Metzelers Z8

[beemerboy9]

The rear will be a "C" version code, as confirmed by the Tech. Databook page 81, thanks.

R 1250 RT MY 2019 - 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL Roadtec Z8 Interact M, 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL Roadtec Z8 Interact C.

Just had a look at the Metzeler Germany website. For the 1200RT LC both the "C" and the "O" are recommended for the rear.


If I remember rightly the "O" was the spec to go for at the time.


For the 1250RT, only the "C" appears to be recommended.


No Roadtec 01 is recommended for the 1250RT


However.............


For the Yamaha FJR1300 the Z8 is recommended in "O" spec (rear) as are the Roadtec 01s.


Trying to follow the logic of the German allowed tyre combinations absolutely does my head in.


My thought - just be sensible and choose a suitable tyre. Remember that the Germans have to allow for sustained cruising at near maximum speed, two-up and fully loaded.

[David.]

No Roadtec 01 is recommended for the 1250RT.

From the 2019 Metzeler Technical Databook

R 1250 RT MY 2019 - 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL Roadtec 01. 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) HWM TL Roadtec 01.

R 1250 RT MY 2019 - 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL Roadtec Z8 Interact M. 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL Roadtec Z8 Interact C.

[David.]

Looks like the "O" spec. may have originally been introduced in 190/55 ZR17 for large tourers, e.g. BMW K 1600 GT, http://www.cambriantyres.co.uk/o-spec-roadtec-z8-interact-for-large-tourers/

Both the "C" and "O" specs. are listed for my 2012 RT. The original BMW recommendations for Z8's are "Standard" front and "C" rear. I used to run a Z6 "C" spec. on the rear.

Based on the latest 1250's coming with a "C" spec. rear, there doesn't seem any particular reason to fit an "O" spec.

[beemerboy9]

Looks like the "O" spec. may have originally been introduced in 190/55 ZR17 for large tourers, e.g. BMW K 1600 GT, http://www.cambriantyres.co.uk/o-spec-roadtec-z8-interact-for-large-tourers/

Both the "C" and "O" specs. are listed for my 2012 RT. The original BMW recommendations for Z8's are "Standard" front and "C" rear. I used to run a Z6 "C" spec. on the rear.

Based on the latest 1250's coming with a "C" spec. rear, there doesn't seem any particular reason to fit an "O" spec.

......apart from this comment from the website that you refer to


" 100% silica shoulder compound offers significantly increased grip on wet surfaces, and excellent grip when cornering too."


David, thanks for finding out about the "O" spec tyre. I did not know the difference, but I do remember some road testers raving about them at the time.


.... and why does it not surprise me that the website and the technical manual are out of step  . Thanks for correcting me there as well.


Kind Regards,


John

[David.]

I've emailed Metzeler for some clarification on tyre fitment for my 2012 RT.

BMW originally recommended a "Standard" (no version code) for the front and a "C" (special version) for the rear. Both these tyres are listed in their 2019 Databook.

Metzeler now list an "M" for the front and either a "C" or "O" for the rear. Have asked, "Is there any reason to fit the "O" version rather than the "C" version on the rear".

If/when I get a reply, I'll share the details.

[David.]

Had a phone call from Pirelli/Metzeler, they have confirmed the following.

The front "M" spec. is now their "Standard" tyre and the rear "C" spec. (now discontinued) has been replaced by the "O" spec.

There will be some old stock "C" spec. rear tyres still floating about, hence, as confirmed by Casbar, some new 1250's have this tyre fitted.

Once the stock of "C" spec. tyres is exhausted, you would expect to see bikes coming through with an "O" spec. rear.

If I choose to fit Z8's, I'll put an "M" on the front and "O" on the rear.

Hopefully, this clarifies any previous confusion over Metzeler tyre specifications.

[David.]

If you have Z8's fitted, it's likely that the rear will be 'C' spec. version.

Back in 2013, Metzeler released an 'O' spec. version for large tourers, initially in 190/55 ZR17. An 'O' spec. version is now available in 180/55 ZR17 for RT's.

"The 'O' spec. tyre boasts excellent performance in the wet, and when compared with the ‘C’ spec version already on the market it offers 30% more mileage."

If this is the case and you're happy with Z8's, would you switch from 'C' to 'O' spec. on the rear. The front would remain as a 'Standard' or 'M' spec.

Using M&P for prices, the 'C' spec. is £106 and the 'O' spec. is £122. For an extra £16, a 15% increase in cost for a 30% increase in mileage.

M&P do a pair deal for £175, https://www.mandp.co.uk/products/120-70zr17-180-55zr17-gt-roadtec-z8-tyre-pair-tp-589785-589786
Checking the Product Codes, the front is 'Standard' and the rear is an 'O' spec, seems like a good deal. Give them a call to confirm.

[David.]

Found this 2020 Metzeler Technical Databook, https://d1ykpo4jhzi0cx.cloudfront.net/download/en-uk/1531130569667/metzeler_tdb_2020_lr_v2.pdf

Might be useful when selecting Metzeler tyres.

[Beagle]

Mmm! interesting you have reminded me the RT has interlinked braking I do seem to ride old school i.e. Front brake at high speed back brake slow manoeuvres. You say if you use the back brake independently you wear the pads out quicker? Does that mean slow manoeuvres I use my front brake only? In which case why have a back brake? I do like my back brake

Back brakes handy for hill starts.

[David.]

Their Z8’s are £200, must be such a popular tyre so no need to discount.

https://www.bikespeeduk.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=130

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/182617844357

[Beagle]

Bikespeed must be able to sell at £200

[David.]

National Bike Tyres can sell them for £195, https://www.nationalbiketyres.co.uk/metzeler-pair-deals/roadtec-z8-pair-deals?product_id=36652

[Beagle]

National Bike Tyres can sell them for £195, https://www.nationalbiketyres.co.uk/metzeler-pair-deals/roadtec-z8-pair-deals?product_id=36652

Yes.

[David.]

If & when Dunlop Roadsmarts become unavailable, Z8's are likely to be my choice of tyre.

Had Metzeler Z6's in the past.

[jackronner]

My rear brakes also wear out quickly, despite my having acclimated to the dual braking and use the front brakes almost exclusively.  However, on both my RT's I've noted that using the rear brake only that it has very little stopping power compared to my host of other makes.  I use it only on slow maneuvering, using it while still applying power to the wheels, letting up on the brake to move forward incrementally rather than feathering the clutch. Seems more controlled and precise with the brake, especially riding two up.