Metezeler Z6 Interact on R1150R?

[lcarlson]

I've been running Michelin Pilot Road 2's on my 50R, and they've performed and worn well (about 10K miles). The front is pretty much toast and I picked up a nail in the rear, so it's time for new shoes. I have the Interacts on my K1200GT and really like the way they turn in on that bike (possibly at the expense of some straight-line stability at speed in traffic). Any body with experience with the Interacts on a 50R?

[Lion_Lady]

I have them on my Rockster. Love them. But then again, I've never had anything else on the bike, so I can't compare to anything else.

P

[TicTac50]

I was getting a bit better than 10K out of Michelin Pilot Road 2CT.
My both R's are about ready for a new set of tires.
Last week I made a phone call to the Michelin Company asking about their new Pilot Road 3.
After speaking with the tire technician, I am confident about Michelin Pilot Road 3

[jas]

I have run Conti Road Attacks for the better part of 25K miles and really liked them. I have 500 miles on the Z6, and so far no complaints. They held their own in a decent snow storm a couple days ago! They also appear to warm up fairly well. Most of my morning commutes this year have been in the 20-25 degrees F range, and they have been great, granted I have yet to push them.

[Mr. C]

I've got the z6's on my R1200RT and I have the ME880's om my R1150R. I find the ME880's provide better grip, inspire greater confidence and provide much better overall handling. I don't think I'll get another pair of z6's

-mc

[CycleRob]

I had a set of ME-880's on 1 of my last bikes and they were a disappointment in what I call the extreme handling department compared to the installed tires before and after them. Unfortunately, their best attribute was that they last a long time!
Confidence in handling, more than anything else, can be harmed the most by (improper) suspension setup. That may be what has determined your preferences. IMO you have the tire selections switched on your 2 bikes. The ME-880's belong on the RT. The ME-880's are not famous for their handling prowess. Long wear. . . . yes, handling . . . . not so much. The Z-6 is not made for a (heavy) touring bike like the RT. FYI, the ME-880 is the OEM replacement tire for the BMW K1200LT.
The ME-880's are made for Cruisers and Touring bikes where a long wear life has top priority. That pretty much excludes the good grip properties of high performance sport touring tires (that wear out quicker), as the bike models listed under each tire pictured at This Metzler weblink shows.

The Z-6 Interact has now been replaced by the Z-8 Interact shown below. Notice the new tread pattern and the solid, unbroken band of center tread rubber. They will be the next tire set purchase for me.

[Mr. C]

Rob,

I'm a relatively new rider and my experience has been limited to these two bikes and an R1150RT. I bought both bikes used and they came with the tires I noted.

The 2002 R1150R is my first bike, I wore the last 7000 miles out of the ME880s it came with. Beeing a newbie, I didn't want to change up a lot of different things all at once (2 up was high on my priority list) so I opted to go with the same tire again and have probably put another 12000 on those, they are wearing great and provide very predictible confident handling on all surfaces and conditions. I have gotten some comments about them being more for a heavier tourer, but I shrug them off as the setup works fine for me.

I bought the 2005 R1200RT last winter, it had the Z6 tires, the front was threadbare and the rear was about half way through. I only replaced the front. They do not seem to have the grip that I get with the R1150R / ME880 setup and I find they slide or lose grip on a surface that I wouldn't have given any consideration with the other bike. I'm still a newbie and don't drive agressively.

Your comment about the suspension has my interest and I suspect that the issue may be there. When starting with a cold bike, cold tires, the R1150R is very quick to respond, lean, turn etc and it's great fun. The R1200RT on the other hand is like dancing with a grizzly bear. It is a struggle to put it in a lean or pull it back up. The handling improves greatly after a few miles and behaves OK after that, but never as good as the R1150R. It's got me thinking about tires, pressure, shocks, setup... and where to start. The bike does have ESA so I'm seeing that as another factor...

Just waiting for the spring, -mc

[momentman]

Mr C

I note your comment

and the rear was about half way through

Sounds like the problem with the RT?
Any flat spot on that tyre will give a loss in confidence

also, try some more preload, if you havent already, may turn better

Reg

[Dr. Strangelove]

Maybe a little OT, but I swapped out a friend's rear today, Z6 for Z6

WAY harder to remove than PR2s. We got it done, but it was a two person job to get the beads on and especially OFF the rim.

May not apply if a shop is doing it.

John