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Author Topic: Tire Recommendations?  (Read 23893 times)

Offline wmax351

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Tire Recommendations?
« on: November 14, 2011, 09:07:46 PM »
Well, my Metzeler Marathons are crapping out. Gotta love quality Brazilian rubber.

This has me looking for a new set of tires. What do people use?

I don't do millions of miles, although I do put a good number on (~4-5K/year). Tire wear life isn't a big issue for me, as it seems prudent to replace the tires every year or two anyhow.

I have a '91 K75 standard. Do some two up riding, and riding with lots of gear. I avoid rain riding.

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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Rick G

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2011, 09:44:22 PM »
I have had success with a Bridgestone BT45 (7K) on the front and a Michilin Macadam (9K) on the rear both in the OEM sizes.
It feels good and tracks well on tar snakes and the like (not perfect but better than others I tried).
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Offline Chaos

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2011, 10:08:48 PM »
After many sets of Metzlers I tried Bridgestone Spitfires.  The price ($55f & $75r) was a big selling point and favorable reviews on several forums.  Been very happy with them so far, no idea how long they might last. 
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  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
2023 Ural 2WD sidecar (BMW's bastard step child)

Offline frankenduck

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2011, 12:37:24 AM »
Quote from: Chaos on November 14, 2011, 10:08:48 PM
After many sets of Metzlers I tried Bridgestone Spitfires.  The price ($55f & $75r) was a big selling point and favorable reviews on several forums.  Been very happy with them so far, no idea how long they might last. 

Agreed. I put a set of these on the last K75 I sold. I paid $125 for the pair shipped to my door. Can't say how they perform in the wet but on the dry they were very trustable anywhere I went as I pushed them down The Cascades from WA to Sacramental.  Bang for your buck they are great tires.
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Once I had a Collie pup. Dug a hole and covered him up. Now I sit there by the hour. Waiting for a Collie-flower.
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Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2011, 01:30:49 AM »
I liked the BT45's I had on my CB550. Any reason not to do both front and rear for those?

Also, are radials worthwhile, and do they fit the K75?
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Rick G

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2011, 05:20:19 AM »
The rears didn't last very long, around 4k, not good value.
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Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2011, 02:48:38 PM »
Okay. That makes sense. K bikes are heavy in the rear.

What about Pirelli Sport-Demons? I had one of those on the rear when I bought it. Ran pretty well. Anyone tried one on the front?
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Rick G

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2011, 06:24:56 PM »
I do know a guy here in Oz who runs them and speaks very highly of them but I have no personal experience.
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Offline Chaos

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2011, 07:21:48 PM »
Pirelli Sport-Demons have the coolest sounding name.  Much better than number-letter combinations or meaningless names (lasartec? wtf is that?)  The Avon Venom is a close second. 
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  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
2023 Ural 2WD sidecar (BMW's bastard step child)

Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2011, 07:43:21 PM »
Quote from: Chaos on November 15, 2011, 07:21:48 PM
Pirelli Sport-Demons have the coolest sounding name.  Much better than number-letter combinations or meaningless names (lasartec? wtf is that?)  The Avon Venom is a close second. 

Numbers sound logical. Its a German Company.
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Rick G

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #10 on: November 15, 2011, 09:16:40 PM »
Quote from: wmax351 on November 15, 2011, 07:43:21 PM
Quote from: Chaos on November 15, 2011, 07:21:48 PM
Pirelli Sport-Demons have the coolest sounding name.  Much better than number-letter combinations or meaningless names (lasartec? wtf is that?)  The Avon Venom is a close second. 

Numbers sound logical. Its a German Company.

Pirelli started in Milan Italy.
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Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #11 on: November 15, 2011, 09:26:38 PM »
Metzeler is German. Well, it was before they were bought.
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Offline billday

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #12 on: November 17, 2011, 06:21:17 PM »
Quote from: Chaos on November 15, 2011, 07:21:48 PM
Pirelli Sport-Demons have the coolest sounding name.  Much better than number-letter combinations or meaningless names (lasartec? wtf is that?)  The Avon Venom is a close second. 
Metzeler Marathons have the most inappropriate name. (In my opinion -- having gone through two new rears that lasted less than 3,000 before they started cracking up.)
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Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #13 on: November 17, 2011, 08:28:07 PM »
Well, I'm debating between a set of BT-45's, and a set of Sport Demons.

My OCD leads me to only want one type of tire. Most people seem to get okay mileage out of the BT45's, so they should be fine for me. I'm hesitant to get the pirelli's, as they make the metzelers. Although not being made in brazil seems to be a good selling point.


