Tyre life and reccomendations

[ymfb]

this thread has almost certainly been done previously but as new tyres are constantly available and I haven't found an example of the thread I feel the need to start a new one.

My 2011 F800GS has done nearly 3000miles and I'm sure the tyres have less tread than when new, usually by the time I notice tyre wear they are well on their way out.

I don't do any off roading and for the foreseeable future it will be commuting and local roads little or no m'way and dual carriageway.

I don't do wheelies or stoppies but am fairly progressive.

What should I expect from OEM tyres and what have others fitted and like/dislike for my type of riding.

Thanks

 

[Adeeelnv]

I will be putting the Michelin Anakee 2 tyres on my 650 eventually. Im pretty sure there are sizes that will fit the 800 as well.

You could just have a look through here and see what other tyres come in the right size
http://www.michelin.co.uk/motorcycles/on-road-tyres/#type=type_2

I also will be putting the trail version of the Pilot Road 3 on mine soon. If the rear rim on the 800 is the same size as the 650, it should that that as well. But they dont make a 21" version, so you would need a different front.

 

[v8legend]

I don't do wheelies or stoppies but am fairly progressive.

Sounds like me.

I use the Conti Trail Attacks (I've also used the Battlewings and Scorpions). The Conti's seem the best all round. You'll get about 6000 from the rear, a bit more from the front.

 

[nig5]

Michelin Anakees 2 = 8,000 miles rear a bit more on the front, could get a bit more but I replace when squared off, brilliant in the wet.

 

[Dean]

this thread has almost certainly been done previously but as new tyres are constantly available and I haven't found an example of the thread I feel the need to start a new one.

My 2011 F800GS has done nearly 3000miles and I'm sure the tyres have less tread than when new, usually by the time I notice tyre wear they are well on their way out.

I don't do any off roading and for the foreseeable future it will be commuting and local roads little or no m'way and dual carriageway.

I don't do wheelies or stoppies but am fairly progressive.

What should I expect from OEM tyres and what have others fitted and like/dislike for my type of riding.

Thanks

for your type of riding, Metzeler Tourance all day every day and at the end of the day it goes dark, still Tourance

Micky on his F8 swears by them mind you he's only done seventy odd thousand miles I'sh (not on the same tyres, but you knew that )

 

[ymfb]

Update F800GS Tyres

The bike has now done 4800 miles and the front tyre is more worn than the rear, they might do 6000 if we don't get much snow/ice.

On all the other bikes I have ridden, I usually need two rear tyres to one front so wearing the front first is a definite new phenomenon.

Still haven't decided what to fit, but it will be soon and probably at the same time as the 6000 mile service.

 

[nig5]

Have to agree the 800 is the only bike I`ve ever owned where the front wears as quick as the back, could be something to do with the tread design on trail type tyres?the pointed edge of the tread on the front Anakees seems to wear down in the centre although there is still decent tread around the edges.

Should get 9,000 miles out of this set and bonus is I have two new tyres on at the same time

 

[PDiddy]

Metzeler Tourance all day every day +1

 

[Smythson]

Metzeler Tourance

I must admit i've only had them and the Battlewings it came with. I had the Tourances through mudslides in the French Riviera, avalanches in the Alps and across the gravel backroads of Tuscany through which they performed marvellously. In addition they are planted at motorway speeds even in very wet conditions. To be honest I'm not even tempted to try anything else.

Current set has probably done about 8000 miles. Front at 4mm. Rear at 3.8 though it is pretty squared as it's my motorway commuter too.

S

 

[thomo57]

On my 3rd set of Conti Trail Attacks, can't recommend them enough, great grip in wet and dry.
Normally get about 9,00 > 9,500 miles on the rear and about 1,000 less on the front.

 

[mylovelyhorse]

What should I expect from OEM tyres and what have others fitted and like/dislike for my type of riding.

My 2012 F800GS came fitted with Michelin Anakee 2 tyres. I replaced them at around 9,500 miles with Continental Trail Attacks.

The Anakee 2s were very good, the Continentals in many ways better. Both perform very well in the dry and the wet. The Contis give excellent turn in when cornering.

I do, however, feel the Anakee 2s to be a bit more stable and so might change back to them when this pair wears out. Maybe.

I have done >100,000 miles on Metzeler Tourances (on a CapoNord and an R1150GS) and while they are longer lasting at 12-16k per set, in my opinion they don't grip or perform as well as the Anakee 2s or the Continentals. They are still good though and if they were what I could get when in need, I wouldn't be worried about fitting them.

Cheers

m

 

[redtape]

Tyres

I have had Metzeler Tourances on my single for years and very happy with them in all weathers so now I have just changed my Battlewings to Tourances on my Twin and again am very happy. I noticed the difference straight away so firm footed and now scrubbed in I am dashing about.
Got the set fitted at Burwins in Islington for £216, wheels cleaned, balanced and even got my chained oiled without the need to ask, great service, would recommend for all bike works.

 

[nrg]

STAY AWAY FROM TOURANCES that is my opinion. They may be good on a dry day and look good on the bike but be very, very weary on a wet surface.
My favourites: Pirelli Skorpions
Might not have the offload look but perform marvellously on an all round basis. Only down point is that you'll struggle to get more than 5K miles from the rear.

 

[ferrol]

What about Michelin pilots, heard good things about them.

OP says that he does little or no off road, so I'd suggest staying away from any dual sport orientated tyres and look at road only. They will performance better in the wet and dry

Unless of course you just want 'The Look'

 

[v8legend]

What about Michelin pilots, heard good things about them.

Can you get a 21" front pilot?

If you never go off road, then road tyres will be better. However, very few are made with a 21" front fitment.

 

[ferrol]

Good point, not sure...

My main point though, no off road so may as well get maximum performance on road with proper road tyres rather than get dual sport tyres you'll only use for the road.

 

[mikebarr]

Believe it or not - I managed to get 16,000 miles out of the stock Battlewings (front AND rear!) that came on my 650 twin

I suspect they were forged from Kevlar....

Currently running K60s and have around 8k on them so far, with plenty of lovely knobbly tread left to play in the dirt.

Mb

 

[Shadwell]

On my 3rd set of Conti Trail Attacks, can't recommend them enough, great grip in wet and dry.
Normally get about 9,00 > 9,500 miles on the rear and about 1,000 less on the front.

+1

 

[HogHog]

Looking for tyres for my F650GS, 2008 model.

Anyone using Avon Distanzia's..??