Tyre question...sorry

[Alistairm]

I have recently bought an R1150rt and this is my second post... So sorry it's a tyre question.
The bike came with an almost new Bridgestone 020 on the rear but a very tired matching 020 on the front.
I would like to switch brands do I need to change both or can I run a different tyre on the front? Any opinions on the metzeler Z6?
Thanks...

 

[Stevie4scoops]

I've often run different tyres front to back without noticing any difference.

 

[Alistairm]

Thanks SteveC10 ... It's feels wasteful to take off a good rear tyre, but I couldn't decide whether I was being stingy!

 

[JJH]

Ask a q like that and you will get many answers. 020 is fairly old tech. So is a 1150 rt. I had one and loved it. Nothing wrong with what you want to do. Nothing wrong with a z6. Or a roadsmart. Or a pr4. Personally I'd just go for the best deal. Mix away. JJH

 

[Alistairm]

JJH.. It feels pretty modern compared to my R100R! My other bikes have Avon speedmasters. I really haven't a clue about 'modern' tyres. I saw a z6 roadtec for £58 at tyre leader...

 

[JJH]

Is that fitted? Z6 has been superceeded by the z8 I think I'm correct but there is nothing wrong with a z6. I remember Avon roadrunners and Dunlop tt100s. They were the tyre to have back in the 70s when the alternitave was cheng chen super sliders. Another tyre at the cheaper end is contintal. The 1150 is a lovely bike blending the best of the boxer engine feel with a more modern bit of get up and go. Heavy compared to your r 100. Good luck and enjoy. JJH

 

[Uncle-Fester]

I have Bridgestone 023's fitted to my Honda VFR, very sticky tyre, much better than the 020's

 

[Alistairm]

No... Not fitted but delivered... i have enjoyed my first 600 miles on the RT. I have had oilheads before, but a long gap. Never thought I would buy an RT..but have enjoyed riding in winter so it must be good.

Thanks Uncle F ... Will look them up. I would prefer sticky to mileage (within reason)

 

[Flipfly]

Why switch brands? I have just fitted Bridgestone T30 to the T595 and they are really good. Went out Wednesday night and even with temps down to 4-5 degrees the tyres got warm.

They use them at the Ron Haslam race school so can't be bad, yet they are classed as a sports touring tyre.

They were a good price too.

 

[Alistairm]

Flip fly... I think I will buy an 023 as suggested by UF... I realize I am basing my dislike on a worn front tyre (it picks up white lines and wanders). If I don't get along so well with the new front the rear will wear out over the summer and I will buy a new pair for the winter. Thanks all for advice, appreciated.

 

[Flipfly]

Put a T30 on, rated by everyone as a much better tyre and they are a new tread pattern soo will be able to get a matching rear when you need one. It'll suit the RT as it has a rounded profile meaning that it rolls smoothly into the bend rather than a triangular sportsbike profile.

 

[Alistairm]

Thanks... T 30 it is then... I didn't realize it was a more modern tyre.

 

[DeuceBG]

Is that fitted? Z6 has been superceeded by the z8 I think I'm correct but there is nothing wrong with a z6. I remember Avon roadrunners and Dunlop tt100s. They were the tyre to have back in the 70s when the alternitave was cheng chen super sliders. Another tyre at the cheaper end is contintal. The 1150 is a lovely bike blending the best of the boxer engine feel with a more modern bit of get up and go. Heavy compared to your r 100. Good luck and enjoy. JJH

You forgot the Pirelli Phantoms....Weapon of Choice on my 400/4!!!

 

[Alistairm]

T30 fitted... Thanks for the comments.

30+ years riding and I am still surprised by the difference a new front tyre can make! Old one looked ok and had 2.5 mm of tread but was obviously fugged.

 

[Flipfly]

T30 is a great choice, it should feel rock stable but roll in nice and smoothly, should suit the RT very well.