high mileage tires for an RT??

[freaking RT]

when I bought the RT it had the michelins macadam 90. I got good mileage out of 'em, between 9k and 12K. I switched to Bridgestone 020 and like those better in the turns. the mileage reduced to 6k to 9k. planning the CO trip, I'm thinking about switching back to the michelins. there's going to be long periods of slab time.

what other good high mileage tires are out there for an RT?

[bmwmick]

freakin,
Don't overlook the Meztzeler ME-880's. They make them in both radial and bias ply contruction. I have them on my K11LT right now and plan to replace the D-205's on my R11RT with them later this year. I'm getting great tire wear ourt of the 880's and they stick fairly well too. For BIG miles, these are my new favorites.

Mick

[ADKbeemer]

I have had good luck with the Metz Z-4's and have heard good things about the new Z-6's. I'm going to switch to those when the snow finally melts!

[Steverino]

880 Radials going on the KRS very soon.....

[nosmo]

Originally Posted by freakingRTrider

... I switched to Bridgestone 020 and like those better in the turns. the mileage reduced to 6k to 9k.
what other good high mileage tires are out there for an RT?

How do you like the 020's overall? They do seem OK in turns, but love to follow rain grooves to the point of annoyance. I'm looking for more input on tire choices for RT's. So far I've only used Bridgestones.

[freaking RT]

Originally Posted by Anon

How do you like the 020's overall? They do seem OK in turns, but love to follow rain grooves to the point of annoyance. I'm looking for more input on tire choices for RT's. So far I've only used Bridgestones.

rain grooves. have you been talking to fishie

I don't have a problem with 'em on rain grooves. and after moving to Richmond I'm on grooves quite a bit. I guess it's my riding style. I don't worry about those little, minor inputs and go with the bigger flow. maybe it has something to do with my dirt bike upbringing. I do notice them on metal grated bridges. but you'd notice any tire there.

the 020 are a good tire. decent mileage, fun in the mountains. in the winter, I'd probably do better switching to 010's, they'd be better in the turns when it's cold. but I don't live in the hills anymore. I like the 020.

I'm looking for a long distance tire for the trip west and all those slab miles.

I like what bmwmick is saying. the Meztzeler ME-880's will go on my shopping list to check out. I'll burn thru another set or two before I head west, so I have time to shop and talk to people.

Mike O put a set of tires (excuse me, Mike, tyres ) designed for an LT on his GS for his travels. I'll have to go look up what type they were.

[freaking RT]

Originally Posted by K12RSSteve

880 Radials going on the KRS very soon.....

do you think they'll be sticky enough for the way you ride the KRS??

[Steverino]

Mike put ME880's on his bike.

They will be fine for the way I ride the KRS now.

I have the GS for fun. KRS is a commuting tool.

[bmwmick]

freakin',
If Mikey Likes 'em......How can you resist?
I like 'em so well, I went out and bought a 17" rear wheel for my R11RT. They
don't make the tires I want in 160X60X18.
I went through several sets of ME33/55 combos on my K11LT, got sick of replacing rears every 3500-4000 miles, went to ME33/ME-88 tires, lasted better but they still handled too slow. Went to Dunlop for ONE set of K491's Never again. Wet traction wasn't.
Started using Michelin Mac50s when they gave me a pair and asked if I would wear them out and report on them. I did. The front cupped so badly they sent me a new one. Next they came out with the Mac50E front and I went through several pairs of Mac50E/Mac50 until the ME-880's hit the market. A friend of mine just got over 13K miles out of one on the back of his K12LT.
I'm sure something new will eventually lure me away from the 880's but I haven't found it yet.

Mick

[Steverino]

Ordered mine today and a new rear TKC 80 for the GS.

Who knows, I may put ME880's on the GS next too. I am tired (and broke) of changing tires every month.

[freaking RT]

Originally Posted by K12RSSteve

Ordered mine today and a new rear TKC 80 for the GS.

Who knows, I may put ME880's on the GS next too. I am tired (and broke) of changing tires every month.

thanks for the info on Mike O's tire type.

hell, you were on a 3 week pace at one point

mick, I'm curious about long distance. I like the 020's locally. the Meztzeler Z-6's are mentioned in the latest AMA mag. it's a good write up.

[drmajor]

'97 RT
60% two up.

Came with Z4. LOve them. 7500 miles. VERY stickey! No thought of slipping in turns.

Dunlop 220. OK. NOt confidence inspiring. Went fast when they did go @6000miles

Michelin Pilot Roads...Nice. 3000 miles and look almost new. They don't feel as stickey as the Z4. They will last a lot longer. They seem to turn faster at slow speeds than any other, yet are very directional above 50 mph.

Air pressure is typical 40/42.

[nosmo]

Originally Posted by freakingRTrider

rain grooves. have you been talking to fishie

I don't worry about those little, minor inputs and go with the bigger flow.

freakin' buddhist's

[MikeO]

Hi Freak,

The 880s seem OK so far, though I've not used them in anger in the wet yet - handling is similar to Tourances (which I rate very highly).
The Adv seems to have developed a tendency towards tramlining down linear faults in the road (biggest linear fault here seems to be I10 ) - I initially thought the front tyre (sorry, tire) had lost pressure - but it turned out to be spot on - I have an awul feeling a rebuilt rear Ohlins features somewhere in my horoscope...

Mike

[Photog]

Preliminary input from one of the trusted local hi-mile sport riders is new Z6 is maybe slightly stickier than the Z4 but wears at least as long but not much longer.

I concur--the 880 is the mileage king and in my experience has been a predictable tire. Had 'em on all my other trip/commuter bikes and they worked well when I rode in a squidly manner.