Tire recommendation(s)?

[marine dad]

well,
iron pony corrected my brain lapse for me in about 2 minutes this a.m.
good people
mike

[timl]

I just bought a Conti Road Attack 120/70 17 from http://www.jakewilson.com in Utah. They currently provide free shipping on orders over $99 and the total came to just $105.99.

I ordered a jacket from them awhile ago and I was pleased with the value. They have great prices and an excellent web site.

[meboxer]

What do you guys think about Bridgestone BT021 on a 2004 R1150R?

[gregor]

I'm using Battlax BT021 on my '02 R after using BT020. No problems after 2000 miles plus and looks like the dual compound will do the business to get higher mileage.

[digga]

I'm using Battlax BT021 on my '02 R after using BT020. No problems after 2000 miles plus and looks like the dual compound will do the business to get higher mileage.

Same here Gregor.... though i have a pair of Conti Road Attacks ready to fit

Can't really vouch for the mileage out of the BT021's, they were on when i had the bike at 5887 miles. now sat at 10667 . back has 'squared' a bit after France and Scotland in '08..

[bikermeow]

Hiya,

Where I'm from the 170 size for the rear is kinda difficult to find. What are your thoughts for using a 180 at the rear instead?

Cheers

[AirForceDirt]

Hiya,

Where I'm from the 170 size for the rear is kinda difficult to find. What are your thoughts for using a 180 at the rear instead?

Cheers

This has been discussed various places as I was looking to do the same thing. The general consensus was: If it will clear (fit in the space available), and you can live with the change in handling characteristics, you might get away with it. Remember that the tires are not going to be sitting in the shape they are designed for, so take it easy on the first set until you know they'll work properly.

[Airman]

Hiya,

Where I'm from the 170 size for the rear is kinda difficult to find. What are your thoughts for using a 180 at the rear instead?

Cheers

This has been discussed various places as I was looking to do the same thing. The general consensus was: If it will clear (fit in the space available), and you can live with the change in handling characteristics, you might get away with it. Remember that the tires are not going to be sitting in the shape they are designed for, so take it easy on the first set until you know they'll work properly.

I agree. However if bikermeow can find the 5.5 inch wheel from the Rockster or the.....what else has that wheel? RS ? Anyhow that would correct the aspect ratio back to what it should be with the 180. Seems to me that the 170 is even getting less popular in the US. Used to be the tire dealers had many options for the 170 and there seems to less choice now than there once was.

[twindave]

A1+ on the Metzeler ME 880 Marathon Touring Tire. I've never looked back!

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/ ... 5_Metzeler

[hawkdad]

Conti Sport Attacks stick like glue... but... last summer I started a trip out west... with just 1800 or so miles on them.. 2500 into the ride they were gone... solo touring, fully loaded.

so... I got a pair of Dunlop Road Smarts (half way thru the trip... won't make that mistake again) and tho I can tell when I get a little 'frisky'.. they don't stick like the Conti's do.. they already have 5k.. and are just starting to square up....

I imagine I'll get another 5k out of them and then I'll have to replace them... but so far... I'm sold on the Dunlop RoadSmarts.

I whenever the snow melts.. (today) and then I'll put her away when it gets too dang dangerous to ride when the hard freezes are leaving questionable ice on the ground...

I'm thinking I'll get close to 20K on this year... and if I only have to replace th skins twice.. I feel I'm doing good.

If you want to get a thread going with a few more answers.... try posting something about which oil to use....

My '03 Red R1150R is out of warranty anyway!!

[joe bar]

My preferred is Pirelli Diablo Stradas - I fend they give good life, and good grip in all conditions.

Plus one for me, these are a great tyre for the R1150R imo.

[bikermeow]

I reckon 180 will be harder to turn, but more stable at speed.

Now I am looking at Diablo Rosso. Any views?





Cheers

[Westy]

Shortly after buying my RR I picked up a nail in my rear tire so I was off tire shopping as well. I landed on the Avon Storms. I've got 6,500 miles on them right now and they have about another 1K of life left. These tires have seen lots of highway miles loaded up with camping gear with trips from Illinois to North Carloina, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Fantastic tires in the wet, several of my trips I spent a lot of time in the wet and twisties. Thanks to the 3 curves in Illinois, my rear is starting to square off so I figure one more weekend trip and I'll be ready for a new set of tires.

Several of my buddies are running the new Metlzer Roadtec z6 Interacts and they are loving them as well.

[harveyrawn]

You have all come through with recommendations and preferences in a way I can make a better choice. I already feel like I'm a more informed buyer compared to going into my BMW dealership and taking his recommendation only. I certainly trust him, but then again he may be personally or financially biased to one brand vs another. I thank you all and welcome additional input.

I called today to get his input and we discussed a couple of those suggested here early in the thread. I asked about Metzler 880's (which my bike has now) and Continential Road Attacks, but will probably add Michelin Pilot Road 2's to get price quotes. I am willing to spend more now to get longer life, which may calculate to less cost per mile.

Buying your final choice of tires online and having them installed at a local shop can also save money. I'm running Pilot Road 2s that I bought that way and balanced with DynaBeads that are at 8,500 miles with much good tread remaining. MotorcycleSuperstore.com has good prices and fast delivery.