Newby Tire Questions
Sat, 28/08/2010 - 20:46
I've been reading here and on other boards some very shocking (to me at least) posts about how often people have to replace tires on motorcycles. Being new this season (after more than 25 years without a bike) I guess I was naive to think a motorcycle tire would last comparatively to a car tire (racing excluded).
Is it really so that these tires last only (by reports) maybe 1800 to 5000 miles? (And please don't tell me that is kilometers and not miles!)
How about on a touring bike? What should I expect as normal, assuming not overly aggressive driving habits?
I picked up my new 2011 BMW K1300GT Special Edition last night and was surprised to find the bike did not have Metzler tires (which from reports was what I expected). My bike came with Bridgestone Battlax BT020 tires. Are these good? How do they compare?
If it's true about these short tire life reports, I guess I'm going to have to start figuring what rubber I will buy next.
Thanks for any help understanding this.
Tue, 07/09/2010 - 21:45
#2
Re: Newby Tire Questions
To try and help, but I don't ride this type of bike, I think that a front will last around 5-6000 miles & a rear 3-5000 miles. The problem is that the rear will square off, more so on a heavy bike & if you are carrying a pillion, or ride mostly on motorways. Anyway, I don't think you can expect more than 5000 miles from a rear. The plus side though is that modern tyres grip extremely well in all conditions. You will find that many modern tyres have two or three compounds, harder in the middle and softer on the sides. However, tyre technology is advancing at a rapid rate......I have got the new Dunlop SportSmarts on my Multistrada 1200S and have done a 2700 miles trip to/around the Alps & Dolomites, four track days & a bunch of other rides, so at least 4000 miles, and there is still plenty of life in them. That is incredible for this type of tyre.
Enjoy your new bike & welcome back to two wheels.
Wed, 08/09/2010 - 02:35
#3
Re: Newby Tire Questions
Thanks very much, Rod. Although I'm sad to hear the confirmation of such low tire mileage.
I was also disappointed not to have had any comments from BMW owners, particularly about the brand of tire supplied on my new bike. I had not read a single report of any BMW being delivered with this brand of tire.
Anyway with such low mileage predictions, I'm going to have to start planning for new tires, probably before the end of the season.
BTW, did you edit your message? I was pretty sure you were recommending some kind of training... I was in no way offended by that and in fact I'd like to hear more. I'm not sure though that such training exists in my area (Montreal Canada). My riding experience is from more than 25 years ago and even then the biggest bike I had was a 500-4 Honda. Now I've got a 1300 monster.
Regards...
Eldor
Wed, 08/09/2010 - 07:49
#4
Re: Newby Tire Questions
Hi Eldor,
Yes, I edited it when I saw in another post that you lived in Canada.
Although I have been riding for many years I have done two rider training days with a UK company called Rapid Training. It is a small company who are all serving or ex police riders/instructors. It's not a yellow jacket, don't go above 50mph day, they understand why we ride bikes, and teach very good skills based on the police system of riding. The main points are road positioning approaching corners, linking corners together & correct use of gears. It actually transforms your riding, and you are faster, smoother & safer.
If there is anything similar in Montreal I'd highly recommend it.
I'm also very jealous of the roads you must have there to explore, unlike the congested south of England.
Wed, 08/09/2010 - 21:49
#5
Re: Newby Tire Questions
It's not a yellow jacket, don't go above 50mph day, they understand why we ride bikes, and teach very good skills based on the police system of riding. The main points are road positioning approaching corners, linking corners together & correct use of gears. It actually transforms your riding, and you are faster, smoother & safer.
What's a yellow jacket day? I'm sure riding laws are different on your side of the pond and I don't understand the reference.
If there is anything similar in Montreal I'd highly recommend it.
One of (the two) local BMW dealers (who also claims to be the largest in Canada and some number which I cannot remember in the top twenty in the world) offers a private course which is four hours long and costs $300. They tell me it is very popular and that some people retake it every year or two to hone their skills. I'm now trying to set up a date that works.
I'm also very jealous of the roads you must have there to explore, unlike the congested south of England.
Oh believe me, we've got PLENTY of congested roads. You'd probably feel right at home, other than for the side of the road we drive on. My morning commute is only 20 km but in rush hour it often takes a full hour. No fun at all.
Cheers!
Wed, 08/09/2010 - 21:49
#6
Re: Newby Tire Questions
Hi Eldor,
It will be of little comfort to you to hear that when I went to my local BMW dealer asking about the 1200RT and 1300GT, the dealer commented that the 1300GT 'eats rear tires'
How you finding the bike now that you are getting a few miles in?
Wed, 08/09/2010 - 22:06
#7
Re: Newby Tire Questions
It will be of little comfort to you to hear that when I went to my local BMW dealer asking about the 1200RT and 1300GT, the dealer commented that the 1300GT 'eats rear tires'
You're right... That is little comfort to me. SIGH. I am glad though that when people talk about 5,000 etc. they are talking about miles and not kilometers. But if this bike eats rear tires, my question (to get back to what I originally asked, was which brand of tire usually comes with the bike. Everything I'd read suggested it was Metzeler tires and I was surprised that mine came with Bridgestones. Could this be a change in order to get better tire life, or just one of several tires that BMW puts on new bikes? I'm liking these tires so far, but have no idea how they compare with other brands.
How you finding the bike now that you are getting a few miles in?
I have three answers to that question:
1) Easy. I always remember where I left it.
2) Fantastic! I really love it! Handles like a dream, plenty of power, lots of features.
3) Expensive! I dropped my bike 9 days after getting it and the entire left side is damaged. Got a repair quote today from the dealer... $4200!!!!
(I talk about the drop and show photos of the damage in my K1300GT thread if you are interested.)
Best regards....
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 00:12
#8
Re: Newby Tire Questions
Yes, I saw the pics of the drop and left a sympathetic comment - my first drop was when pushing my Honda Deauville and getting caught out by the camber - wans't much damage but it is embarrassing.
My GS1200 then went down though I was nowehere near it at the time and it was stationary. Had a good strong cover over it and a gust of wind whooshed up under the cover and downed the bike. One to remember if you are ever thinking of leaving it anywhere exposed with a cover on.
As for your tire questions, hopefully someone will come up with some suggestions. A bit pointless asking the UK dealers, I think, as each country's dealers probably have their own instructions from BMW.
Anyway, glad to hear you are loving the bike. I am going to hold out and see what this 6 cylinder BMW is like.
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 11:01
#9
Re: Newby Tire Questions
I am going to hold out and see what this 6 cylinder BMW is like.
No one here has any comment on tires?