Need tire recommendation please

[yechave]

With only 500 miles of use on our used 99 LT, while waiting for SO in parking lot yesterday, I noticed the front tire (Metzeler Marathon) had cupping all around (cups are about the size of my thumb pads) on both sides of center. We had hoped it would not NEED a tire till after next spring, but I think this is a necessity. The cost of repairs thus far is starting to bring this into the "may not have been such a great deal, cost wise" category.

The good news is it got us to buy the right kind of bike for us, and we were able to trade the RT, which was definitely not the right bike for us.

I've read quite a few of the tire threads which left me more confused.

I am looking for a few tips from owners that have used different tires. Home base is Pa, need good rain tire, otherwise the usual temp ranges from 40-90 degree usage, lots of bumpy roads, mostly riding two up. We intend to do some 500-1000 mile rides next spring.

I am assuming these Metzeler's are bias ply tires, which I do not like. If I replace one, they both get replaced.

The RT had great riding tires, they did not have the feeling of getting stuck in a grove in the road, plus they had a softer ride.

Need to make my decision by tonight, maybe tomorrow AM at the latest, or just let it go until spring and gather more info on the subject.

Thanks in advance!

[NOGILLS2]

As of now I am using the Metzler 880, the question is what do you want from your tires. I like the bridgestones the best, but the front tire only last for 5K miles or so for me. I tried the stone rear and avon azara front, which worked very well, nice ride and good milage, but neither tire is available. b'stones is recomending the BT021 now, and avon is recomending the "Storm" tires for the LT.

My next set to go on the bike is Metzlers 880, bias ply tire, as the radials have had problems on the LT. The problem with metzlers is they will cup after a couple thousand miles, but will last for 15K if proper inflation is monitored.

As you will discover this subject is like discussing which oil is best, you will recieve as many opinions as there are members on this site.

So far after trying different tires and combinations, I am returning to Metzlers. HTH

[justlookin]

Bought my 04 LT in June. It had a cupped Metzler 880 on the front when I bought it. However, it had quite a bit of tread left. 8,000 mi later, it still has cupping, its a little worse, but still has a fair amount of tread.
I run the front pressure at 42, I think it helps.
I also do not take my hands off the grips if I'm slowing down. Very strong wheel shake if I do.
I'd say run it and keep the pressure up.
Just my $.02.
Jeff

[brianbeemer]

Just a quick input on the BT021's. I bought a set for my R1100 recently and they took longer to bed in than any others that I've used. They didn't really feel sticky until the best part of 200 miles was on them. Maybe I ride too gently, but with the 'feel' coming through on these new tires I wasn't going to push it.

That said, now they're well bedded in I am very happy with them, although they are much noisier (road roar) than the 020's they replaced.

[yechave]

Very briefly having discussed the possible need for tires next year with the dealer before we bought the bike, he too stated his recommendation would be for the Bias tire. A friend runs the same on his Wing.

Not sure why the tire is cupping, which in my mind indicates something is not right. The bike has a very strange front end, steering issue feeling when making turns at low speeds.

If that is the case, possibly we get by with a new front tire and do the rear later next year. I noticed the steering damper was had a small leak, and that is being replaced tomorrow. I don't know much about the bike and have no idea if that is contributory to the problem.

Will take the collective answers we get here, and split the difference. Plus, we have to settle on what the dealer wants/can provide and is willing to stand behind.

Thanks!

[yechave]

Hi Jeff,

I checked the recommended tire pressure, the manual states 36 front. I checked the tired just after it came out of the shop for service, it was 42. Now that you mention you use 42, I will have to check with them again, see why they put 42 in, and if that is what is recommended, vs what the manual suggests.

Thanks!

[mtrevelino]

From my understanding, the BT021's are not rated for the LT. Please correct me if I am wrong!
I also thought that bridgestone made both the BT020 radial and bias tire but have discontinued the radial tire.

[ibbones]

Hi Jeff,

I checked the recommended tire pressure, the manual states 36 front. I checked the tired just after it came out of the shop for service, it was 42. Now that you mention you use 42, I will have to check with them again, see why they put 42 in, and if that is what is recommended, vs what the manual suggests.

