Need to replace tires.

[DanRT02]

I've had this BMW for 24 hours now and I want to put new tires on it. The front is worn but the rear has plenty of treat left. The bike now has Metzler M880 on the front. Looking at the Metzler web site. This year R1150RT should be 120/70 ZZR 17 M/C 58W TL Roadtec Z6. Which is the correct tire for this bike?

Thanks,
Dan

[bradleypurple]

The Z-6's are great tires but there are some questions about their longevity. Based on what people have said here, mileage can range from 4K to 12K and cupping is a problem. I myself have the z-6's and noticed the cupping but I don't know how many miles are on them, cause I bought this from a dealer 1500 miles away from me. To answer your question, yes these are the recommended tires for your bike.

[My04Boxer]

Ditto Here, my 04 RT is due for some new rubber as my 880's are worn flat in the center and cupped and now they are really howling anytime I lean past center.
I have been looking at the Z6 vs the Pilot Roads. The Z6 dont seem to have any type of treadwear indicators on them, they are pretty much priced the same on at Dennis Kirk.

[bradleypurple]

They do have tread wear indicators. But like others have said, not so good. Early 2009 Metzler will introduce the new z-6 to American markets. I'm waiting for those.

[DanRT02]

I've read about the 2009 Mets that will soon be the US but I definitely need to replace the front tire by spring.

[Daedalus214]

If you think you might replace both tires, you might want to look at Continental Road Attack tires. Here is a link: www.canyonchasers.net/blog/archives/75-Continental-Road-Attacks-Tested. html

I would have purchased them for my R1100R but couldn't find my front tire size available here in the USA. It's an unusual size and none of the distributors want to stock it. I did go with the Z6s and have been happy with them so far. Many threads here and on other boards do discuss the longevity issue (or lack thereof) of the Z6s.

[boxerr]

Have a look at the Pilot Road 2.
Very good tyre, and a bit better than the Pilot Road.
Never had much success with Metzeler, or Bridgestone.

[My04Boxer]

Does anybody have any feedback on the Pirelli Diablo tires?

[NavyDad]

I tried the Z6's on my 04 RT, stuck to the road like glue. Lasted about 5K. I now have the Avon Storms and get close to 10K from a rear and 13K on front. Traction is not quite as good as the z6 when pushed hard, but you really have to push HARD. Storms are great on a wet road too. I may get another set or I may try something else. Variety is the spice of life

[bikerfish1100]

the Diablo Stradas are a favorite tire for me (R11S). Also have really liked the Road Attacks, but not enough to justify the extra coin. Prefer both of them over the MEZ6, and the Z6 over the PRoads, and PRoads over BT020s. Will try the PR2s next, and am also interested in the SmartRoads from Dunlop.
I generally get around 7500 out of any of these tires, but have gotten as much as 12k out of a set of PRoads. YMMV.

[John Brase]

Does anybody have any feedback on the Pirelli Diablo tires?

I like them. I'm on my third set of Diablo Stradas. Good compromise between stick and long life, IMO.

John

[BubbaZanetti]

i've run 3 tires, Pilot Roads, Pirelli Diablo Stradas and just for kicks Tomahawk Remanufactured Tires

Roads - Awesome in the wet, great wear $$$ (lets say on a scale of five)

Stradas - Awesome in the dry, not so great wear, also, no indication you're gonna be seeing cords, there is no tread in the center like on the Roads. $$$

Tomahawks - Heavy and hard to balance, never a grip problem, wet or dry, but not as great feeling as either of the above in their element, life would probably be between the two above tires $

I've had 2 sets of Roads, a set of Pirellis the Tomahawks and now a third set of Roads, in about 50K miles. I personally like the Roads the best.

[DanRT02]

As worn as these ME880's are and the aren't bad, just worn, and may go another 3 to 4K. Anyway, I felt very comfortable in the rain with them. They were good on the tar strips and painted road markings. I may try them and look into the Roads Attacks. I've never heard of them so I'll check them out but I will put a new set of ME880's when the time comes and give them a try from now.