Tyres

[bbbvito]

Had my 2008 1200gs from new and done 3500 miles so far tyres are still looking ok but i am going on a 2000 mile trip soon just wondering how many miles are you expected to get from them (Bridgestone battlewing)
Any sugestions on what to replace with or just stick to the originals

 

[timsdomain]

Had my 2008 1200gs from new and done 3500 miles so far tyres are still looking ok but i am going on a 2000 mile trip soon just wondering how many miles are you expected to get from them (Bridgestone battlewing)
Any sugestions on what to replace with or just stick to the originals

i've done 7000 miles on mine so far and still ok

 

[John Armstrong]

If they do survive they'll prpbably be badly squared off and near the limit for tread depth. So for less than £200 your willing to compromise the handling and if stopped by plod with below limits tyres get 6 points and a £120 fine

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Don't worry

You should be alright for the next 2000 miles. Unless you are off the beaten track you should be able to find a new tyre if you have to; then it just a question of portable phone that works abroad, crdit card ditto, and list of BMW agents; In any case your rate of tyre wear will never be the same as someone else!!!!
I had Touraces on my first 1200GS - Now I am on a new one with Battlewings. After 2500 kilometres i don't notice a lot of difference but the 'less chunky' tread on the Bridgestone's feel a bit smoothrer on the tarmac. If I was on poor surfaces more often I think i would go back to the Touraces;

 

[Bones]

I get between 8-9K from Battlewings so you should be fine as long as don't burn too many doughnuts.

I have been happy with Battlewings (on my 4th set now, 30K miles) but rest assured that you will read plenty of differing views if you do a search.

 

[Beemerman59]

I changed my Battlewing rear at 5.5K miles. It was down to 3mm and since I was going abroad decided to put new ones on. It was also just beginning to show adverse handling characteristics so I would have changed it by 6K regardless. Frankly, 6K on a rear sounds good to me but then I prefer grip to mileage.

 

[dave hendy]

I got 7K out of either Tourance or Battlewings 2-up (road riding only). I got 6K out of BT020. You should be OK

 

[t'other dave]

Change them for peice of mind and keep your old ones till you get back or wear em out.

 

[EggChaser]

I got just under 7000 out of the rear and just over 9000 out of the front, have now done a second rear also on 7000 (which was nicely chicken strip deleted in Scotland), still got a slightly worn front on.

 

[Magnum]

Had my 2008 1200gs from new and done 3500 miles so far tyres are still looking ok but i am going on a 2000 mile trip soon just wondering how many miles are you expected to get from them (Bridgestone battlewing)
Any sugestions on what to replace with or just stick to the originals

I'm in the same boat mate and as you know going on the same trip. Lots of twisty mountain passes where you don't want a squared-off tyre. I'll be changing mine.

 

[bbbvito]

I'm in the same boat mate and as you know going on the same trip. Lots of twisty mountain passes where you don't want a squared-off tyre. I'll be changing mine.

Your right mate i think i will be changing before i go. Going to book it in for a service and get them done at the same time

 

[BD]

wear me down!

3500mls and you are being told to change your tyres on a trallie! wow! if it was a sports bike ok but hey are tyres that bad now,granted if you are going to sit there on an auto route for 2000mls ok but thats south of france and back.lets be real what kind of speed are you doing,weight and so on. i weight 12 stone got bike in 06 ran it in went to pyrennes then changed tyres at 11000 not because they were worn but the nobblies went on. i`ve talked to other people doing 20000 on a front and 15000 on a rear and besides if you are away and you tyre needs changing,go get it do!you may find its cheaper than here. i love this site! all replys welcome

 

[Dainese Brave]

I think from experience that you can realistically expect 7/8,000 miles out of the tyres quite easily.

Whenever I've gone on trips, (which can be about 4/6,000 miles), I've always had the tyres changed, (and the brake pads), before the trip regardless of the life left.

....however, I'm starting to think that you're actually better off using the present tyres to blast through France, and towards your destination, and let them be squared off, rather than the new rubber. Then get new tyres in say Switzerland, Germany, or wherever.

The new tyres could be pre-booked in a BMW dealer, or any reputable source, and isn't the hardest thing to arrange.

But in your case, I think you'd be well safe to return still with plenty of life left in your tyres....it's just a peace of mind thing.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[bbbvito]

Every thing taken on board, lots of different views as i expected . Bike has 4000 on it now and by the time i go in Sept chances are its going to have another 1500 on it , be doing 2000plus trip .
Last thing i want to is to be looking for a tyre garage in the middle of the alps cheaper or not!! Better safe than sorry an that,

Its just a matter of what tyre to go for ,cant say the bridgestones are bad apart from in the wet on the corners .(But what tyres aint)

 

[Magnum]

Very wise pal

I'm going to try and hunt down a pair of Roadsmarts. Not an easy task as they are a bit like hens teeth, but a pure road tyre is the way forward if you are not offroading

They are great in the wet too

 

[RickG]

Its just a matter of what tyre to go for ,cant say the bridgestones are bad apart from in the wet on the corners .(But what tyres aint)

Mich Pilot roads.

If you want exceptional milage and good grip wet or dry then give them a go. I'm on my third rear and second front. The last front did 18,000 before it was white lining too much for comfort. I think some people relate high milage with low grip but this isn't the case with the Mich's. Yes, there may be slightly grippier tyres available but I personally think the Mich's are at least as grippy as say Tourances in the dry but better in the wet. I've had to do some emergency stops in the wet over the last few years and they simply don't let go, no ABS kicking in, just amazing grip. Back to back with other tyres I've tried, I get around 50% more milage from them. In my opinion they are the best tyre for all-year riding if like me you do big commuter miles in all weathers with the odd continenal trip for good measure.

No I don't work for Mich', though wish i did as I'd maybe get cheap tyres..

Not tried Roadsmarts yet though...

 

[Magnum]

I've just ordered some Roadsmarts online. Let's see if they turn up .....

 

[Brian ROSEN]

wot I wrote

"....In any case your rate of tyre wear will never be the same as someone else!!!!....." as you can now read;

 

[scotia_steve]

My Bridgestones will be replaced at the 6k service some 500 miles off. They have 2 mm of tread but the back is squaring off and the front is cracking slightly between the tread. Going for Tourances next...

 

[newman7096]

Avons

Really enjoying my Avon Storm rear and Azaro front. Proper road tyre that is simply great in the dry and the wet. They soak up the bumps better too?? Probably the best tyre i've ever had on the GS and I've tried plenty. Tyre technology is just getting better and better.