Tired of Tire Threads? or...

[CharlieVT]

Why not another tire thread?

Help me make a list of tires currently available that are proper for the KLT?

I have run Metzs', Stones (020 radials), and Avon Storms (current tires).
Looking to put on a new set before the ride to CCR. Metzs have become kinda of pricey lately huh? I loved the 020 radials, no longer available. I like the Avons pretty well and may get another set but I am thinking about trying the Bridgestone bias ply tires.
Isn't there some info about the bias ply being correct for the KLT models with the newer front end rake (2005 and newer?) but not for the older ones?


I think the info in the Hall of Wisdom is out dated, surely the data about the Bridgestones is no longer current. What is the correct Bridgestone data regarding the bias ply tires, and are they appropriate for all year models?

Here's a cut n' paste of the current HOW data:

"IMPORTANT NOTE: The LT is a HEAVY bike and requires special tires. Do not buy just any ME 880s or BT020s in the same size as your current tires. You must buy the LT specific tires with the following size/part info:
Metzeler ME 880
Front Tire: 120/70 B17 M/C 58V TL ME880 Marathon Front - 2.50 BAR
Rear Tire: 160/70 B17 M/C 79V Reinf. TL ME880 Marathon
Bridgestone BT020
Front Tire: 120/70R17 BT020 BW TL M 58V V 23.8 4.7 5 520lbs 42psi 3.50
Rear Tire: 160/70R17 BT020 BW TL M 79V V 25.9 6.1 8 963lbs 48psi 4.50
NOTE: These are the "V" rated tires. The "Z" rated tires are not load rated for the K1200LT!
At least three other tires are known to fit the LT. Performance and mileage on these is generally not as good as the ones listed above but some riders like them.
Avon Azaro AV45/AV46 ST
Front Tire: AV45-ST 120/70 R17 (58W)
Rear Tire: AV46-ST 160/70 R17 79V
Dunlop D205
Front Tire: D205 120/70B17 Loaded PSI : 42
Rear Tire: D205B (F/R) 160/70B17 Loaded PSI : 46
Michelin Macadam 50EM
Front Tire: 120/70-17 58 V TL/TT
Rear Tire: 160/70-17 79 V REINF. TL/TT "

[sanjaun2]

Charlie,
The BT 020 bias tires work just fine on the "older" 99-2004 LT's. I ran several sets on my 2000 LT before I sold it.

[lnowell]

Charlie,
The BT 020 bias tires work just fine on the "older" 99-2004 LT's. I ran several sets on my 2000 LT before I sold it.

No problem with them at all on my 01 either. Actually I mixed them with the 020 radials at times and could tell no difference at all. Avon ST AV45 is the best front tire I have used on the LT along with the 020 radial rear.

[sanjaun2]

No problem with them at all on my 01 either. Actually I mixed them with the 020 radials at times and could tell no difference at all. Avon ST AV45 is the best front tire I have used on the LT along with the 020 radial rear.
Lee,
My favorite was the bias bt020 rear and the AV45 front, but I heard Avon quit making the av45

[Dick]

Howdy, Curtis - nice timing on this thread. I just this last week decided to update the tire information relative to the LT and somehow get changes made in the HoW pages (if possible). I'm progressing pretty slow at the moment tho. Have a couple of manufacturers that I've e-mailed requesting their input, after giving them our LT's parameters. Haven't heard back yet, butt it's been too soon to hear anythang, I think.

I started this leetle project after reading some of the tire technical data from folks who are fitting tires that just don't seem to me to be fitment=spec'd for the LT. I hope I'm wrong, and so I'm letting the tire maufacturer make the decision and provide the data for our community.

If you wanna do your thang on this, Curtis - please do so. Combined, we should get the real skinny so folks won't have to guess, or be fitted with borderline weight-rated tires.

Best Regards.

[CharlieVT]

Hi Dick et al,
Here's what I found by searching the online Tire Fitment Guides for the tire manufacturers. I went kinda cross-eyed reading charts and fitment guides. Please post to provide corrections and additional info.