Thanks!Do not bother with what the manual states, look at the tire. The manual was for the STOCK tires that came with the bike.
I use and like the 880 with 42/48 and do about 12-15k miles on the rear but I change out the whole set. New set of skins just feel soooo good.

[rglassma]

BMW replaced a tire for me under warranty sometime ago because the "MANUAL IS WRONG" on tire pressure. Don't listen to it or you will be SOL. If you do a search on the forum, most owners use 42f and 48 rear for just about any tire used with this bike. (never say everyone and always).

With regard to tire recommendation, my experience has been that the Metzler 880 is the best thing going. No, it isn't sticky and it can be a bit squirrelly when they are new. I have had them for going on 10K now. It is my first set. The front has plenty of life left (maybe another 10K). The rear is just about done and I will be replacing it in a couple of days.

I believe the max tire pressure for the rear on an 880 is 50psi (without looking to confirm). I typically run between 48 - 50 on the rear depending on what I am carrying. The front is usually 42 or maybe a little more (never any less).

That works for me. It is the 880s from now on for me...

Good luck.

[tomt]

Being from Lancaster County PA, I have the same conditions as you! Just replaced the Bridgestone front, cupping/feathered @5,000 miles with the Metzler M880 in October. Kept the Bridgestone rear, still good tread. Dealer recommended the 42F 48R combo. So far so good after 1,000 miles. The ride is harder. Have not been in too much rain, wet roads have not been a problem. Does anyone know if the Battlax 20 front is available? Was told they were back-ordered.

[tobiwan]

tire was the stone. lasted just over 5K replaced with Metzler 880. rear stone replaced at 16K and again at 30K. front tire also replaced at 30K with a life span of 25K. tire pressure 42 front 48 rear. checked every day on my four corner 12,025 mi trip. some days lost as much as 8 lbs. in each tire.
At 06 CCR stone tire rep stated there are three things that have in impact on tire life. they are, in order of importance:

1. tire pressure
also having a direct impact
2. tire pressure
most important is the
3. tire pressure

he went so far as to suggest this was true for all tire suppliers and we who depend on the very small patch of tire on the road would do well to pay attention to the pressure we are running in them.


the collective experience of most people that have an opinion here is 42 lbs. for the front and 48 lbs in the rear

[Steve_R]

I had been a firm believer in the Bridgestone radials even with the rear separating on two different tires. I moved to the Avon Storms just before I totaled my bike. If I had an LT today, I'd be back on the Storms as they are stickier that the Metzelers and they are radials. But one must go with what one feels comfortable doing. I'd rather have the tire stick than have higher mileage.

BTW, I was running my tire pressures at 44F and 50R on the BT020 'stones and was getting better mileage there than most. That was also the pressure I was running on the Storms.

JM2CW as usual.

[yechave]

Well, other than actually having the tires already on the bike, the Metzelers have been ordered. I really wanted radials, the dealer and his service manager both stated the Metzeler 880's were the way to go on the LT. Cost, $435 installed. That included our VIP, just bought the bike from them, pricing.

Total cost for repairs on the 99LT we just bought for $7200 just ten days ago, $1230, not including the much wanted 1200RT handlebar mirrors.

My theoretical concern about all this, is how well did the dealers service department check the bike, prior to putting a value on it. Also, what are they obligated to disclose, when then knew full well it at least needed new tires? A couple of turns on the shock adjuster, and they would have known that was shot too, or should have.

My knowing very little at all about any BMW, I trusted the dealer to disclose any known problems and take care of any issues within reason. After just 300 miles of use, it needs a rear shock which they are replacing at our expense and providing a used one, front dampener, windshield was found to have four cracks at the mounting brackets which I agreed when we bought it to replace, have the noise issues with front and rear brakes, the low beam is being replaced with a PIAA for $50, two tires, for a grand total of $1230 something.

The good news is they gave me credit for the bar mirrors purchased for the RT, it will be a lot safer than it was, and we really love the bike. Had this not been there, I would never have even wanted to test ride an LT, seemingly too big for me.

