Tires

[nohandels]

Since I'm new to BMW'S what tires do most of you run and why? I am a very easy rider. We don't run highways and spend most of our time on back roads so 55 to 60 is top speed for us.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Doug

[26667]

we bought a used K75 some years back w VERY low mi pirelli radials; awful just awful! But i've used conti twins and metzlers on my airheads, and always metz on the oilhead i had for a couple years. Personally, i think the Metzlers ride better and handle better in the rain and on squirrely pavement like CA raingrooves. They seemed to me to be more 'sure-footed.' For mileage, it depends completely on load and how many curvies vs. super-slab miles. One man's opinion. Hope it helps.

[Motor31]

On my airheads I used Metzler 88's on the rear (880's now I think) and the Lazer on the front. I had good luck with the combinatiob for handling and longevity. I'ts been a while since I had an airhead so I'm not that up on the current models. I do run Dunlops on my K75RT right now.

[81twins]

Having tried various tire makes on my old airheads I've found the metzler 4.00-18 ME 77 tube type rear and the ME 33 front still work well... giving reasonable mileage, reasonable cost and are easy to fit. Some of the 120 130 series rear tires can be tight to install. Am unsure if the 33 is still available as the dealer convinced me to try a marathon front last change... which I have yet to wear off. It has been a good tire and is wearing well.

[bugtussle]

You might also consider Bridgstone Spitfire S-11's. They are reasonably priced and will work well beyond the riding style you mentioned. They are a dual compound tire with a harder center section for long life and softer sides for cornering.

[R100SuperS]

I am running Metzlers on my airhead and I like the way they ride and handle. The rear tire seems to go away too soon, but you can't have everything. R100SuperS :thumb

[Boxerkuh]

I just got delivery on my third set of Michelin Macadem 50's. I really like them. They are harder and harder to find, since the front is a 90/90x18 and the rear is a 120/90x18. The company told me that their book calls for a 100 in the front a 110 in the rear. I am going by the owners manual. I have had great success with them over the last two years, each time lasting me more 13K each time... I have great tracking, handling, great in dry and wet conditions. Otherwise, why would I be ready to mount my third set....
I have had good experience with Metzler ME 880 and the Lazer 33, but they don't make it for my bike size...
I would suggest you make sure you mount the correct size.... :eat :drink

[manicmechanic]

IRC makes two models of tires, teh 310's and 410's, that are pretty good tires. And if you can read my meaning beyond the written word, they're pretty good tires for the money. Yes, they're economical, yet good tires.

[lkchris]

Michelin is a tire company.

Others are trying to be.

[rlswim]

I just replaced my Metzler Lasertecs on my K75S with some Pirelli Sport Demons and love the way they handle. The Sport Demons don't track the cracks and grooves in the road like my Metzlers did. Steering is much more responsive now. Maybe Pirelli has changed their design since 26667 had his bad experience.

[RebeccaV]

I have only used Metzler 880s on my R90/6 and I like them because they last a l-o-n-g time depending on how and where you ride.

Macadams (that I've used on my oilhead) seem to handle a bit better but I use the 880s on my oilhead too now that they make them in the proper size. I got 23,590 miles out of my last front 880 tire.

[GSTom]

I am a big fan of Avon tires. They are moderately priced, last a long time, and provide excellent handling. I have a pair of Avon Roadrunners on my /5 and Avon Distanzias on my GS. I have just ordered a set of Avon Gripsters for my GS and a set of the new Avon Roadrider tires to try out for my K-bike. I have used Avon tires for 30 years and never a bad experience with them. They have been making tires since 1904 and, being they are English, make probably the best rain tires of any manufacturer. YMMV.

[jdmetzger]

You might also consider Bridgstone Spitfire S-11's. They are reasonably priced and will work well beyond the riding style you mentioned. They are a dual compound tire with a harder center section for long life and softer sides for cornering.

I second this recommendation for Spitfire S-11's. I am running a set on my R80/7. They handle very well in the twisties, handle well in the rain, and stick well in the cold (I've ridden down to about 20 degrees). So far I've put about 8000 miles on the set I have, and they are wearing pretty well; probably get another 4,000 out of them. This is a mix of city/highway, and includes my 2,000 mile journey to the MOA rally and back. I consider that VERY good since I got both tires with tubes for about $150.