Metzler
Front 120/70 B 17 58V ME880 (58V)
Rear 160/70 B 17 79V ME880 (79V)
For years 1999-2008

Bridgestone
Front 120/70 VB17 Battlax BT020 "M" (58V)
Rear 160/70VB17 Battlax BT020 "M" (79V)
For years 1999-2008

Dunlop
Front 120/70B17 D205B (58V)
Rear 160/70B17 D205B (79V)
For years 1999-2008


Avon
Front 120/70 ZR17 Storm-ST (58W)
Rear 160/70 R17 Storm-ST (79V)
For years 1999-2003

NOTE: Avon fitment guide lists only K1200LT model years 1999 to 2003 in their fitment guide; the Avons are radial tires. Metzler, Bridgestone, and Dunlop all have bias ply tires for the K1200LT and specify all years from 1999-2008 in their fitment guides.

As many have noted on this board, Bridgestone no longer make a radial tire for the K1200LT.

The Avon Storm ST was previously one of the Azaro line; the Avon fitment guide does not currently list a Azaro model for the K1200LT.

If my interpertation of these manufacturer's fitment guides is correct, each manufacturer is making only one tire that is listed as suitable for the K1200LT, and Avon's is suitable only for model years 99-2003.

Load and Speed ratings: I have included the speed and load rating for each tire in parentheses. Below is a link to Avon's table to decode the speed/load rating. There are undoubtly other tires out there, but checking the load rating, and care when mixing brands and types of tires would seem prudent when selecting tires other than a matched set from the above manufacturers.
http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=technical&subpage=tech_speed

[Dick]

Great job, Curtis. Man, I ain't got much to do now!!! Actually, what I'll do is match your info with anythang I receive from the manufacturers and letcha know of any changes, alternates, or differing info. Thanks, Curtis - hope we can make an update in the HoW section on tires, or get this posted where it's easy retrieval. Best regards.

[dano0827]

Hi Dick et al,
Here's what I found by searching the online Tire Fitment Guides for the tire manufacturers. I went kinda cross-eyed reading charts and fitment guides. Please post to provide corrections and additional info.

Metzler
Front 120/70 B 17 58V ME880 (58V)
Rear 160/70 B 17 79V ME880 (79V)
For years 1999-2008

Bridgestone
Front 120/70 VB17 Battlax BT020 "M" (58V)
Rear 160/70VB17 Battlax BT020 "M" (79V)
For years 1999-2008

Dunlop
Front 120/70B17 D205B (58V)
Rear 160/70B17 D205B (79V)
For years 1999-2008


Avon
Front 120/70 ZR17 Storm-ST (58W)
Rear 160/70 R17 Storm-ST (79V)
For years 1999-2003

NOTE: Avon fitment guide lists only K1200LT model years 1999 to 2003 in their fitment guide; the Avons are radial tires. Metzler, Bridgestone, and Dunlop all have bias ply tires for the K1200LT and specify all years from 1999-2008 in their fitment guides.

As many have noted on this board, Bridgestone no longer make a radial tire for the K1200LT.

The Avon Storm ST was previously one of the Azaro line; the Avon fitment guide does not currently list a Azaro model for the K1200LT.

If my interpertation of these manufacturer's fitment guides is correct, each manufacturer is making only one tire that is listed as suitable for the K1200LT, and Avon's is suitable only for model years 99-2003.

Load and Speed ratings: I have included the speed and load rating for each tire in parentheses. Below is a link to Avon's table to decode the speed/load rating. There are undoubtly other tires out there, but checking the load rating, and care when mixing brands and types of tires would seem prudent when selecting tires other than a matched set from the above manufacturers.
http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=technical&subpage=tech_speed

just gunna peep in for a sec,,,,,
Avon hast tires for the LT or at least i am running em, the AV55/56 storms,
great tires, very sticky in the beginning and thru the long run, they are really noisy now with 9k miles, the rear is bout due for replacement but the front has alot of meat yet, but i do not mix and match tires, i use the counter part rear or front tire, i am searching for a tire more sport athletic, not touring so much, if i cant find anything i will likely put another set of the Storms on, they do hook up well, but like any tire, once that flat edge starts on the tire, it begins to get hairy laying it over, the confidence is gone, i still do it, just not as aggresively.
Peace :dance:

[CharlieVT]

