Metzeler or Bridgestones

[Vance]

I have yet to pick up my 05-LT and ride it but have been having a great time reading all the stories about what I'm getting into.

Question: The bike is still on the showroom floor with Bridgestone tires on it from the factory. I understand the BMW and many others will cut deals with various tire mfg. and put them on the bike, so this one happens to have Bridgestones.

The sales guy that sold me the bike also puts on some good miles with his LT and said he will take off the Bridgestones for me and put on Metzler's cause the mileage is much higher and they stick better. (Better quality tire) And I said thanks.

In reading a few other threads, some people are doing the opposite, don't like the Metzeler and a few mentioned problems with cupping.

Opinion?

[JPSpen]

I believe the consensus here is the Bridgestones give quite a bit better traction than the Metzlers but you trade off that stickyness for tire life. My next set will be 'Stones just before CCR...
Supposedly the Bias Ply Bridgestones last longer than the radials... that's what I'm getting..

They all cup because of the enormous weight of the LT... and the higher than normal air pressure we carry in them. Carry the pressure, they cup. don't carry the pressure, they cup worse/ And wear out even faster.

John

[BillyOmaha]

...In reading a few other threads, some people are doing the opposite, don't like the Metzeler and a few mentioned problems with cupping.

Opinion?

Howdy Vance,

This THREAD (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1164&highlight=Tires) is a pretty thorough discussion.


.

[strsout]

The sales guy that sold me the bike also puts on some good miles with his LT and said he will take off the Bridgestones for me and put on Metzler's cause the mileage is much higher and they stick better. (Better quality tire) And I said thanks.

Hi Vance,
be aware that most of the sales guy are just that: sales guy.
from the forum concensus, I would say he sad a half truth (or would be a half lie?): Metz last longer, but they do not stick better.
Personally I try Metz twice. The first time was on my old 1999. It came with the bike. I used it until it wears out (great mileage) and change to BT020.
Then the second time was on my recent trip to Alaska, on my 2002.
I put the Metz just because I want to do the 10.000 miles trip w/o changing tires, but let me tell you: the last 1500 miles on that tire was terrible. I got rain on Montana, and indee, the Metz swing a lot on the white lines, when they are wet. And indee, the BT020 do not swiung on the white lines when they are wet.
Living in Souther California, rain is not a big deal here, but I really enjoy the grip of the BT020
I would stick with the BT020, but I'm sure you will have different opinions here. And this one will be another long thread :)
The best would be if you can ride lets say 3000 miles with this set, then change to a new Metz. You will be able to compare the difference better then if you use the BT020 until the end of their life and then put a new set. Almost any new set is better then an old tire, so would be difficult to evaluate if you change tires after the end of the life.

Any way, welome the the K1200LT. I'm sure you will enjoy it. Doesn't matter what tire you have on. :)

[Vance]

Thanks Billy. Just the kind of info. I'm looking for.

[Spenceer]

I have the Metz. steel radial front and AVON radial rear. They work great in the twisties he in New Mexico.