Proper Tyres for ‘new’ K1200 GT

[Anonymous]

#2465

Have been chatting with Paul L recenly – re. the “correct” tyres for our bikes.I was at Experience today, picking up my repaired bike. The right side is all new and sparkling again! While there I discussed tyres for the K1200GT with Sebastian. BMW only specify 2 tyres for this bike. It seems that, like other K-Bikes, they should have special tyres with stiffer side-walls. Would have been nice to know this sooner! The only 2 tyres recommended are:Bridgestone BT 020 F UU Radial for FRONT, BT 020 R UU Radial for rear Metzeler Roadtec Z6 "C" for front, Roadtec Z6 "K" for rear There were 2 new R1200RT Police bikes in the shop today being set up from shipping, wearing new factory tyres; these being Metzeler Roadtec Z6 C for front, Roadtec Z6 K for rear! I note that the Z6's available here are WITHOUT the C rating for front or K rating for rear. I would certainly prefer the "proper" tyres for my K1200GT, and I suspect that most owners would also opt for this if they knew their current tyres were insufficiently spec'd! I would bet that the Police Dept. would rather have their machines shod with the correct replacement tyres also, if they knew this information. I suggest that we spread the word on this to other K1200 bike owners in order to put pressure on the importers to make these tyres available! Peter K12GT

[Jim Young]

#9541

Hasn't the Bridgestone BT 020 been superceded by the BT 021 ?When I got Road attacks for my bike there were two specified, one for normal bikes and one specifically for BMW, and no one could tell me the difference !!!!

[Warren]

#9542

You are correct JimBT020 now BT021.Every "expert" I contacted either had differing advice, didn't know or didn't want to know. There may be something to do with ABS.Metzeler said stability concerns and in their email reply gave the very technical reason that the normal Z6 would not "harmonise" with the GT. The carcass of the special tyres have 2 plies nylon reinforcing to reduce the flex in the sidewalls. Why? No idea! Possibly ultra high speed stability or stability under severe stopping. Guessing.This was all doing my head in so I have given up and fitted Pirellis. With a name like Pirrelli Diablo Strada they must be the business.Pirelli now own Metzeler. Both are made in the same factory in Germany. The tread pattern on the Stradas are very similar to the Z6.Price was the same also.Slak

[peter.trub]

#9543

Yes you are correct. Pirrelli and Metzler are one and the same now. I was told (by the Pirrelli Rep) that they are sharing technology with Pirrelli having a twelve month lead on Road tyres and Metzler having a twelve month lead on off road.I had Diablo Strada's on my RS and found them extremly competent. I got 16000kms out of the first set and was up to 12 on the second before a Triump took me out from behind (not that Im bitter  😡 ).Speaking to a gold wing rider they also have "special" tyres. The reason he gave me is that they are so bloody heavy that they need the reinforced sidewalls to stop the tyres flexing excessivly during hard cornering. Could be the same thing with the BMW. ABS puts no more stress on a tyre than a competent rider braking a non ABS bike correctly so you can scratch that reason. Torgue under acceration on the BMW's is no more than any other bike so really that only leaves the stress and strain of the extra weight of our beasts fighting the laws of physic's 😀Or it may all be waffle  👿

[David]

#9544

http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/products/product_literature/default.pageGo down the page and open the 'Test Winners' download leaflet. They are all there, including Honda, Ducati, Yamaha, Cagiva, Suzuki & Kawasaki.Does it say anything in the bike manual?

[Warren]

#9545

Regarding the ABS factor.As I was told, in a nut shell, the ABS sensors detect the flex under heavy braking on undulating surfaces which can confuse the ABS brain and release the pads.This effect would, of course, be totally absent for the competent rider on a non ABS machine. I don't know if I believe this or not.What I am unable to unstand is why special tyres are required on some bikes, sometimes front or rear or both and not on others of a similar weight.The list Dick indicated shows the many variatons of Z6 which I had from another source.It is not just Metzeler and Pirelli. The original Bridgestone BT020 on my bike were specified UU front and rear.Technical information on the need for special tyres is not readily available. Importers are, maybe, protecting their own interests as the market for each special would be very limited.  Slak

[Anonymous]

#9546

I see you gents are all talking of the New K1200 GT, but is there a similar debate on the earlier K1200 GT, as the weights are similar Les

[Anonymous]

#9547

Had young kokopelli blow me into the bushes on tkc80 on good old tarmac. Are these tyres not meant to be for offroading? Competence boys – thats where its at. You are more likely to have an off due to inattention, poor road surface or lack of skills than a slightly different tyre as suggested by the manufacturer. Cheers Luigi

[Anonymous]

#9548

Your insurance company may have a different view if you install non recommended tires on your bike. 🙄

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