Hi Dan,
Yes Avon has tires for the LT. Maybe my post wasn't clear or maybe you read it too fast. There is no matched set of Azaros by Avon for the LT, I wanted to point that out in case someone went looking for Azaros. The Avon Storms are the tires for the LT and were modeled after the Azaros formerly listed as proper fitment for the LT. I am also running Avon Storms currently and like them too. The one thing I noted with interest was that while all the other manufacturers listed KLTs from year 99 to 2008 in their fitment guide for the KLT, Avon listed only years 99-2003. I dunno much about it, but I did read that after the KLT front end was modified to "improve low speed stability" (rake angle was changed I think) radial tires were no longer recommended.
So, yes, there are Avons for the KLT and they are the Storms. But.... why Avon lists only years 1999-2003 on their fitment guide for the K1200LT is something I can only speculate about.
Maybe I'll send them an email inquiry.
Update: I did send an inquiry to an Avon email contact listed on their website for fitment questions. Let's see what I get in response.


just gunna peep in for a sec,,,,,
Avon hast tires for the LT or at least i am running em, the AV55/56 storms,
great tires, very sticky in the beginning and thru the long run, they are really noisy now with 9k miles, the rear is bout due for replacement but the front has alot of meat yet, but i do not mix and match tires, i use the counter part rear or front tire, i am searching for a tire more sport athletic, not touring so much, if i cant find anything i will likely put another set of the Storms on, they do hook up well, but like any tire, once that flat edge starts on the tire, it begins to get hairy laying it over, the confidence is gone, i still do it, just not as aggresively.
Peace :dance:

[Dick]

....... The one thing I noted with interest was that while all the other manufacturers listed KLTs from year 99 to 2008 in their fitment guide for the KLT, Avon listed only years 99-2003. I dunno much about it, but I did read that after the KLT front end was modified to "improve low speed stability" (rake angle was changed I think) radial tires were no longer recommended.
So, yes, there are Avons for the KLT and they are the Storms. But.... why Avon lists only years 1999-2003 on their fitment guide for the K1200LT is something I can only speculate about.
Maybe I'll send them an email inquiry.
Update: I did send an inquiry to an Avon email contact listed on their website for fitment questions. Let's see what I get in response.
Hey, Curtis. I wuz just reading the fitment chart over at the Metzeler website and they have some 'check the fine print' entries there too. For example, if you input BMW and K1200LT, they show (1999>2008) as using the ME880 tire sets. AND, they show an additional K1200LT entry for (>2004) with a note that no Metzeler is spec'd for that??? Weird - as in I don't unnerstand!! :confused:

[CharlieVT]

Hey, Curtis. I wuz just reading the fitment chart over at the Metzeler website and they have some 'check the fine print' entries there too. For example, if you input BMW and K1200LT, they show (1999>2008) as using the ME880 tire sets. AND, they show an additional K1200LT entry for (>2004) with a note that no Metzeler is spec'd for that??? Weird - as in I don't unnerstand!! :confused:

You know Dick, I saw that... and just did a mental dismissal as some quirk in the fitment guide that the proof reader hadn't cleaned out. Now that you mention it, I'm curious too. Metz never had a radial for the KLT did they?
Was it 2003-04 that the front end was changed? I vaguely (every thing is vague these days) that someone did post on this site that radials were not recommended by BMW after the front end change. Remember anything about that?
We'd like to think that the fitment guides on the manufacturer's web sites were up to date, complete, and error free.... but that maybe an unrealistic expectation.

(BTW I ordered a set of Stone Bias ply to mount for the ride to Utah. I'll wear out the Avon Storms until then. That'll be my first experience with the Bridgestone bias ply. I used to put on a new set of Bridgestone radials every 6K miles along with the oil change. I really liked the handling of those tires, the Avons are good but not quite like the old Stone radials.)

Best,
Curtis

[Dick]

You know Dick, I saw that... and just did a mental dismissal as some quirk in the fitment guide that the proof reader hadn't cleaned out. Now that you mention it, I'm curious too. Metz never had a radial for the KLT did they?

I don't remember a Metz radial spec'd for the LT, butt vague is in my vocabulary too!! ;)

Was it 2003-04 that the front end was changed? I vaguely (every thing is vague these days) that someone did post on this site that radials were not recommended by BMW after the front end change. Remember anything about that?

Yep, butt I didn't pay too much attention at the time, cuz ole Toad is a '99 and I wuzn't interested in a newer model. Maybe someone else will chime in on the archival history of Metz's and the change in the LT frontend rake.

And hey, since you're gonna chat up Avon, I think I'll do the same with the Metzeler crew and see what kinda response they have to their fitment chart entry. I'll post back.

