R1200RT Tyre Recommendations

[aRTy_Hexhead]

BT23GTs

On my second set of 23GTs.

First set lasted 8 000miles - 3000miles touring/camping in Scotland.
Touring/camping this summer I did about 3000 miles winding my way up through Norway and about 2000 miles of some very upright riding back through Finland and Sweden.

As a relative newby they inspired a lot more confidence than the 21s ever did - which I also had two pairs of and they lasted barely 4000 to 4500 miles.
The 21s shoulders would shave off very quickly after about 3500 miles especially the front.

So, as far as I am concerned the 23GTs have my hard earned cash.

However, I was tempted with the recent write ups of the PR3s.

Maybe save up a bit more next time and try them.



ps always fastidious about using the recommended tyre pressures, as per the manual given for 1 up to 2 up and laden.

 

[zoltan]

I have a mate who has a 1200RT, he does about 25,000 miles per year and is a very, very quick rider, wet or dry and he swears by Dunlop Roadsmarts.

For me though, having just worn out my first set of Michelin Pilot Road 3's, I'm having another set of them on, fantastic tyre, so much grip from them on wet roads particularly the front tyre, unbeatable in my opinion

Ditto, excellent rubber . They done 5000 miles and still in good condition and wear.

 

[sgtzara]

I've recently installed Bridgestone Battlax BT023 GT tyres to my RT. Done about 900 miles on them now, so far so good. £213 supplied and fitted.

 

[stonehenge]

Thanks one and all. Choose from three - PR3's, Roadsmarts or BT023's.

 

[hugh jarrs]

BT 023s

Back tyre nearly worn out in only 4000 miles. Was hoping it would last lomger than this.

 

[stonehenge]

Back tyre nearly worn out in only 4000 miles. Was hoping it would last lomger than this.

Were they the GT version?

 

[1964Hall]

I tried BT023's, and yes the GT version.
I got 6k out of a rear, the front is still going but I can't wait to get it off.
I won't be buying these again for the RT.
I've a Z8 on atm, and when I fit my spare wheels with Conti Road atacks on for my French trip in June, I'll remove the front 023gt and get a Z8 to match the back.
However, I think I'll be returning back to PR2 or 3s at some point, and living with changing the front at about 5k as that when they seem to go off imo.
\v/

 

[1964Hall]

Ditto, excellent rubber . They done 5000 miles and still in good condition and wear.

Interesting this. My first set of PR3's I tried over the winter after they had just come out only lasted 5k miles on the front, 7k rear!, the front was worn pretty evenly down to about 1mm all over.
PR2's I find will go to 8 or 9k, but they start to cup badly after 5k.
I run 42r/36f, I wish my tyres would look like yours at 5k.
I'm seem to be struggling to find a tyre that wears evenly on the front. Rear I'm ok with usually.

On my R1200ST I used to run PR2 rear and a Pilot Sport front, I would get 9k from both, and both would wear even right down to the markers.
The sport was a single compound "stickier" tyre in theory. BTW I tried one on the RT, took the middle out in 5k and I rarely do Motorways or straight stuff on a daily basis.
\v/

 

[hugh jarrs]

GT version. Ive checked the pressures a few times and made sure they were at the right pressure when loaded. 3mm left on the front one.

 

[1964Hall]

GT version. Ive checked the pressures a few times and made sure they were at the right pressure when loaded. 3mm left on the front one.

Hugh, a question if I may.
Has your front 023GT gone an odd shape, more so on the right side. Mine's almost a knobby trial tyre!
I find this tyre makes the front of my RT twitchy and light compared to others I've run.
I run 36psi in the front. Tried it back down at 33, but it felt worse.
\v/

 

[hugh jarrs]

Front tyre looks good. Tyres have performed great, wet or dry. Almost all my miles are solo with little or nothing in the panniers. 4000 miles is near sports tyre wear rate. Not what im used to.

 

[1964Hall]

Mmm... I wonder why I'm having wear issues on the front of this bike and not so on any other.

6k out of my rear 023 and I was dissapointed at that!
\v/

 

[sgtzara]

Another vote for the BT023 GT tyres. Great grip wet & dry, I've about 5k on mine now and reckon I should get probably same again out of them. Doing well.

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

Maxxis Supermax touring. Not trendy but cheap, grippy, long lasting & good feel.

 

[hugh jarrs]

Ive been offered Pirelli Angel ST tyres at good rate. Anyone tried these ?

 

[hugh jarrs]

Do the Angel STs come in a version for heavier bikes in the way the 023s do ? ......

 

[1964Hall]

I hated the 023's, Good for grip and stability for 5k miles although a little twitchy/light on the front.
Rear was changed at 6 or 7k near wear limit, front has gone such a horrible shape (cupped) more so on the RH side now at maybe 7k as well that it's coming off this weekend even though it's still got a fair amount of tread left.
I won't use these again on my RT.
I think I'll go back to Michelins, Might try the PR3 again, although only 5k from the front it wore very well for that life.

Mind you I'll see what the Conti attacks do over the next few months when I fit my spare wheels this weekend.
\v/

 

[stonehenge]

Maxxis Supermax touring. Not trendy but cheap, grippy, long lasting & good feel.

£200 fitted nr me......

 

[Achim]

PR 3s.

Better mileage than the PR2.

Superb grip wet or dry. Rear worn edge to edge and they have given with no cause for concern in doing so.

They work for me. But this is a very personal choice.

+1 for PR3s. Just put them on my K13GT. Fantastic tyres, both in the wet and dry.

The OEM BT020s were awful, particularly in the wet over the last 1,000 miles. And they were toast after only 4,000 miles. 160bhp will do that .

Did I mention that 020s are rubbish and 021s are worse? I have no inclination to try out 023s.

Achim