So, if money ever becomes abundant somewhere down the road, we can always get another bike if for some reason if we are not happy with this after all is said and done.

Otherwise, we can't wait till next year to put some serious miles on this machine.

Thanks for all the great information!

[ironbuttwannabe]

Your shock might not have been bad at all. It could have just needed some oil put in it. I thought my shock was toast too at 36,000 but I added the oil and it is like a new machine. It raised the bike at least a couple of inches.
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8406&highlight=shock+preload
I would be raising some hell with that dealer because they scammed you horribly. Right now you can get a much newer bike for what you put into it. Did they charge $50 a tire to mount and balance?

[yechave]

I have to say my blood was near boiling today over these issues. I trusted the dealer knew what he had, what he was selling, and what it was worth. I was charged $80 plus for the tire installation, not sure all the details on the labor charges for the used rear shock and new dampener. I am aware of the better deals out there, now. But, as I said, had we not gone down this road, I would never have even looked at an LT.

A few I saw for sale posted they wanted cash in hand before letting anyone even ride their bike. The RT was a good experience, but more than happy we got rid of that one. We really love this bike, but on the other hand IMO, there is some responsibility for the dealer living up to his end of the bargain. They know what they have and what these bikes need. I am sure if I took it there to sell or trade, they would have pointed all these problems out rather quickly.

If it were not for all the outstanding information on this forum, I would have had no ammunition to take there today, and at least try to get these items fixed. The service manager stated he knew the tires needed to be replaced before we bought it, the owner who sold us the bike, never mentioned it. I assumed, they would not sell a bike that needed tires, at least not in the first 300 miles of use.

Part of the price we are paying for being so ignorant on the matter. I went through this with RT. All was fine and dandy when we got the six week warranty, until we had a problem, and then it was up in the air as to whether or not they would cover it. The clutch all but was useless after less than 800 miles, which was adjusted and used till we traded it, but it was the most difficult clutch I've every used on any bike. I have to believe it was about to go. The LT has the same dry clutch, and this works great.

I went trough hell two years ago with an out of state purchase for a vehicle, which had a written warranty, and the dealer refused to honor the salesman's agreement, all but $400 of the $3500 it needed in repairs. I spent seven months trying to find anyone from his city or State that was concerned about his questionable business practice, including providing false tax docs to two States. No one did anything. To have taken him to court would have cost me two days time, as well as that of two witnesses, plus more than six hours travel, food and lodging, and the stress of having to attempt to be civil with this clown. I am still paying for that injustice, with another two years of payments because of it.

I don't want to have to deal with any more crap. We got this bike to get away from all the shit we have had to deal with and find a reason to live. I am literally surprised to still be alive. I've had one foot in the grave the other on a banana peel, for some time. I hope, throwing all this money at the problem solves what needs to be done. I am none to happy having had spent this much on a 99, but it is, what it is. Good thing my SO is much more easy going about this kind of stuff than I am.

I think the dealer could have taken care of the labor on the shock and dampener. I asked him to provide parts at cost, not so sure yet if the used shock was the right way to deal with that problem, but again, we are taking his experience at face value. They sure know much more than we do what needs to be done to correctly fix these problems.

While the shoes may have cost more than they are worth, to a guy without feet, he would be thrilled to be able to wear them. That pretty much gives you an idea how I feel about having the bike.

I hope we get many many miles of bliss from this machine.

Appreciate the replies. Thanks!

[KIC]

There is another forum for BMW riders, although they aren't fond of the LT. They basically cater to all the sport touring models. I just stick around to be a thorn in their side(wall).

There is a good poll/forum on tires that I found interesting, and when I posted that they left off the Metzler 880's on my LT the response was " Yep, sorry. I left truck tires off".

Snotty lil' bunch, but it is fun goading them on.

My post and responses are here

http://www.i-bmw.com/showthread.php?t=1869&page=4



The beginning of the poll/forum starts here:

http://www.i-bmw.com/showthread.php?t=1869

it has a lot of good information.