[lnowell]

Lee,
My favorite was the bias bt020 rear and the AV45 front, but I heard Avon quit making the av45


They did. I found some (AV45s) at J & P Cycle for $49.00 each and purchased 2. Unlike most folks here, I do not think the front Storms are right for the LT.

[Dick]

I don't remember a Metz radial spec'd for the LT, butt vague is in my vocabulary too!! ;)

And hey, since you're gonna chat up Avon, I think I'll do the same with the Metzeler crew and see what kinda response they have to their fitment chart entry. I'll post back.
Hey, Curtis et. al. --- got this reply from Metzeler, and as promised, am posting it here.
===============================

Hello

The new web site fitment chart format is designed to be used in many different countries but with special filters because not all bikes are sold in each country and the fitment chart must be flexible in it's design. The call out for a K1200LT 2004 bike is different in the web site because this model has a different model designation or a special need for a specific market. But since the data is blank and the other call out (1999-2008) covers the North American 2004 fitment the issue is mute.

The 1999-2008 fitment data is correct for this application and these ME880 V-rated bias tires are the ONLY tested and approved tires for a BMW K1200LT as they have been for many, many years. Thanks for the e-mail.

US Metzeler Moto
www.us.metzelermoto.com
==============================

[joegottberg]

They did. I found some (AV45s) at J & P Cycle for $49.00 each and purchased 2. Unlike most folks here, I do not think the front Storms are right for the LT.

I'm Rolling the Dice as well.

I'm going to try the $49.00 per. Bought 2. Fingers are crossed. If I could only find a $49.00 Rear ;)

J&P Avon $49.00 Tire (http://www.jpcycles.com/productdetail.aspx?PID=ZZ21030)

[CharlieVT]

That's a pretty good reply from the Metz folks, Dick. Thanks for posting it.
I still haven't heard from Avon in response to my inquiry as to why their fitment guide only lists 1999-2003 K1200LTs. Maybe they're trying to learn the reason themselves? ;)


Hey, Curtis et. al. --- got this reply from Metzeler, and as promised, am posting it here.
===============================

Hello

The new web site fitment chart format is designed to be used in many different countries but with special filters because not all bikes are sold in each country and the fitment chart must be flexible in it's design. The call out for a K1200LT 2004 bike is different in the web site because this model has a different model designation or a special need for a specific market. But since the data is blank and the other call out (1999-2008) covers the North American 2004 fitment the issue is mute.

The 1999-2008 fitment data is correct for this application and these ME880 V-rated bias tires are the ONLY tested and approved tires for a BMW K1200LT as they have been for many, many years. Thanks for the e-mail.

US Metzeler Moto
www.us.metzelermoto.com
==============================

[ez_rdr55]

They did. I found some (AV45s) at J & P Cycle for $49.00 each and purchased 2. Unlike most folks here, I do not think the front Storms are right for the LT.

I will have to second that about the front Storm. I just got back from 2100 miles of Virginia twisties and the front didn't cut it. The wear pattern was very uneven. I wanted to like this tire...BUT NO I will not be putting another Storm on the LT.

[AlaskaFish]

Toss me in with the Anti-Storm crowd as well gang! I also got back recently from the Red River Roundup down in New Mexico, and my front Avon was totally wasted after about 3500 miles! It wanted to shake the handlebars like crazy anytime I was at low speeds (like going through any town!), or in a left turn at lower speeds (like less than 45 MPH, which was not that often thankfully!). For some strange reason it was fine in the right handers!

I was really happy to have Brian and Dan along on the ride home. Dan was good enough to accompany me all the way, and Brian most of the way. I really was not sure that the tire was going to make it home, it was so bad!

The wear pattern was totally lopsided, with almost a ridge, or drop off along the right side of the tire. Departing Red River on a Sunday somewhat limited my shopping choices though, so we just decided to grit our teeth and get on home.

I was really happy with the Azaro on the front previously, and even the Storm for the first half of this last trip (about 1700 miles), but not anymore!

John

[CharlieVT]

Okay, I just got a nice email from a gent at Avon:
Here's what he had to say about Avon fitment on the K1200LT:

"Sorry for the delay in responding. We have found that in some instances a 2004+ model bike can wear the fronts tyres irregularily. This then can lead to handlebar shake. Due to this, we only recommend tyres for the earlier model. We are currently testing a new tyre for the later model however.

