New tires after 12K miles?

[Sebsi]

Does that sound about right? I bought the bike with 26K in June and put new Metzelers on it pronto (unsure of model). My cross country and a half trip racked up major miles so I'm over 38K now, and just noticed that I've got belt showing....

So are these crap tires and crap roads, or is 12K about right especially when there were several 500+ miles/day recently?

Thanks,

[Grim]

12k is better then average on performance tires. My buddy is doing good to get 9k out of Michelin Pilots on his ZRX1200 Kawi on good roads and he's a very conservative rider. 

[motodude]

IMO, if you have belt showing, that tire was worn out some time ago.  There are "wear bars" in the tread of the tires.  When the tread gets down to the wear bars, it is time replace it.  (A picture would help here, but I don't have one--none of my tires are close to the wear bars at the moment.)   Especially, if you ride in the rain much.

In my experience, 12k miles is good for a rear tire.  Most front tires don't last nearly that long.  I know many on this list eschew Metzlers but I like them (not thrilled about the price, but...).  If you get a flat with a cheap tire, they tend to come off the rim much quicker than Metzlers and can cause a crash.  I've tested an ME-88, two up, in exactly that scenario.  Other than the flat tire, no drama.

Tom

[wmax351]

The new metzeler's aren't as good as the old ones. They got bought by pirelli, and outsourced to Brazil. I've had cracking in one (a set of ME-88's) within a year and a half.


Tire life varies a lot, especially rear. I wore out a bridgestone BT-45 rear in 2500 miles. My bridgestones S11's are great so far, and are recommended by many here.

[Scott_]

I've had good tread life from the PR2's and Avon AV46s'. 10-12K miles is good for me, and the last couple of years amounts to one riding season......

[johnny]

if you guys would trail brake to the apex and whack the throttle on exit you wouldnt getts half that... butts you would getts more than twice the yeeeehaaaaa...

j o

[Sebsi]

OK, looks like I'm going for Pirelli Angels. Any reason to go with a pair of the more expensive GTs ($270) over the STs ($254)?