Need Tires for my '08 RT. Suggestions?

[BCVBeck]

Good Morning All,

Yes, I know this is the LT Forum, but, I thought I'd ask this here anyway.

Sadly, it looks like it's already time for new shoes for my '08 RT. It's just shy of 6k miles. Apparently the BATTLAX 020s are not going to last much longer. I have been absolutely anal about maintaining proper inflation through almost daily pre-ride pressure checks. [36 psi (F)/42 psi (R)]. The front tire tread is only about a sheet of paper or two above the tread wear indicator. Additionally, I believe I'm seeing some minor "cupping" as well. [The leading edge of the tread sections to either side of tire center are "higher" than the trailing edge of the same tread section.] I am hearing some tire whine while riding as well. Though nowhere near as pronouced as what I heard from the ME880s on my LT. Since the front is at least close, and I'm looking at a 6K service soon, I thought I'd go ahead and get a new front tire. Then... the rest of the story! I did a VERY close inspection of the rear tire. Apparently the rear tire has picked up a small nail along the way. This would explain why I'd have to top off the rear wheel a psi every other day or so. At first, I didn't worry about this too much as we can experience a 40 degree (F) temp swing here in the Central CA Valley during the summer. So, now you know 'why' I'm asking about tires.

Any suggestions/recommendations/experiences would be welcome. FWIW, I haven't exactly seen a whole lot of "good" posts for the Bridgestones. Okay, there are a few, but not many.

Thanks for your time. Cheers! :dance:

[DonD]

I have over 8000 miles on a set of Metzeler Roadtecs and I'd guess I've got at least another 2000 miles before they'll need replaced. Have had no issues.
I just read a test this morning on Dunlop Roadsmarts that is very positive, but no info on how long they last.
http://www.motorcycle.com/products/dunlop-roadsmart-tire-review-75375.html

[rlv]

get the Conti Road Attacks and forget it.

[Effjay]

I'm on my 2nd set of tires at 5.4K on Michelin Pilot Road2 (originals were Japanese Bridgestones whereas OEM on my former FJR1300 were German Metzelers - go figure). Pilot Road2's are dual compound described here: Michelin PR2 (http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/index.cfm?event=pilotroad2) . I haven't measured, but plenty of tread left compared to the 'Stones rear tire being toast by 6K. Dunlop Roadsmart (http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=101) is similar and also popular right now. For more information, you might want to do a search here: BMWST (http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/)

Jeff

[Effjay]

For more information, you might want to do a search here: BMWST (http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/) Oops, I see have done that, posted your Q there and have several responses already!

[BMWphreak]

I've got 6800 miles on the OEM Bstone 020 tires and will most likely get about 7500 out of them. I already have a fresh set of Avon Storms waiting to be mounted. After riding 3 sets of Avons on past bikes and having them perform flawlessly in heavy rain, cold (<30 degrees) and heat (>110 degrees), I can't think of anything else I would want to ride on!

But it seems tires are a lot like underwear; some like boxers, some like briefs, and some... like thongs!

[BCVBeck]

Thanks All for your responses. Just a quick update on the rear tire on my RT. Yep, that shiny spot was actually a piece of metal about 1/16" in diameter by 3/4" long. Got some garage-based practice using my tire-plugger kit! :D Will see how will my work holds up pressure-wise. Fixin' to give Cycle Gear a call for new tires... Cheers! :dance:

[BCVBeck]

Thanks again for everyone's responses. Cycle Gear just happened to have a set of Dunlop Roadsmart tires so I went and got 'em. Tire changer guy will be by on Tuesday to change/balance them. Will report back once I've tried out the new shoes. Have a great weekend.

Cheers :wave

[MikeERideWNC]

get the Conti Road Attacks and forget it.


Make sure to get the "C" fitment they are made for the RT.
I have a set on my VFR and love them.

[Vffr1]

Thanks again for everyone's responses. Cycle Gear just happened to have a set of Dunlop Roadsmart tires so I went and got 'em. Tire changer guy will be by on Tuesday to change/balance them. Will report back once I've tried out the new shoes. Have a great weekend.

Cheers :wave

I purchased a set of Pilot Road 2's on my RT12 and absolutely HATED them. They were so bad (felt like I was ridding on marbles when pushed), that I took them off within one week and sold them as used as a $100 loss, in there place I went with the winner of the Tour Bike tires test, the Roadsmarts, I freaking them, in fact they are the best tires I've ever ridden on (14 bikes and at least 50 pairs of tires later, that is a pretty big statement).

Let me know if you love the Roadsmarts 1/2 as much as I do? Wear is not as important to me as grip, but the fact that they should were well is s bonus. I've pushed them as hard as I could and they stick like sandpaper and warm up so quickly its scary.

Great choice, by the way.

Michael

[Vffr1]

Here is want I meant to say:

I purchased a set of Pilot Road 2's for my RT12 and absolutely HATED them.

They were so bad (felt like I was ridding on marbles when pushed), that I took them off within one week and sold them as used at a $100 loss, in there place I went with the winner of the Tour Bike tires test, the Roadsmarts, I freaking love them, in fact they are the best tires I've ever ridden on (14 bikes and at least 50 pairs of tires later, that is a pretty big statement).

Let me know if you love the Roadsmarts 1/2 as much as I do? Wear is not as important to me as grip, but the fact that they should weaar well is a bonus.

I've pushed them as hard as I could and they stick like sandpaper and warm up so quickly its scary.

Great choice, by the way.

Michael

[BCVBeck]

Thanks Michael. Really appreciate your response. Am looking forward to a test ride Tuesday afternoon.

Have a great day.

[Vffr1]

Thanks Michael. Really appreciate your response. Am looking forward to a test ride Tuesday afternoon.

Have a great day.

How do you like the Roadsmarts?

Michael