R1100S BCR Tire Choice for Canyons

SMSTEVE · 08-24-2009, 05:11 PM

Hi All,

I've got a 2004 R1100S BCR, purchased in March with roughly 9,000 miles on it. I'm at around 11,500 miles now, just having great fun. The only mods so far are the Motoyoyo clamps (thx Scott for the install) and new grips. I'd barely had the bike when I decided I needed the Motoyoyo's, purely out of the "they may never be made again" mode, better get them whilst I can. Did they make a big difference? Not to me, since the bike was still new to me, but do I love em? Sure do, they are so sweet to look at and from what others have said that had lots of seat time, they work.

My primary riding is canyons. I don't do touring, I don't commute. The bike has Metzler Z6 Roadtecs on it right now, they are worn and it's time to replace them.

I did a quick search, didn't find anything I likes so I figured I'd make my own thread. Everyone is always looking for something a bit different anyway and who knows who has tried what in the latest, greatest tire and compound.

What I'm looking for is a tire for my canyon runs, it won't see a track and though I may hit Laguna Seca for MotoGP next year, it won't be seeing any touring or commuting as I stated earlier. Less life for more grip is completely acceptable for me.

So thoughts I have on something new, having never tried any of the following were, in no particular order:

Metzeler Sportec M-3
Bridgestone Battlax BT-016
Michelin Pilot Power 2CT

A friend has the BT-016's on his KTM Super Duke R and loves them, another has Pilot Powers on his and likes them. Nobody I know has Metzelers, but I used past versions (long ago) and never had an issue.

So, based on your knowledge, any thoughts? Sorry for the long winded start too, I get to typing and can't get my fingers to shut up...

Dr. Curve · 08-24-2009, 05:24 PM

Go with either the Metzeler Sportec M3's or the Pirelli Diablo Corsa III units. Don't fall for the 2CT's especially. The BT-16 in strong.........just not as strong as the two mentioned. Get the very best from your wonderful bike and stick with the best tires for the job you mentioned.

PFFOG · 08-24-2009, 05:32 PM

I love the M-3's and get about 30% more wear on them than the BT-016's, have not run the PP, so I can't help there.

FYI wear mileage to BALD

M-3's- 3 track days (expert and intermediate class) and 2200 miles
BT-016- One track day and 1600 miles
Pirelli Corsa 3- 0 track days 1100 miles

blkduc1 · 08-24-2009, 05:34 PM

SMSteve:

I have used the M3 on my R1200S and on my Ducati 907ie. I think it is an excellent tire for what you describe. I also think the Michelin Pilot Power would be great. The 2CT may also be fine, but I have not tried them yet, only the Road 2CT version (for high mileage on a long trip and still have some performance). I believe the Pilot Powers would be fine for track days or spirited running in canyons.

Incidentally, the M3 will hold together pretty well if you have to really stretch it to get home (see pic). I have never had Bridgestones that hung in there as well near the end of the tire's life.

dp

SergioK · 08-24-2009, 05:34 PM

I ran the Bridgestone Battlax BT-016 on my 11S and got 6k+ miles out of them. They are an amazing tire. I also had the 2CT's on the HP2S and they are good too though I think I prefer the BT-016's. Either tire will dominate over the Z6 since the Roadtec's are a sport touring tire not a full super sport tire. Either tire and you will be happy.

SMSTEVE · 08-24-2009, 06:04 PM

Wow, you guys are fast. This is such a great board with a real wealth of knowledge.

So, if I tossed in another part of the equation, cost, would that change minds at all?

Looking now only at the BT016 and M-3. I was partial to the M-3 but my buddy likes his BT016 so much that I wanted a group opinion, so I have narrowed my choices to those two.

Purchasing from American Motorcycle Tire (which I have in the past) the prices including shipping and no taxes (since they are out of state to me) are:

BT016:

120/70ZR-17 - $ 93.40
180/55ZR-17 - $125.03
shipping: - $ 13.64
Total $232.07

M-3:

120/70ZR-17 - $115.60
180/55ZR-17 - $149.33
shipping: - $ 13.64
Total $278.57

Though the Metzelers are nearly $55 more for the pair, PFFOG's mileage report and the fact that 3 of the 4 that quickly responded liked the M-3's they might have to go on order.

Plus, being a BCR I've got Metzeler stickers on my CF lower, so wouldn't that just seal the deal?

Additional thoughts or opinions are much appreciated. Thanks again all!

X-Triple · X-Triple's Garage

I had the M-3's on my K1200S and their an awesome tire, didn't like the cold that much but then again what tire does.

SMSTEVE · 08-24-2009, 06:23 PM

Hi X-Triple, I'm in SoCal. Does the low 60's count as "cold"? That's about the worst weather I'm ever riding in, cloudy and 60's, brrrrrr.

roger albert · 08-24-2009, 06:37 PM

The BT016s are an awesome tire for a moderately powerful bike like the S. I've seen 7k on them on a slightly lighter, less powerful bike (SV). When you factor in the price, better still.
Among the best tires period, and the best of the money. Michelins good too. Metzeler not bad. Latest Metz are a softer sidewall and a bit less protective of the front rim on telelever bikes (but as a plus, cup a bit less due to sidewall compliance)

Dr. Curve · 02:39 AM

Make the right choice. Metz Sportec M3......the bike deserves it.......YOU will never regret it. They have not let any of us down and that is after thousands of miles in ONLY the mountains......with no long distant slabs at all. If you plan to lay it over in the mountains get the best. I know blkduc......and if the M3s hold for him.........you won't have any problem. He tours fast, and corners the same way. Real experience suggest you spend a little bit more money..........and it will be the cheapest insurance you ever buy. I like the Pirelli Diablo Corsa III tire I mentioned above and have them on the HP2. There are no BAD tires......only better ones. It is a BCR you know. should it not run on sticky paws that have some of the strongest sidewalls in the business, especially when compared to Mich or Bridge of the same type tire.

