Tyre Recommendations for R1150GS

[Grey_Beard]

Now it's passed an MoT (with flying colours, not a single advisory ) it's time to replace the tyres on my R1150GS. It's currently fitted with (very old) Metzeler Tourance, which always suited my usage well in the past. However, and quite apart from their age and consequent potential degradation, I'm aware that there may well be more modern and better alternatives available, so seeking recommendations.

I'll often be running two up and my overriding concern is safety, specifically wet weather grip, be it emergency manoeuvring or braking. Dry weather grip is less of a problem because these days I'm far more likely to run out of desire to press on faster than any decent tyres are grip. I'll likely spend some time small amount of time on gravel too (and maybe even the odd wet grass campsite). Mileage is not a major concern.

In the past Metzeler Tourance suited me well, but I'm interested in suggestions as to modern-day alternatives that may now do me better still please.

 

[bim3330]

continental trail attack 3 are superb have them on my 1150 gsa and my 1200 tenere

 

[Bandare]

Agreed, same tyre too on my 1150 GSA

 

[Grey_Beard]

Thanks both. On the basis of your advice I've just checked out this review from a retired bike cop, including a very wet section on a road I know well, and I can certainly see why you like them!

Tested: Continental Trail Attack 3 tyre review

5,550 mile review of the Continental Trail Attack 3s on a Honda Africa Twin. Are these the best adventure bike tyres?

www.bennetts.co.uk

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Aidan1150]

Excellent tyres for the 1150 and as said above very surefooted in the wet.

 

[KMD]

Continental Road (Trail) Attack. I’ve had them on my bikes for years, even taking off part worn other brands to fit them . I have them on my 1150 Gs and my 1150 RT. I have not found a tyre better suited to the bikes, and they are supremely reassuring in wet weather conditions.

 

[Decompressing]

plus 1 on TA3s, especially in the wet...

 

[AA388]

I’ve got Dunlop Mutants on my 1150 GSA, I’ve ridden 5 days a week through the winter from -8 to heavy rain and they have been impressive, I’d certainly buy the same when these need changing and after 6000 miles that looks as if it’s still a long way off.

 

[wessie]

my 1150GS was supplied with Tourance in 2000! The bike was transformed with the original version of the Conti Road Attack. I believe the current version is #4.

 

[Grey_Beard]

I’ve got Dunlop Mutants on my 1150 GSA, I’ve ridden 5 days a week through the winter from -8 to heavy rain and they have been impressive, I’d certainly buy the same when these need changing and after 6000 miles that looks as if it’s still a long way off.

This always happens to me: the moment I think I've settled on something (in this case Conti Trail Attack 3) somebody comes along with a great sounding alternative (i.e. Dunlop Mutant) and leaves me questioning my original decision And then I go into analysis paralysis mode Sometimes it amazes me that I ever get anything done

But having just checked them out they certainly look like a good tyre, thank you.

 

[EVskiy]

This always happens to me: the moment I think I've settled on something (in this case Conti Trail Attack 3) somebody comes along with a great sounding alternative (i.e. Dunlop Mutant) and leaves me questioning my original decision And then I go into analysis paralysis mode Sometimes it amazes me that I ever get anything done

But having just checked them out they certainly look like a good tyre, thank you.

Stick with Continental. Great tyres. I’ve had 3 sets of Road Attack 3 on my last GSA and current KTM combined.

 

[Grey_Beard]

my 1150GS was supplied with Tourance in 2000! The bike was transformed with the original version of the Conti Road Attack. I believe the current version is #4.

I've always liked the Metzeler Tourance, and they still work well despite many years sat in the garage, but mine are long overdue for replacement.
It's good to have another vote for the TA3 though, thank you.

 

[theoneandonly]

i had a GS for 11 years , all it ever got was the original tourances . that bike did everything , daily runner , tourer , track bike . i could get the crashbars down , and once got a peg down.
i could get rolls of rubber off the tyres , on track days .
they were shit on ..wet grass and snow.

 

[PIGGLET]

Another vote for Conti TA's. They are a revelation compared to tourances. Not only is the wet grip superb but the turn in is much better.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Conti TA2 or 3’s

 

[siddo]

Just buy the best you can afford. Make your own mind up as everyone will tell you to buy their current favourite.

 

[Udders]

I had Tourances on mine for years and was very happy with them.
I no longer went “ off road “ with the bike and so switched to Conti Road Attacks. Transformed the handling.
When it comes to replacing them I will try Conti Trail Attacks because I’ll be taking the bike to Norway next year and be doing a few off road gravel tracks.
I really don’t think the majority of us will ever get anywhere near the “ maximum “ any tyre has to offer. It’s just what you have the most confidence in and feel happy with.

 

[Grey_Beard]

i had a GS for 11 years , all it ever got was the original tourances . that bike did everything , daily runner , tourer , track bike . i could get the crashbars down , and once got a peg down.
i could get rolls of rubber off the tyres , on track days .
they were shit on ..wet grass and snow.

At least I'm not alone in having enjoyed my Tourance tyres in days gone by!

 

[Grey_Beard]

Just buy the best you can afford. Make your own mind up as everyone will tell you to buy their current favourite.

I can afford to buy and fit any pair of tyres that I want.

I cannot afford to buy and fit every possible pair of tyres, to compare them all myself, hence seeking opinions of others who have fitted and ridden large mileages in varying conditions on them already.

"It's good to learn from your mistakes. It's better to learn from other people's mistakes." - Warren Buffett

 

[Grey_Beard]

I had Tourances on mine for years and was very happy with them.
I no longer went “ off road “ with the bike and so switched to Conti Road Attacks. Transformed the handling.
When it comes to replacing them I will try Conti Trail Attacks because I’ll be taking the bike to Norway next year and be doing a few off road gravel tracks.
I really don’t think the majority of us will ever get anywhere near the “ maximum “ any tyre has to offer. It’s just what you have the most confidence in and feel happy with.

I'll be riding mostly on tarmac, never pushing the limits in the dry, but wanting to keep good safety reserves for the wet.

I will also be riding a few gentle gravel trails, most likely two up, so don't want to buy a tyre that will make that harder or less enjoyable than it needs to be.

From everything here I'm settled on trying the Conti Trail Attack 3, and will try to get them fitted next week. If I don't get on with them, which I think is very unlikely based on feedback here, I can always take them off and fit something else instead...