Tires for R1100rt

[dgbarclay]

I'm needing to replace the Michelin Pilot Roads on my 99 R1100RT. I have about 5000 miles on this set. I have been happy with the performance other than the front tire begins to howl when warmed up at speeds between 50 and 60 mph. It's really annoying, even with a full face helmet and shield, and also considering this is the speed that most of my riding is at. Of course there is about a 1" flat on the center of the tire and the howling is most prevalent when I get the tire off center.

I'm looking for recommendations for other tire brands. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Dennis - Midlothian, TX (30 miles South of Dallas) :usa

[BubbaZanetti]

i've been using Pilot Roads exclusively since i bought my bike (20K) miles and 5000 seems REAL low for a set, both sets i've had have gone slightly over 10K. the low milage and "flat spot" are pretty indicative of running tire pressure that is too low. i run my tires fairly hard, and get good life out of them, (36-37psi up front, 40-42 rear) and it makes that flat spot go away, i had it a bit on my first set............

just saying this cause i've heard of few tires that are better than the Roads as a long life tire with sporting capability

[robdogg]

I would agree; 5000 miles for a modern belted radial would be troublesome; but like Bubba, I would look at things like ensuring adequate air-pressure, load weight, and how aggressively you ride. I'm a big guy (~280lbs) and I'm fairly aggressive, and I get almost that kind of milage from a pair of knobby tires like the Continenetal TKC 80's on my KTM (well the front at least; rears will last 3.5-4k or so) and knobbies wear much faster then any high speed street radial

I've got about 6k or so on my current set of Metz Z6's on the GS and the rear is still looking pretty good and probably has about 40% tread remaining. The front is fine too

[Emoto]

That takes the 18" rear tire, doesn't it? On my R1100RS, I got good mileage (more like 10k) and grip out of Michelin Macadam 100X tires. I sold that bike to buy an R1200GS, and happen to still have a Macadam 100X rear tire for it int he garage (new, never mounted) that I can't use on the new bike. I'd really like to sell it if I can.

Bob

[riderR1150GSAdv]

How old are those tires?? Age has a lot to do with how they react to heat cycling. 5K isn't a lot at all, as on most bikes you ought to get between 8-12K out of a set, depending on roads ridden on an how the bike is used. Make sure that you keep your tires properly inflated too.

[stone]

I have used Avons since the original Metzlers and have been pleased. However, I have picked up nails in both front and rear tires before end-of-life. I believe I would have gotten about 10K on them. All of my front tires have shown some cupping which disturbs me a bit - do not know the cause. The grip has been very good. I tried the Avons because of recommendations from friends using them on other brand tourers.

[dgbarclay]

The Pilot Roads I have are less than a year old. I probably have another 2K miles left on the treads, but with the touring season coming on I will probably go ahead and replace them.

I normally ride two up and about 3K miles were put on these tires with the bike fully loaded (three cases and a tank bag), although my wife is only about 115 lbs. I do run the tires fully inflated (rear 42 and front 36).

I have been pleased with the overall performance of the Pilot Roads, other than the front tire that developed the howling noise last summer. I was looking to see if there was another tire that you all would recommend, but I will probably stay with the Pilot Roads.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Dennis


Remember - Anything worth doing is worth over doing. :twirl

[cruisin]

I have found that the Metzler ME880s are very good for both performance and longevity. I run them on both oilheads and get from 12 to 14K on the rear of my '98 RT; 16K on the front. I think at 36psi on the front you may be running a bit low which could be causing the howling. I keep 42 front and rear on both bikes with the ME880s with great results in performance and wear. The 880s provide a good balance if you are not pushing the bike to the limits. If you are fairly agressive, a stickier tire may be in order.

[bmwmick]

I have found that the Metzler ME880s are very good for both performance and longevity. I run them on both oilheads and get from 12 to 14K on the rear of my '98 RT; 16K on the front. I think at 36psi on the front you may be running a bit low which could be causing the howling. I keep 42 front and rear on both bikes with the ME880s with great results in performance and wear. The 880s provide a good balance if you are not pushing the bike to the limits. If you are fairly agressive, a stickier tire may be in order.

Ditto what cruisin said!
I love my ME-880's on my '96 R1100RT. After wearing out a couple sets of BT-54 Bridgestones (the original tires) I switched to Michelin 90X and they were gone in 3,500 miles. Next I tried a pair of Dunlop D205's and they lasted about 5K but when I took them off and noticed how paper-thin the carcass was, I switched to the ME-880's. Plenty of grip and a load range that will support a fully loaded two-up bike.

[sportridertex]

I didn't know the ME880's would fit a R1100RT?

[bmwmick]

I didn't know the ME880's would fit a R1100RT?

Phil,
Yes, they have the radial ME880's in 120X70X17 and 160X60X18 for the stock wheels. I'm using the Bias ply tires and a rear wheel from a K1200RS. The
160X70X17 is a perfect fit.

Mick

[Boxerkuh]

During my oilhead days and 88K on them I have run just about every kind of tire on them. I have found that the Avon tires only last about 6K, due to their soft compount, but they are the stickiest. The Dunlops devoloped a cupping on the front tire. I usually ran Bridgestones or Michelin's due to the combination of price, mileage and wet wheater performance.
However, only getting 5K off a set other than Avon's I would question:
1. How old are the tires?
2. Are the tires appropriately inflated?
3. What type of riding do you do? one up, two up, primarily interstate, or curves?
4. Are the correct tire sizes mounted?

When I bought my last Airhead, I removed the tires after only 3K due to age and being the wrong size.

Happy tire hunting!! :thumb

[dgbarclay]

Phil,
Yes, they have the radial ME880's in 120X70X17 and 160X60X18 for the stock wheels. I'm using the Bias ply tires and a rear wheel from a K1200RS. The
160X70X17 is a perfect fit.

Mick

I see these tires in a 120/70VR17 & 160/60VR18. The Michelins I am running are 120/70ZR17 & 160/60ZR18. What's the difference between the VR & ZR?

Thanks,

Dennis

[cruisin]

"Z" tires are rated for higher speeds than "V" tires. Unless you are planning on running triple digits most of the time you don't really need a Z rated tire on a sport-touring bike.

[sportridertex]

I checked the Metzler tire website , and now I'm confused, they make tires to fit my 1999 R1100RT, that are radials?
ME880's??

[bmwmick]

Yes they do Phil. :) Now take two aspirin and get some rest. :)

[sportridertex]

Well this is perfect news, I'm doing ME880's next time, which is not that far off. I'm running ME-Z4's now, getting about 10,000 miles out of them. If I could do 15K on the ME880's, think how much money that is saved.