In addition, I plan to get the ME88's replaced under warranty, and then use the replacement ones for touring. 20 bucks to get them mounted saves 1/2 of a nice set of tires this summer, when I will be doing 3k+ miles.
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #14 on: November 19, 2011, 06:35:00 PM »
Just ordered a set of BT-45v's. Most places I looked, people seemed to get good life out of BT45 rears, even on heavier bikes. Figure I'll give those a try.
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Offline pallum

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #15 on: November 19, 2011, 07:01:23 PM »
Just got my rear replaced last week. Got 14k miles out of that Spitfire, most of it fully loaded for traveling. Front is at 12k and still has plenty of life left. Replacing with more Spitfires- cheap and long lasting, can't complain here.
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  • Federal Way, WA
1994 K75RT 45,000 miles (Apr 2020)

Offline Skeezer

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  • Posts: 32
  • Flyin- Dutchman
Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #16 on: December 17, 2011, 06:39:01 PM »
Holy Rubber trees Batman. where are you guys getting these prices on Tires. It makes me Cry when I look at the tires in Canada. Hmmmmm. can't be the exchange. Dollars almost at Par.
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1993 K1100LT
My lifes more than half over, quit wastin my time!

Offline rbm

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #17 on: December 17, 2011, 11:58:01 PM »
Try http://www1.petes-superbike.com/.  His prices can't be beaten and are close to US prices.  You'll get your tires shipped to your door for less than what you'd be quoted from your local stealership.  Pete's is in Quebec but ships across the country.
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Toronto, Ontario

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Offline RockyMountainRider

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #18 on: December 18, 2011, 10:01:48 AM »
My theory on tires is that for the relatively small extra cost, go for the best damn tires one can find.  They're only two of them between you and the road - not the place to skimp.  I've heard many times that the Michelin Pilot Road 3 are the best tire around.  They're certainly pricey, but I like most have dropped my bike and wish I'd paid a few extra bucks to avoid that.
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'97 K1100LT being converted into an RS (it's the winter project)

Offline orforester

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #19 on: December 18, 2011, 08:17:34 PM »
Not sure about to Canada, but Bike Bandit does some pretty sweet deals.  I got a set of Metzlers for $187 delivered.  Black Monday special using AMA discount
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Bob
1989 K 100 RS se (SOLD)
1985 K 100 RS, now RT
1979 XS 650 Yamaha Street Tracker
2008 R 1200RT

Offline Skeezer

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #20 on: December 18, 2011, 09:38:49 PM »
I hear ya on the not scrimping where the rubber Meets the Road . I have Metzler lasertec's on my Brick right now and was very impressed with their preformance . about 10000km on the set. Rear is done but the front is just under 50%. But is hard as h@!! to even fine the 110/80-18 and 140/80-17s anywhere up here.
 Still looking and I'm sure I  will find some before Spring.
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1993 K1100LT
My lifes more than half over, quit wastin my time!

Offline frankenduck

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #21 on: December 18, 2011, 11:25:14 PM »
Quote from: Skeezer on December 18, 2011, 09:38:49 PM
I hear ya on the not scrimping where the rubber Meets the Road . I have Metzler lasertec's on my Brick right now and was very impressed with their preformance . about 10000km on the set. Rear is done but the front is just under 50%. But is hard as h@!! to even fine the 110/80-18 and 140/80-17s anywhere up here.
 Still looking and I'm sure I  will find some before Spring.

Put a Michelin PR2 or 3 on the front and an Avon Azaro on the rear.  The LT handles MUCH better on radials.
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Once I had a Collie pup. Dug a hole and covered him up. Now I sit there by the hour. Waiting for a Collie-flower.
New to K bikes? Click here.
K Bike Maintenance & Mods: Click here.
Buy parts here.

Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #22 on: February 18, 2012, 10:56:07 PM »
The BT-45's are great. Getting them scrubbed in, and they just grip a ton better than the Metzelers. Smooth, light steering.

Hard to compare with some stuff, since I fixed a bunch of handling related stuff: New triple clamp, steering bearings, straight wheel, etc, but it is a whole new bike.
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Offline wmax351

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #23 on: June 19, 2012, 05:37:12 PM »
Well, just had a bridgestone spitfire put on the rear. Works fine on fast highway riding, even with rain grooves.

The bt45 wore out after 3000 miles or so. fun miles, but short life.

Figure i'll run the spitfire for a while, then look at a macadam or something. Would like something more sport touring oriented than the spitfire.
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  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Offline frankenduck

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Re: Tire Recommendations?
« Reply #24 on: June 19, 2012, 05:46:47 PM »
The Mac 50s are good tires (I've been through a few sets) but the groove in the front will track on grooved freeway.
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Once I had a Collie pup. Dug a hole and covered him up. Now I sit there by the hour. Waiting for a Collie-flower.
New to K bikes? Click here.
K Bike Maintenance & Mods: Click here.
Buy parts here.
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