The tyre review thread

[smokin]

Found some interesting information and reports on the Metzler Roadtec 01 on the BMW forum.
Seems to be some concern about the amount of "siren" type noise which the front tyres create,and where the front tyres are made in some versions.
Some of the BMW riders don't rate these tyres to highly apparently. http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-suspension-setup-tires-wheels/125809-metzeler-roadtec-01-a.html

At this point in time I thing I will stick with the Pirelli Angel GT "A" spec again.May not last as long as the PR4 Michelin or the Metzler but it appears they make the GTR 1400 handle better,no noise and create complete confidence in any conditions in my experience.
Also don't need to go to the 55 profile to make the GTR 1400 turn in easily,and handle like a sports bike weighing far less than it actually does.

[Rusty]

Mr Smokin ... I have recently returned from a week in Spain with some work colleagues and Mr Bruce Smart ( to be found on social media under the name of TeaPotOne .. please take a look on FB etc he is a RTW biker and good friend so I unashamedly promote him where ever I can !! ) was given a set of 01,s to try out. He rides a 17 plate GS and a few days before we left he spent 6 days doing a tour of the UK with a brand new set of these tyres.
In his first VLOG he was impressed and liked them a lot ... sadly after the UK AND a week of spirited riding in the sun the tyres were shagged ... I cannot be sure of the milage but only a few thousand miles and they were truly worn out. I saw them for myself. Nice tyres and good in the wet but just simply didn't last very long 
If I had held onto my GTR before defecting to the dark side I would have tried the Angels ... they were next on my list.
Let us know how you are getting on 

[smokin]

Thank you Mr Rusty for that interesting information,that only adds to my thoughts towards refitting Angels.How many miles do think the Metzlers would have covered?
The current information on "sports/touring " tyres seems to indicate,PR4 are the best for stopping in the wet and longevity , seem to puncture easily according to some,tend to scallop on the front tyres, not so good as dry handing tyres compared to some apparently,BT 30 are average in the wet,a little better handling in the dry compared to BT30,longevity variable.
Metzler Roadtec 01 have some good reports,some bad,some say noisey,good in the wet and dry,longevity variable apparently,./The jury is still out on final decision at this stage due to the new ness of this tyre.
Pirelli Angel GT,excellent dry weather and good wet weather handling,quiet,no weird wearing front or back,tyre life seems average.
Seem to suit some bikes better than others and some riders better than others which I guess can be said about all the tyres in this category.
The GTR 1400 is a different bike to ride with Pirelli Angel GT "A" spec tyres,seems to convert it to a full sports bike which makes it easy for the rider to handle on sweepers,round a bouts,corners and over all on longer journeys when fully laden in terms of reducing rider fatigue from my experience.
Interested in feedback from others regarding this statement.
   

[PRD]

I used to use pr3's  but had so many punctures could not afford to use them. Converted to angels find them brilliant in all conditions and after several sets no punctures. That will probably change now!!

[Big al]

I bought a A8F back in May which was fitted with Avon Storm Ultra, the Avons were 2/3rds worn and felt a little weird. After a rear puncture replaced with Metzler Roadtec 01's which are a massive improvement. Handling and steering are excellent, very confident wet or dry with quick warm up. No siren noise mentioned in a earlier post. Coming up to a 1000 miles with no noticeable drop in performance or wear - not cheap but highly recommended.

[Rusty]

PRD ... so you liked the Angels ? I never got around to fitting them but like you have heard first hand reports that they are very good !

[Davio]

Hi folks, if someone has mentioned the Michelin PR4 GTs please accept my apologies. The GT version has a stiffer carcass apparently. This means the tyre is stiffer. This may not mean much to you slim folks, but I'm no lightweight, nor is my good lady.We ride with a 5 man tent, and a ridiculous amount of gear when we go to rallies. (Ask Knightraider :) )There is a noticeable difference between the PR4s and the GT version. You still get the great grip and good mileage, but the bike feels even more secure. With the 4s I was getting a bit of a squirm from the rear tyre under heavy (and I mean heavy) acceleration and quick changes in direction. The GTs have eradicated this. Bear in mind I'm talking about 1st and 2nd gear romps around the countryside pushing the boundaries of the legal speed limit. If you ride more sedately this will never be an issue. Regards, JR

[smokin]

The Pirelli Angel GT's have now travelled 14,348 kms, still have tread left.

[Tay]

I can feel and see that the rear is starting to square off on the OEM tyres from Kawasaki, I'm off to France in a few weeks (Just for a week)  and it was my plan to replace the rear with another OEM to maximise the life out of the front OEM.

Money is tight at the moment, so I'd rather not cough for front and rear of a different manufacturer unless it was necessary.

The OEM seems okay but isnt wearing as well as a dual compound would. Most of the riding will be two up with luggage.

I switched to PR3's on my old ZZR and feel was different until I got used to them and then felt nice and planted, a bit worried about the higher than expected punctures though.   

The most recent posts seem to suggest Michelin PR4 GTs, I'm not a sylph like creature either and would prefer a stiffer tyre, oo-er missus.

I'm still not fully decided yet on the rear whether to go with just the rear OEM or swap out both for something with more lengevity/feel?.

Any help always welcome.   

[PRD]

Perelli Angels GT. Don't puncture as readily as michelins and just as good. But get the 'a' one designed for heavy bikes.

[Tay]

Can we mix tyres these days or is that still a no no?

[Robbieben]

Can we mix tyres these days or is that still a no no?

You can mix makes of tyre, there is no reason or legal standpoint preventing a mix of say Dunlop front and Michelin rear as long as they are the correct size and rating for the bike.

The perfect match is the same make front and rear as each manufacturer uses slightly different profiles, belt tension and rubber compounds to create optimum footprint and grip when used as a matched pair.

[Tay]

You can mix makes of tyre, there is no reason or legal standpoint preventing a mix of say Dunlop front and Michelin rear as long as they are the correct size and rating for the bike.

The perfect match is the same make front and rear as each manufacturer uses slightly different profiles, belt tension and rubber compounds to create optimum footprint and grip when used as a matched pair.

Great, thanks for that.

Just popped into Alf's in Worthing to check and they mentioned the same, make sure the ratings were the same 73W, ZR etc.

I was in the process of trying to save money so had considered getting a new Battlax rear as its was quite grippy and ok in the wet, however seems the BT021 is hard to get now.    I then tried to get the Pirelli Angel GT (A) but Alf's could only get a front with the A rating.  Even if I went with that one I couldnt get the tyre changed with the Bike for a bit as they are solidly booked.. so thats a bit borked.

So I just got the Angel GT (A) off eBay for delivery next Tuesday and West Sussex Motorcycle Hire will fit/balance it loose wheel for  £12+vat.   

That should give me a chance to run it through a few heat cycles before my trip to France.

[Rusty]

Smokin ... you have done well with 14k on those Angel GT's !

[Moffat5310]

I'm obsessed with tyres; only bit of the bike that touches the road.  I fitted Avon Storm 3D X-M and am very impressed.  I've had Avons on lighter bikes in the past but they handle the GTR really, really well and are great value.

They compare really well against the Michelin and Bridgestones

Just my opinion.