PFFOG · 08:30 PM

M-3's stick this good......................

I will say the BT-016 did feel nice on the bike, just did not like the mileage

X-Triple · X-Triple's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMSTEVE

Hi X-Triple, I'm in SoCal. Does the low 60's count as "cold"? That's about the worst weather I'm ever riding in, cloudy and 60's, brrrrrr.

60's is like a heat wave here! Listen to what Curve is saying. He is right on the money.

I also had Dunlop Qual's on my old 2004 R1100S they worked well but did not last long.

You will be happy with the M3's, there is another guy who swears by them (FOG) on his Boxercup.

X-Triple · X-Triple's Garage

Never mind!

Guest24 · 08-24-2009, 08:40 PM

I'm all in on the M3 for the 11S. Adequate mileage and stick real good on the edges. Great wet surface running tyre.

blkduc1 · 08-25-2009, 06:44 AM

I can't really comment on that particular Bridgestone as I can't remember running them. We KNOW the M3 is good, and will be good ==great== on that bike. But there is a cost difference, as you have pointed out. Sometimes you just have to try something to see. You could ruun a set of the Bridgestones to try. Then next time you can run the M3. You have heard a good recommendation for the BT16 also, and not really anything bad regarding them. ( other than, In the past Bridgestones would go away fast after reaching a certain point-- not sure if the BT16 is like that or if it holds up longer) I just put a set of Continental Sport Attacks on my R1200S because they were a good deal and I had a couple of folks say they worked real well --- in fac, the Road Attack was the one they liked, so I figured the Sport model should stick better even if not lasting very long. I had never used Contis, and the price was right. So far they have been very good. Too early to tell how they will compare with an M3 or Pilot Power however.

Curve believes in the M3, and that says a lot. In fact, I bought a used Pilot 2CT from him for the front that he TOOK OFF one of his bikes because he did not feel the performance was up to par for his bike. He can ride hard in the curves, and he can ride "old style", sitting on the bike and leaning way over using all of of the tire. I know he has really road tested the M3. So have I. --Thumbs up there.

dp

SMSTEVE · 08-25-2009, 02:27 PM

Many thanks again to all that responded. I've just placed the order for the M-3's. I'll post back once they are on and I've had a chance to blast around on them for a bit.

What tire pressures are you all running? Again with canyon riding in mind...

Dr. Curve · 08-25-2009, 02:40 PM

Steady mountain curves 31/34 sweepers slightly higher 32/36 and open road 33/37. Lots of opinion.

roger albert · 08-25-2009, 03:30 PM

> It is a BCR you know. should it not run on sticky paws that have some of the strongest sidewalls in the business, especially when compared to Mich or Bridge of the same type tire.

I'll agree with Jim that they're all pretty good these days, but in the above, Jim reveals a great degree of ignorance on current tire construction. The Metzeler/Pirelli design have the softest current sidewalls. Simple fact. Competent tuners even valve the suspension differently because of these very soft sidewalls. Good compliance for sure. Ironically, this is most likely to be a problem on a tele-lever bike. Not saying that makes them bad in and of itself, but that the telelever is the hardest on rims during impacts (due to forward swing, causing a positive feedback scenario, i.e. the harder you hit, the harder you hit...) and the only significant populace to be very big fans of these Metzelers are largely somewhat teutonophile beemer riders. Again, not a bad tire, per se, just one that gets most of it's praise from teutonophiles. It's funny, the same beemer guys swear by them now that always did (for the most part) even though they're completely different tires and hold a different niche (just one instance: used the be firm sidewalls, now the opposite). Those guys are basing things on objective fact, but on a brand name (never mind that the brand stands for opposite of what it once did in some aspects) Gotta be careful about running with the heard.

All that said, I'm sure you'll be happy with the Metzelers. They're darn nice on really bumpy roads especially.

SMSTEVE · 04:21 PM

Hey Roger, Your opinion, as well as the others is much appreciated. I'm sure the M-3's will be fine (I'm no Nate speed wise), besides, if I'm not completely in awe of them I can always try the BT-016's too. Heck it's only a few hundred dollars right?

I'd like some more info on your R90 Cafe bike mentioned in your sig. Have you done any posts about it elsewhere? I'm intrigued by them and wouldn't mind trying one some day. I've never had a "project" so that might be a fun one. I'm thinking that or a late 70's early 80's CB750F or CB900F done up like a vintage superbike for the street.

Dr. Curve · 08-25-2009, 04:31 PM

As usual Roger..........you point at others from a "bookawitz" perspective. You are feeding someone you don't even know a line of solid BS as you have often done in the past. The side walls on the tires I mentioned as being stronger, heaver, and much more compliant in their sidewalls are exactly that. You don't know any more about hard driving on a BMW than I do so just state your opinions and leave me out of it. The M3 Sportec tires are everything I have said they are, so keep your pitiful insecure comments about me to your self. I stand solidly by my suggestion based on solid experience. Take a hike.