Sorting Tire Preferences

[MikeCam]

Roadster/Rockster/K-R AND R1200R applications.

[Moved to K-R forum for while.]

It gets confusing doesn't it? The poll is based on the collected anecdotal statements across the models. (I'll amend the statements below once more folks answer.)

Seems the overall top selection is the Z6 followed closely by the Pilot Road. Next tier of satisfied users seems to favor BT020 Bridgestones.

A fair showing for those who like the Conti Road Attack or Pirelli Diablo Strada AND a note here and there for Avon Storm and M1/M3.

Then there are a few discerning experienced long riders who ride all the time, wear tires down to the threads and don't like paying more than they have to pay. They prefer the ME880.

[Biff's R]

I am in the Pilot Road lover category right now. I am on my 2nd front, and 3rd rear. Good longevity, and even wear. They are also excellent in the rain and occasional snow. The only thing that I do not like about the Pilot Roads, is that they sing on certain types of pavement.

[DJ Downunder]

I love my new Pilot Road II's.

DJ

[Biff's R]

DJ, you are rubbing it in.

I may have a PR 2 on the front, if my PR 1 last me another 2k miles.

[rockstercliff]

The factory Bridgestone 020's were my all time foavorites, tried the Pirrellis, just OK with me. Got the Road attacks on now, very grippy, but very sensitive to pavement faults, which we have a lot of in Pa. Plan to try the 021's next.

[jb44]

Mike, where's my tire on the poll? You know, for the slow flat-landers:

ME880

jb

[GypsyRR]

Pilot Roads came on my bike when I bought it in 06. At 6000 miles they started slipping on me and I lost a lot of confidence in riding.

I switched to the Z6 and my riding confidence surged. They never slip (and it's always raining here). I have 6000 miles on them and they still 'feel' new.

So many different opinions - I suppose that suggests there are just to many variables to come up with a definitive answer on the best tire. But I'm sticking with the Z6's.

[Caroanbill]

Had OE Pilot Sports on my second F650CS. Like most Michelins, the grip until they stop. Suddenly. They also felt quite skittish under me, robbing precious rider confidence.

Enter the Z6. Very 'planted' feel, much the Metzeler trademark - and, if anything, better than the M1 on my first F650CS, or the M3 or M4 I've had on it and on my R1150RS. Partner had BT010s on her CS - swapped out for Metzeler M1 very early. Of all the tyres I've used, the Z6 has suited me best.

I've specified Z6 from new on my R1200R. From the various write-ups, the Contis sound OK .. but I want Z6. I find Metzlers really fit my riding style, except the infamous Marathon front - chucked out at 2,000km coz it made me nervous.

I'm sure it's as idiosyncratic as riding style and riding taste: while I've never liked Michelins (and HATED the M48s on my K100RT 20 years ago), other folks seem to find them prefect. I have Pilots on my car (just fine) and Contis on my other bike ... but that's a Scott SUB10, whose pistons are my legs.

[rdsmith3]

Mike

Why is this in Off Topic?

Thanks for doing this -- I will soon be looking for two new tires. decisions, decisions

[R4R&R]

My tire experience has primarily been the Z6, Pirelli, Avon and Dunlop. Out of those, I seem to always be coming back to the Z6, but the next go 'round I'll probbly try the Pilots, especially if I can get the new upgraded version.

[MikeCam]

Quote: "Mike, Why is this in Off Topic? Thanks for doing this -- I will soon be looking for two new tires. decisions, decisions." End Quote

I was trying to be inclusive of all the models.

[Beemeridian]

My experience is minuscule compared to the majority here but I am pleased with the new Bridgestone BT020. Still as good a grip and better life.

[Biff's R]

Dan,
Didn't you run the Z6 to the cords?

[Boxer]

JB, I'm with you. I have been pulled over to your club. I'm now sporting ME880s.

[DSKYZD]

Putting this topic in the main forum for a little while.

[riceburner]

Stradas.

[miekusss]

The Conti roadattacks...
The profile is deeper, I've ridden about 11k with them.
After a holiday in France, they kept them very well! Also high speed back to
the Netherlands...
The grip is very good, dry and wet roads.
The only thing is strange cupping of the fronttire... You don't feel it like the
BT's.. Next time the fronttire will be a sportattack!
My husband has the Sportattack but the rear tire is worn down after 6k..
While the fronttire is ok...

[sjbmw]

After 10,200 miles I got another set of Z6's installed with my 18k service.
For some reason, they lasted 2k longer then the original Z4's.

I like them but next time I may check out the 880's.

[wncbmw]

I was happy with the Z6s, got on the Pirrelli Stradas when they ran their 'buy rear, get front free' offer and am now on the 3rd set. Avons were not really too satisfying.

May try the PRs or even the Michlelin Powers next but would stick with the Z6 or Stradas in a heartbeat. Traction is No. 1, with practicality forcing tread life into the equation.

BTW, I never get more than 7K out of any tire, front or rear.

[rarider]

wncbmw....same with me on Z6 mileage. Must have something to do with southern roads.

04 Black