'96 R1100RT Tire preference??

[Garlicbreath]

Any thoughts on tires for an 1100rt? I've been riding Metzler Z6 without complaint, but I have not tried anything else. Is there a reason to change from the Z6?

Thanks

[MotorradMike]

All I can say is what I like. I've been using Battlax BT020 on my '96 R1100RS and have not been happy with the scalloping on the front. I get about 8,000 miles out of the rear. The new BT021 however, has dual compound for better wear in the center which I like very much. As well, the front now has a tread pattern which isn't blocky and likely won't scallop.

These will be my next tires. I think there will be some strong opinions about this!

Mike

[Sully]

I was unhappy with Battlax 020's, so I switched to Avon Storm ST (AV55's) on my RT.
I'm very happy with the Avons- they are TOTALLY unfazed by tar snakes on hot days (how can that be?), but over the past 1200 mi the front tire has developed the dreaded "heavy wear left of center". That tire's got just over 9,000 mi on it now.

[jduke]

Almost any major brand tire that will fit our bikes will be better than most of us can ride. I have a friend that rides an R1150RS and usually gets 10 - 12,000 miles out of a set of Pilot Roads. I prefer Continental RoadAttack's and usually get in the 8,000 mile range.

[bikerfish1100]

i'm going to take a wild guess that someone has probably asked this question before, and maybe even somewhat recently.
didja try using the "Search" key up above with "tires for R1100RT" as your search phrase?
(btw- it works great on "best oil" and "best aftermarket seat", along with a bunch of other things).

[ArthurKnowles]

I have the Z6. I'm happy with the Z6. If you are happy with the Z6 then why change? One thing you'll find is that tire opinions are like all the other (oil, air filter, oil filter, etc.) threads. Eveyone has their own opinion. No one really agrees as to what is best. So, just make a choice and be happy with it. :)

[rvbeemer]

I've ran the Metzlers, good. Bridgestone, OK. Avons, Good. Dunlops,suck. And now have the Conti Road attacks on. They seem to be doing good. I prefered the Avons, 45 & 55's? Then they came out with a new series and the price went way up. Imagine that! If you like the Metzlers, stay with them.


Ronnie

[Prof. Robert]

I recently mounted and balanced a set of Dunlop Road Smarts on my '95 RSL; and so far, I am very happy with them. I've even had an opportunity ride in some pretty serious rain; they did great. In fact, these tires make the Black Bee handle almost as good as my old '74 Commando Roadster. I can't speak for the mileage yet.

Robert

[don35414]

I am also Happy with the Dunlop Road Smarts.

[kgadley01]

Any thoughts on tires for an 1100rt? I've been riding Metzler Z6 without complaint, but I have not tried anything else. Is there a reason to change from the Z6?

Thanks

Ok, now its time for some good advice. I've run the z-6s also, but their expensive and don't last long enough for me. I also ride a R1100RT. I switched to ME880's the last time and really like them. I also run ME 880's on my Harley, but their different from the one's on the RT. the difference being on the Harley their Bias ply and on the RT their steel belted radial's. you can get them eather way, so be careful what you order. your RT is designed to run radials. but that doesn't mean you have to run them. this is like talking about oil, everyone has their own opinion. :bolt

[DaveZ]

Echoing a couple of the other posts above, I just put a pair of the Dunlop Road Smarts (dual compound) on my 96 R1100RT about 2200 miles ago, and could not be happier. Very grippy in the corners, no wierd transitional feel from slight lean to a lot more lean, just smooth as silk all the time. Have not tried them in the wet (pretty dry here in central CA this time of year...), nor do I know yet how they'll hold up. Great so far, though, and using the factory 32/36 front/rear cold pressures.