ADVISE NEEDED PLEASE

[Gvcrt]

Hi guys just after a bit of advise I have a 2001 R1150RT it's only got 4600 miles on the clock I know this is genuine as I have owned the bike since 2003 but due to work commitments and having 2 other bikes never seem to have the time to ride it but when I do it just doesn't seem to handle correctly, it always feels like it doesn't want to go round corners and frankly sometimes it can be a bit scary its not that I don't know how to ride a bike I have been riding for over 35 years but I don't pretend to be some sort of riding God it just feels like the front end is about to let go it has Metzeler mez sport tyres so any advise on tyre pressure would be a good starting point. If I can't get this sorted someone is going to get a bargain
Thanks Graeme

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

Is it on the original tyres? Pirelli PR3 or current equivalent suit the R1100/1150's

 

[Deleted account 220427001]

33 psi front 37 rear works for me on my r1150rt

 

[Gvcrt]

It's on the original tyres

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

Must be due for a change then, I would go with PR3 or their current equivalent, I have PR3's on my R1100RT & would say they are best ever fitted, run 42lbs rear 38lbs front

 

[Gvcrt]

Thanks will have to look at replacing the tyres but will try adjusting the pressure

 

[Martyn H]

If you change the tyres, to whatever make, consult the manufacturers website re suggested pressures. Having said that, 36 front & 42 rear will be a good starting point.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Can't talk about the 1150 but it's a common coplaint on the 12 RT's. I experienced it myself with my last 12 when the tyres were coming to the end of their life.
I have ridden an 1150 & the handling seemed fine to me.





What colour is yours? (Just in case you are thinking of letting her go).

 

[DC]

if its on the original !!! they need changing due to age.....tyres harden after a while so therefore lose the grip ...pop on a pair of new ones with the correct pressure and the bike will feel like new , instilling confidence

 

[Posh Pete]

It's clearly a Friday bike which you need to offload ASAP. I'll give you a grand as I'm in a generous mood today! (Can't believe I'm the first to post that one!)

 

[Gvcrt]

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to reply
By the way it's silver
Graeme

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

Don't ride it before changing the tyres - if you slip off you'll spoil your day.

I wouldn't advocate spending a fortune on tyres either - I use Maxxis SuperMaxx SportTouring and they're fine. Easily as good for road use as anything from Metzeler / Pirelli etc and a hell of a lot cheaper. I know the latest PilotRoads are fantastic, but lets be honest, unless you're jumping from one cutting edge bike to another with different tyres you'll never tell the difference at sane speeds on the road.

Mark

 

[busy builder]

I disagree, tyres make a very important part of the road experience. I had Bridgestone 021's on my bike and couldn't wait to get them off,for instance it wouldn't turn in to corners. i now have PR3's on and it has transformed the handling.

 

[Martyn H]

I disagree, tyres make a very important part of the road experience. I had Bridgestone 021's on my bike and couldn't wait to get them off,for instance it wouldn't turn in to corners. i now have PR3's on and it has transformed the handling.

Couldn't agree more, Busy. A mate recently bought a lovely RT, & as it was his first BM, asked me to try it out. It really is a beauty, but the handling felt strange - my first experience of Maxxis. I told him "if you like it now, put a pair of Roadsmarts, Michelin or Contis on, & then you'll really love it".

 

[Miggs]

You might also need the suspension/shocks checking out and will most likely be well overdue for a brake fluid change.
Old low mileage bikes don't get to see the service shop very often! (unless you've been doing your own of course!)

 

[Engineer]

Hi guys just after a bit of advise I have a 2001 R1150RT it's only got 4600 miles on the clock I know this is genuine as I have owned the bike since 2003 but due to work commitments and having 2 other bikes never seem to have the time to ride it but when I do it just doesn't seem to handle correctly, it always feels like it doesn't want to go round corners and frankly sometimes it can be a bit scary its not that I don't know how to ride a bike I have been riding for over 35 years but I don't pretend to be some sort of riding God it just feels like the front end is about to let go it has Metzeler mez sport tyres so any advise on tyre pressure would be a good starting point. If I can't get this sorted someone is going to get a bargain
Thanks Graeme

You need ADVICE not ADVISE

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

I ran my 11RT on 40/45 on BT020's but I never felt confident in the bends. I go round the same corner on the GS about 10-15mph faster on the GS with confidence. I never felt certain on the RT it would hold its line without the front wandering.

 

[Gvcrt]

I ran my 11RT on 40/45 on BT020's but I never felt confident in the bends. I go round the same corner on the GS about 10-15mph faster on the GS with confidence. I never felt certain on the RT it would hold its line without the front wandering.

That's it exactly I never feel like its going to go round bends.
Thanks to everyone who has offered advise

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

That's it exactly I never feel like its going to go round bends.
Thanks to everyone who has offered advise

It's strange isn't it, I thought it was just my suspension had gone off due to age 96' 45k miles I had bt020 on my zzr600 and they were great.

 

[kennyc]

I ran my 11RT on 40/45 on BT020's but I never felt confident in the bends. I go round the same corner on the GS about 10-15mph faster on the GS with confidence. I never felt certain on the RT it would hold its line without the front wandering.

only time the front of my 11RT wanders in turns is when the front tyre is worn out? other than that goes around like its on rails? (wide radius rails of course 'cos I'm a wuss )