Metzler Z6 Roadtec R1200RT question

[vmi1991]

NOTE: This question is only for 1200RT, and Z6 Metzlers. I don't care if you are happy with your SomaHonerllis-whatevers, enjoy them, this is only about Z6 tires.

I am about to replace my front tire, at home, by myself, without adult supervison.
The front is 24k miles along and is begging to be retired into the flower bed and the NoMar tire changer is wanting to get used.

After Googling the Z6s I discovered that there is a BMW model specific version of the Z6, but no dealer of Metzler, Metzler themselves, or a BMW dealer can tell me what the exact difference is or if it even matters.

The OEM Z6 for the 1200RT has an encircled K and the rear has an encircled C on the sidewall, otherwise the markings are the same as the generalized Z6. (This from a Metzler customer support email)

To date all of my tires have been changed by BMW dealers. The current front and rear tires were replaced by different dealers in different parts of the USA.

The rear is a OEM and the front is not. The 24k miles on this non-OEM front exceed the previous Z6 (OEM? who knows) by 3k miles so far.

Is this dangerous? Have I been lucky? What is the real difference besides the special marking and the extra $40-70/tire for the OEM? Does the difference matter? Just go the extra savings and ride-on?


Thank-you,
George

[marcopolo]

First off, I'm amazed at the mileage you got out of that tire. As for the OEM version of the Z6 for the RT, I was led to believe that it had a stiffer sidewall because of the RT's weight. I also thought only the rear tire had an OEM spec. I'm recalling that from Metzeler's international website, but it's been a while since I checked it, since I switched to Pilot Roads (I didn't like that there were no rain grooves in the middle of the rear tire, making it difficult to assess tread wear -- a common complaint).

[gulfcoastbeemer]

I have used Z6 tires on an '05 and '07 R1200RT. I've had both Spec and Non-Spec tires on both bikes.

Originally, my local BMW dealer didn't stock or know to use either the "K" front or "C" rear until I brought it to their attention, so I've had experience with both.

I've never heard a reason for the various Spec tires with the Z6 series of tires, and I'll be damned if I can tell the difference -- either while riding or when I have personally changed the tires.

By the way, the Yamaha FJR1300 uses the same 180/55 ZR 17 Spec "C" rear tire, so if you are ever in a jam, check an Yamaha dealer for the correct rear tire.

[hlothery]

I am very happy with my..............oh, sorry:whistle :stick :hide

[cjack]

I was led to believe by a Metzeler rep that the differences were the result of BMW (or maybe Metzeler) testing the tires at maximum speed and requiring modifications to insure stability on the various model BMW bikes.
At least, that would explain why very few of us can tell the difference.

[RTRandy]

It would seem to be common sense that if there was such a big difference between this special Z6 for BMW and the ones you buy in the market, that there would be some kind of warning from BMW.

The older RT's weighed about 40 pounds more than the new Hexheads so that kind of throws the weight concern out the window.

Not saying there isn't a difference, just saying if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere and need new tires, you probably can't go wrong with a set of Z6's. I used about 5 sets with my 1150 because of their good performance.

I'm just baffled how anyone could get 24k miles on a front tire. I could never get much more than a third of that.

[hlothery]

I'm just baffled how anyone could get 24k miles on a front tire. I could never get much more than a third of that.

I routinely get 16,000 on my front, and about 11,000 on my rear. But, I am very happy with my...............oh, never mind!

[gulfcoastbeemer]

I'm just baffled how anyone could get 24k miles on a front tire.

Simple answer...wheelies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guCA2lpZsZ4).

[vmi1991]

Well, I managed to find an online price for the front OEM Code K tire that is only $12 more than the general tire, so I just got the OEM. The $12 extra works out to an $0.50/1,000 miles so that's not so bad.

No word yet from Metzler what the difference is. I have a fuzzy recollection that the bead is made to more easily fit the rim, but I have no idea where that thought came from.

I called a few dealers, none of whom where aware of the OEM, but a couple did have the marked tires on the shelf.

I guess it really isn't a big deal then.

BTW, I get the high mileage by making double-darn sure the pressure in both is 42psi, I don't do wheelies, I don't do burn-outs, and I don't drag the foot pegs. Most of my riding has been interstate, but there has a been a bit of Deal's Gap style riding as well. I commute on this bike. There might be a total of 30 days each year that I will not ride somewhere on it, all weather and road conditions.

Interesting that I read above cupping is caused by braking technique. Every bike I have ever owned cupped the front tire, no one has every given a plausible reason until now. I am rather cautious about my speed entering curves and perhaps brake too frequently. My father's bikes always had cupped front tires. Since a speed bump is faster than he was, it must be the brakes.

Please, if anyone finds the real difference between the OEM and general Z6 tires, do let me know.
Thanks,
George

[vmi1991]

Just received this from Metzler:

Hi

The reason for special tires on certain motorcycles is always related to the tire helping the bike be more stable at all speeds and with all loads due to their different constructions. We hope that you get this sorted out, and thanks for the e-mail.

US Metzeler Moto
www.us.metzelermoto.com

Hopefully, the exact difference will be made known. Extra-ply? More wires? More rubber?

[rmeisen]

Just received this from Metzler:

Hi

The reason for special tires on certain motorcycles is always related to the tire helping the bike be more stable at all speeds and with all loads due to their different constructions. We hope that you get this sorted out, and thanks for the e-mail.

US Metzeler Moto
www.us.metzelermoto.com

Hopefully, the exact difference will be made known. Extra-ply? More wires? More rubber?


I SURE am glad they cleared that up....

Ron

[glurkus]

I'm not sure this is relevant, but I have stock Z6's on my '07 RT, and at 4200 miles, the front tire is starting to cup. I run the front at 36 PSI and the rear at 42 PSI. 70% of my riding is commuting to work via the super slab. I do ride some twistys on occasion. I'm thinking I'm not going to see 10,000 miles on this tire.

[TGA57589]

I really liked the Z6's on my '96 RT and have wondered what I will do when my Battleaxes are shot? I'll sit back and see what you guys think because I really liked the Metz's on my old machine.

[ridewv]

My friend called and spoke with sopmeone at Metzeler regarding the difference between the regular Z6 vs the "C" and "K" versions spec'd by BMW and Yamaha. The tread, thickness, rubber compound, and size are the same. The *only* difference is sidewall stiffness.
BTW, Southwest Tires stock Z6 rears (including the C). I saw they had the front "K" in their closeout section though.

[vmi1991]

So, I'm guessing that if you don't load the bike to the max, and while max loaded don't pretend you are on a super-cafe bike gunning for the trophy at the Dragon, this is not really needed.

Having said that, if I can find an OEM tire within 15% of the plain one, then I will go with the OEM.

Least expensive OEM set I have found thus far is at Motorcycle Superstore online.

Thanks, unless someone has more input, I am satisfied with the answer above.

George