The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: benlawlor85 on December 12, 2007, 01:14:02 PM
-
Hi All,
My Front tyre is getting close to the end of its life
i currently have Conti Super Twins on the bike (TK22RC on the front)
So will more than likely replace like with like as best to have the same front and back.
My question is does anyone know if A these are avilable? found one site saying they have been dis-continued!
and B if i need tubes? they say tubeless but am sure you are always ment to use tubes on airheads?
Or do i just scrap them both and get some metzeler ME33 front and ME77 rear?
Also if i can get an idea of a "good" price for a front tyre plus fitting
Cheers
Ben
-
Continental's website doesn't have the Conti Twins listed anymore, you may be able to find some at a dealer in your area, but be mindful of the age of the tire.
There is a date of manufacture molded into the sidewall of the tire it will be a 4 digit number like 4907, that would denote the tire was made in the 49 th week of 2007.
You don't want old tires.
You don't have too many choices for tires in the Metzeler line, the Lasertec tires seem to be a popular choice for the BMW airhead bikes.
I have used Metzeler ME33/ME99, now the Lasertec series, since around 1987 or 1988, can't quite remember.
They are great tires for dry, warm conditions, I reside in Phoenix and the tires perform excellently in hot conditions, but when it gets cold ( for Phoenix !) below 45 F. they take a while to warm up and 'act right', if you ask too much of them before this, you're likely to get a nasty surprise.
I don't get to ride in too much in wet conditions, but the few times that I did, they weren't confidence inspiring, and the roads in Phoenix get pretty slick with a first rainfall in months , and usually I'm in rush hour 'death cruise' commute, so I'm overly paranoid as well.
So someone else with more experience in wet conditions may have a different experience.
Average life is about 12-13,000 miles (20-21,000 km) for a front, and 8-9,000 miles (13-15,000 km) for a rear.
Prices here in Phoenix are about $100US for a Lasertec 100/90-18 front tire, $120US for a Lasertec 120-18 rear tire, mounting and balancing around the $22-$25US, and about $22US each for Metzeler tubes.
You need to use tubes with the rims that the R65 has, some run without them and claim to have no problems, your choice !
I'm sure other members will post their experiences with their choosen tires shortly.
Wonder how long it will take Justin to whack this thread into the off topic section!!!!
-
Every bike I have bought with Metzlers (with plenty of tread) has had head shake that was cured by putting on new tires. Coincidence? Who knows... Your wear king is Dunlop Touring Elite II but I think the line has been killed due to labor difficulties. My choice for all-around use is the Michelin Macadam which is still available in our sizes and are reasonably priced. I just put a new Mac 50e in 90/90-18 on the front of my RT and it was about $80... I got about 19k out of the front and a rear Macadam gets me about 13k...
The tread wore very evenly with no vibration or shake of any kind at the end of it's 4 year life.
-
I have experienced first hand the nasty surprise Bob_Roller mentions. I am very happy with my current set of tires, Bridgestone BT45s.
I wonder how much difference the tube makes? With Metzeler tires, I always ran their natural rubber inner tube. The Metzeler tube seem thick and I have heard they take a while to warm up. The tubes inside the Bridgestone tires are Kenda brand, are quite a bit thinner and I believe they are not natural rubber. Any ideas if running the thicker metzeler tubes in Bridgstone tires would adversely effect the traction and handling provided by the tires? Would thin Kenda tubes help the Metzeler tires?
Paul
-
Hi All thanks for your advice,
The Super Twins have been discontinued!
So what to do?
I am keen to get some Metzlers as had them on the R80 and they were great! i know i had an ME33 on the front before!
Think i will get a new front and back ME33 on the front and a ME55A on the rear!
Anyone know anything about these?
£56 for a front and £77 for a rear plus £12 per tyre for fitting thats at James Sherlock.
Local place whats £25+VAT for fitting if i supply the tyre. am thinking might take a ride up to devon BMW(JS)
Cheers all
Ben