BT020 "Z" Rating? I'm confused

[tumbleweed]

I am about to purchase a rear tire for my '02 LT. The following two entries are copied from the Southwest Motorcycle Tire site:

Bridgestone BT020 160/70ZR-17 Rear

Bridgestone BT020 160/70R-17 K1200LT Rear Radial

I have a local mc tire dealer showing the ZR tire as the fit for the LT and says it should be "Z" rated. The tire on my bike is not the "Z".

It sounds like the thing to do. Is there a reason not to use the Z rated tire?

[eljeffe]

The Z-rated tire is not weight rated for the LT.

Not only does a tire have to fit, but it must have the right weight rating.

You'll get about 1200 miles out of the z-rated BT020 -- don't ask how I know ;)

[tumbleweed]

I will cancel the order that he placed Friday and change to the correct tire. This just saved me a lot of time, money, and trouble--but it sound like you know that the hard way!

Thanks for the help

[sanjaun2]

When on the southwest moto site just do a search for "K1200LT" Both the bias and radial show up. Takes the guess work out of it. Correct size and load rating.

[MaverickAR]

That advice just paid for a Years worth of a Premium Membership for these boards.

This board is very very rich with time, money and life saving advise. If I think about it and gave half of what I saved from the things I've learned on this board back to BMWLT.com I would still be money ahead.

[tumbleweed]

So true. This board has helped me learn about the LT, find the bike and other gear, saved $$, and probably prevented some mishaps.