Heidenau Tires

[iwSVPyFzWDH]

I just installed on my 1978 Euro delivered R65 new Heidenau Front K44 90/90–18 and Heidenau Rear K36 4.00-18. These tires have entirely transformed the bike's handling.

Previously it had Metzler Lazer. The bike handled like a tractor/ATV. Heavy and the transitions were full of notches. Now the handling is light and predictable. Transitions are smooth and notchless. Beautiful. AhHa, this is what BMW intended!

In 50 years of riding/driving I have never experienced such a huge transformation from a new set of tires.

I have never had anything but the Metzlers on the bike so cannot compare to any other brands. However, I have read all of the tire related threads on this forum in their entirety (up to a few months ago).

My conclusion is that the Heidenaus are the only way to go. I am having difficulty expressing just how great a transformation this is. Would the much overused word "awesome" possibly convey?  Go Heidenau.  

 

[wa1udg]

Are they Chinese?

[mrclubike]

Are they Chinese?

They better not be for what they cost.
I am fairly sure they are still made in Germany. My Metzelers say made in Brazil
OldGoat look at the side wall and tell us where they are made
I want to get a set of these when my Metzelers  wear out.
That wont be long for the rear but the front doesn't seem to be wearing at all.
I may have to go thru 3 rears to burn up the front    

[iwSVPyFzWDH]

They are made in Germany. The Metzlers were made in Brazil.

[iwSVPyFzWDH]

The cost differential between the Metzlers and the Heidenau is negligible but there is a vast improvement in performance with the Heidenau making them clearly the better value.

I am not normally a "fan boy" that raves about the new whatever. However, in this case the difference is so substantial I feel that I ought to post my findings here as a follow up on the previous tire threads. The Heidenau are definitely the way to go for the R65.

[Barry]

New tires always transform the handling for me because the old ones were squared off and worn out and to a degree I will have gradually got used to them being that way. Short of trying out new tires back to back which I've never done, I'd have a hard job remembering what make was best.

For what they cost  I'm very happy with the much lighter handling provided by the made in Thailand Michelin M45's I've just fitted - but then I would be because the profiles are round again and not yet flattened off.

Tire manufacturers make them all over the world these days. Hopefully what you are paying for in a major brand is the design and material specification regardless of where it's made.  

I notice the Metzeler ME11 I once had is still being made but at over £100 for the front tire I have to wonder who is buying them.

[Semper Gumby]

The Heidenau K60 scout is the best all around Dualpsort tire I have ever put on my BSA Firebird.

[iwSVPyFzWDH]

The bike came into my possession with a pair of "squared off" Metzlers. I replaced them with a new set of the same Metzlers. While I now had new rubber the handling was little changed. Notchy and heavy. The tires wore evenly but had begun to split in the middle of the tread.

The compound of the Brazilian Metzlers was very hard, almost brittle. The compound of the Heidenau is much softer and compliant.

[jonwill001]

I have heidenau K60 scouts on my R45. I have found them long lasting and excellent in the dry. Not so goot in the wet. Will stick with them when time to replace

[montmil]

The bike came into my possession with a pair of "squared off" Metzlers. I replaced them with a new set of the same Metzlers. While I now had new rubber the handling was little changed. Notchy and heavy...

Hmmm... Your description leads me to suspect steering stem bearings. That's the exact feeling when the bearings have become brinelled.