the internet research and then mounted the various different tires and within a two year period new what I wanted... :clap