Best regards,
Peter J McNally
M/C Technical Product Manager"


On a personal note I am very happy with the Avon Storms on my 2000 KLT. It seems that when BMW "improved" the front end configuration some things didn't get better.
On a related issue, I saw something that suggested there is a retrofit for 2004+ bikes to make them more like the earlier bikes in terms of the front end configuration.

[LAF]

They did. I found some (AV45s) at J & P Cycle for $49.00 each and purchased 2. Unlike most folks here, I do not think the front Storms are right for the LT.

Well I bought two also. In light of all the issues being reported on the Front Storm I want to be prepared. 109.07 for 2 to the door. That is a steal.

Thank you for the heads up.

As I just mounted a pair of Storms on my 07 the general consensus does not look good.

I can tell you I love them now with under 100 miles on but I know it turns into a love/hate relationship pretty quickly from the posts I have read.

[GlennM86]

[QUOTE=LAF]Well I bought two also. In light of all the issues being reported on the Front Storm I want to be prepared. 109.07 for 2 to the door. That is a steal. [QUOTE]


What tire will you run on the rear when you run the Avon 120/70ZR17 on the front?

Thanks.

[LAF]

[QUOTE=LAF]Well I bought two also. In light of all the issues being reported on the Front Storm I want to be prepared. 109.07 for 2 to the door. That is a steal. [QUOTE]


What tire will you run on the rear when you run the Avon 120/70ZR17 on the front?

Thanks.
I will stay with the Storm rear if it holds up. If not then I will have to find another rear of some type. It seems the rear is OK on the Storms it is the front people are having issues with.

But for the cost and the reports on this 49 dollar tire I will not pass them up.

[drmajor]

03 LT came with 880 and got 13k out of them, but they sure did cup and make noise.

Switched to AVon front and Bridgestone Radial rear. Fried two rears in NC mountains. One rear was swollen so much, it rubbed the swing arm. Both heated up so hot that it smelled like I was doing burn outs.

After much persuasion, Bridgestone replaced with Biased 020. So far so good, but I have not been in the mountains on them.

Will likely stay with biased 020 or 880 and keep the psi up.

[Briantime]

I'm Rolling the Dice as well.

I'm going to try the $49.00 per. Bought 2. Fingers are crossed. If I could only find a $49.00 Rear ;)

J&P Avon $49.00 Tire (http://www.jpcycles.com/productdetail.aspx?PID=ZZ21030)

Just getting into this thread since new tire time is coming for me....the link brings up those tiures @ $99...did I miss a sale? :(

[KMC1]

Curtis, nice job putting this together man!
I just got back from my vacation ride and pretty much finished off my Bstone front tire (older radial style) and am going to put on a set of the bias to try them out. Truth be told, I think bias will be more than fine for the LT since it's not able to get over to ridiculous lean angles anyway. I'm hoping the mileage will be good and the handling nice and neutral like the radials were.

Thanks for cutting through to the chase on this to make it simple.

PS don't forget to buy your tires from SWMoto and thank Blaine for the fine job he does! :D

[joegottberg]

Just getting into this thread since new tire time is coming for me....the link brings up those tiures @ $99...did I miss a sale? :(

Don't know what happened. The others were on "clearance". I bought 2 to help lower shipping.

Must have cleared the inventory.

[RuneMLC]

Can someone tell me the differance between the 160/70 B17 M/C 79v Reinf ME880 Marathon and the 160/70 B 17 m/c 73h ME880 :confused:

[Dick]

Can someone tell me the differance between the 160/70 B17 M/C 79v Reinf ME880 Marathon and the 160/70 B 17 m/c 73h ME880 :confused:
The latter (73h weight rating) is insufficient for carrying the LT. Requires the former (Reinforced 79V weight rated) tire.

[jzeiler]

I'll back you up Dick with details.


73 = 805 lbs H=130 mph

79 = 963 lbs V=149 mph

On the front rating a 58 only yeilds 520lbs so you better not do stoppies with the LT

[RuneMLC]

Thanks guys I kind of figured that out after I posted this. I did a little more searching. Thanks anyways. That will teach me to buy a tire off of eBay. Ray :dance: :histerica

[dnifong]

ok, i'm a little confused. What brands are available for a 2005? Were is the best or fastest site to order them from?

Biased opinions "sales folks welcome"

dale

[Steve_R]

For the '05 and up you only have two choices biased choices available. Metzeler and Bridgestone. There are other biased tires available I think, but the two above are used by most members on their LTs, with Metzeler being the mileage champ as proclaimed by most folks.