Anyone tried the "latest and greatest" Michelin Road 5 Trail or Metzeler Sportec 01 rubber? They seem to get rave reviews and Ride magazine did a wet weather test where these two tyres really stood out, the Bridgestone T31's were also right up there, but I think these are likely to be more sport than tour. My guess is the Michelins will be the ones most likely to last a while.
My OE tyres will not last long on my new 1290, by the 1st week in July it will of had a trip to the Pyrenees and another to the Alps under its belt.
Strongly considering new tyres just before the 1st trip, which should also see out the second one (as they are close together and under 4,500 miles combined) I could then throw the OE ones back on to see me around until next year.
I suppose I may decide I love the OE tyres, but the huge gaps in the tread towards the edge of the tyres always puts me off, my thinking is sporty tyres go slick towards the edge for a reason - more grip, so reverse engineering this so it "Looks cool" on a 160BHP touring motorcycle is at odds with me.
I suppose any comments on how good the OE tyres are would also be welcome, the Conti's that came with the 1190 were fine in the dry, but damned scary in the wet - which is where I want a lot more reassurance.
My OE tyres will not last long on my new 1290, by the 1st week in July it will of had a trip to the Pyrenees and another to the Alps under its belt.
Strongly considering new tyres just before the 1st trip, which should also see out the second one (as they are close together and under 4,500 miles combined) I could then throw the OE ones back on to see me around until next year.
I suppose I may decide I love the OE tyres, but the huge gaps in the tread towards the edge of the tyres always puts me off, my thinking is sporty tyres go slick towards the edge for a reason - more grip, so reverse engineering this so it "Looks cool" on a 160BHP touring motorcycle is at odds with me.
I suppose any comments on how good the OE tyres are would also be welcome, the Conti's that came with the 1190 were fine in the dry, but damned scary in the wet - which is where I want a lot more reassurance.