It would be interesting to do a similiar poll/forum for LT's to see which tire really works best for these "trucks".

[RiderRay]

Wayne:
Hopefully your bike will be all set to go for next riding season. Man, on that first riding day next spring it's gonna all be worth it. Then you'll really fall in love with the LT. Hang in there.

[rglassma]

I understand your situation now... Life is way to short. I find that people that make bad choices (morally) usually get what is coming to them. Sounds like you bought a consignment bike?? Is that true? That could make a difference, but I don't really see that it would make that much difference.

Give it one more shot with the dealer for better or for worse.

But, most importantly, ride that bike... And remember, you will never see an armored car following a hurse... Life here on this earth is too short....

Good luck.

[yechave]

No, this was a dealer owned bike. So was the first we bought a month prior. The best thing going for us is this forum! At least we know what to ask for now. If we get another, we know much more than we started knowing just six weeks ago.

They do a enormous business, and as they operate in a very unusual manner compared to just about any other business I've ever seen, we felt we would go with the flow and trust these people. I know they are not there to be your buddy, they are there for the money.

It just really pisses me off, that they did not take a few moments to disclose what was obviously wrong with the bike, for safety reasons if nothing else. I wrongly assumed they would say, look the tires need to be replaced very soon. There is no doubt had I brought this in for a trade, they would have pointed out every problem and potential problem and gave a value more in line with what it truly was worth.

Time to let the problems go for now. It is either fixed, or not. That's what they get paid the big $$$ to figure out. I will have to get the self service videos, keep up with the forum information, and take care of my own problems or go to someone else I can trust.

When I used to do home contracting, if I made a mistake, I made good for it. I missed some costs in the estimate, it was either worked out, or I paid for my mistakes.

All we can do is hope the bike is fixed and runs great, for a very long time.

Appreciate the inspirational thoughts! We need them...... ;)

[ibbones]

All we can do is hope the bike is fixed and runs great, for a very long time.

Appreciate the inspirational thoughts! We need them...... ;)New shoes and a shock, you are good to go my friend...good to go. Now, get out there a go for a ride. You will be amazed at how this bike runs. The bike will be there for you and serve you well. Find a Tech Session in your area and show up. I am "wrench impaired" and have learned SOOO much about this bike that some day I might change my own oil(;)).

[cjgonzo1]

I'm now running the Avon Storm-ST's on my 2001, which are radials. Great handling in the twisties and/or while cruising on the interstate I-75. Have not tested them in the rain yet...no rain down here in Atlanta!!

Here's the tire sizes and internet link to Avon's website:

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=fitment&method=fitments&manufacturer=11&id=213&model=&year=1999


K 1200 LT (K2LT) (1999 - 2003)

Front Tyres
» Storm-ST
Size 120/70ZR17 (58W)
2.5 bar (36psi)


Rear tyres
» Storm-ST
Size 160/70R17 79V
2.9 bar (42psi)

Regarding the BT020's someone mentioned earlier, they have been discontinued and it does not appear that a replacement will hit the market anytime soon.

Regards,

Jose

[LAF]

K 1200LT (K12LT) (2004 - 2008)
Front Tyres
Size 120/70ZR17
No Avon Tyre Fitment

Rear tyres
Size 160/70ZR17
No Avon Tyre Fitment


The only thing I see is the rear for 04-08 is ZR and as you see no fitment.

[MrG]

Bridgestones, Bridgestones, Bridgestones & Metzerlers . . . I am on my 3rd set of BT020s, and they are brill, don't last as long as the Marathons, but they are brilliant. Make sure you get the "M" version and not the ordinary "R", the last front lasted about 8k miles, the rear is still going after 10k, and I don't exactly hang about on the thing. A bit better than my Tuono where I only get 2k miles to a rear.

[Shaftywon]

I'm not as knowledgable as many on the site but I can share my own experience with the Metzler 880's got close to 16000 out of the set then replaced them with more 880's. 42 front 46 rear psi has worked for me even though they will cup some. Another thing to remember is not to ride on the low side of your lane all the time I have found that the tire wears uneven if you are always on the same side of the lane.