Tyres for R1100RT?

Best tyres and oil for your R1200RT/R1250RT get other users opinions here.
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Ed Harley
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Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

As you most likely are aware R1100RT tyre sizes are 120/70ZR17 and 160/60ZR18.

If the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT would still be available decision would be easy - unfortunately rear tyre is no longer available.

I was looking at available tyres on Mynetmoto and 'main' alternatives appear to be:

Pirelli Angel GT
Michelin Pilot Road 3
Metzeler Z6
Bridgestone T30 Evo
Bridgestone T31
Continental RoadAttack 3

I'm not that keen on the Metzelers or Continentals. And the Pirellis tend to be made in China.

So that leaves Michelins and both Bridgestones. Michelins are most likely made in Spain and B-stones in Japan.

Use of this bike is mostly sport touring.

Any pros/consopinions/recommendations of these (or other) tyres?

1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by simbo »

I had the Michelin Pilot Road 3's on my RT when I got it and they felt fine, I changed to Pilot Road 4's when they wore out and didn't notice any great improvements over the 3's.
The GS 'is' the better bike :-)
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

Thanks for the info - Michelins they are! I'll visit the dealer in the morning. With a bit of luck I may have new tyres on for Easter weekend.
1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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David.
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by David. »

Ed Harley wrote:Any pros/cons opinions/recommendations of these (or other) tyres?
One manufacture not mentioned is Dunlop, I'm now on to my sixth pair of RoadSmart I's on a R1200RT Camhead.

RoadSmart I's are now discontinued, RoadSmart II's are available in sizes for an R1100RT.
https://www.dunlop.eu/en_gb/motorcycle/ ... mart2.html

If RoadSmart I's were not discontinued, I've have no reason to look for an alternative, I'm perfectly happy with them.
Last edited by David. on Sun Mar 28, 2021 7:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ed Harley
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

Roadsmart IIs are available. For some reason I did not pay attention to them as Dunlops usually are more expensive here than other brands. Now that I checked the prices they are actually cheaper than Michelins. Need to read a bit more of these as well before ordering.
1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by David. »

Well there you go, another money saving idea.
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

Eventually Pilot Road 3 pair was ordered and bike went in today. I was planning on a nice ride on Sunday as forecast has been for warm weather.

Well, as it often happens to me the front tyre that arrived from Parts Europe was a Pilot Power so just the rear was changed. Front will have to wait until next week.
And the Sunday weather forecast is getting colder and colder...  :(
1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

As usual new tyres feel really nice.  ^-^
1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

Well, since I got another R1100RT - after trading in the earlier for a Road King (always a good :idea: !) - it is time again for a set of tyres.

That earlier short list is now even shorter as some of the tyres are discontinued. Not so much need nowadays for 160/60ZR18, I suppose.

After long agonizing consideration between Bridgestone and Dunlop I today ordered Dunlop Roadsmart IV set, 120/70ZR17 GT and 160/60ZR18.

GT version for front was recommended by Dunlop. I had these Dunlops on my previous R1200RT and they were great.
1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Doctor T »

I would go to Angle GT mark 1 any day. Good in the dry as well in the wet. Neutral handling. and long lasting. Before these I was on Mick 01 and I thought these were good until I fitted the GT. A rated front, standard on rear.
7K on them so far. I will be fitting the MK1 again
The Mk2 Angle's have a different tread pattern on the front. Some say that they can cause a very slight weave.
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light". Groucho Marx
Ed Harley
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

They were my 3rd option after Dunlops and Bridgestone T32.

Pirellis seem to be very good but I wanted a 'newer' design as the cost here was about the same.
1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Ed Harley »

Right.

New tyres (Dunlop Roadsmart IV, 120/70ZR17 GT and 160/60ZR18) were installed today.

After the ride today I can honestly say that R1100RT is completely different bike now. So planted, so effortless line changes, does not react on longitudinal ridges and grooves, etc. Absolutely fabulous change.

I must note though that the front was a one year old Pirelli Angel ST with perhaps 1000 km on it. The rear, on the other hand, was a Bridgestone BT021 made in 2006. :mrgreen:

Image

New tyres tend to be a really nice change on a bike. :cheers:
1983 GS1000G | 1984 GSX1100EF | 1997 FLHR | 1998 FLSTS | 1999 R1100RT | 2016 Triumph 1200 XRT
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Re: Tyres for R1100RT?

Post by Jiji »

It sounds like you’ve narrowed down some great options for your R1100RT. Both the Bridgestones (T30 Evo and T31) and the Michelins (Pilot Road 3) are excellent choices for sport touring, offering a good balance of grip, durability, and wet-weather performance.

Between the two brands, the Bridgestone T31 is particularly well-regarded for its wet handling and slightly better longevity compared to the T30 Evo. On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Road 3 is known for its consistent performance, though it might not match the latest advancements in grip from newer models. If you're riding long distances on varied surfaces, the T31 could be a better match.

If you’re finding it challenging to source your preferred tires locally, online marketplaces can sometimes help. For example, I’ve successfully used jiji.ng to find hard-to-get parts for other vehicles. You might find similar resources in your region.

Good luck with your decision—let us know which tires you go with and how they perform!
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