Tire Life

Airman · Post by **Airman** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:10 pm

I was planning to buy the Metzler Z6 for my next set of tires, but last night I ordered those Pirelli Diablo Stradas on their promotional. I have what is possibly the oldest set of ME-Z4's in existence on my `03 RR. There's currently 13,513 miles on these tires which were delivered with the bike from the factory. And there's a little left on the rear and a lot on the front.
I have had some time to consider why they have lasted so long in the face of so many riders who routinely burn off a set of tires in 4500 miles.

I've gotten 10,000 more miles then some of you. Now why is that ?
Some of it certainly is riding style, and I don't strafe too many canyons, but I think the key is heat. I live in a cool wet climate here in the Northwest and my trips are usually short, 10-15 miles between stops. I commute a lot to work.
I think the short trips and the cool climate keeps tire temps down and thus heat related wear.
What do you think ? Has anyone else had high mileage tire experience ?

Post by **yjleesvrr** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:14 pm

Airman - Wow, you've exceeded my experience with the ME-Z4s. My stock ME-Z4 front lasted about 12k miles, and the rear about 9k miles. I got my front Z6 about 8 months ago, and don't know yet what kind of mileage I will get. But my rear Z6 lasted almost 15k miles. With the tire life you've seen with Z4s, I imagine you might get 20k out of the Z6!

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:40 pm

I got 20,000 klms (13,000 miles) on my Pirelli's..that's about the same as you.

I think it a smooth riding style..type of riding and surface that you ride on.

Some roads look the same but wear tires much faster.

You will notice a huge difference when you put your new tires on..

DJ

tor1150r · Post by **tor1150r** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:12 pm

Just switched out my MEZ 4's. They came with the bike when I took delivery in 2004. They lasted 25k kms, much of which was 2-up riding.

I've just had Michelin Pilot Roads installed.

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:44 pm

13,000+ miles on a set of tires?!

My Z6s are about to be replaced and I am thrilled they lasted for over 6K. More than the set of Avons I had, BTW.

I too have a free front Pirelli on the way, with a new rear in the basement. If they can equal the Z6, I will be happy.

Tire wear is a personal riding style thing, combined with road conditions. I have been told the stone used in our paving here is harder and more abrasive to tires than other pavement elsewhere. Also, much of my riding is in the mountains at an entertaining pace. (Although I can't keep up with my Duc riding, track day devotee friends!

)

gel9001 · Post by **gel9001** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:16 pm

Airman,
I've got 13,200 miles on my Michelin Battlaxes that came with the bike. I'm going to replace them with a couple of Z6. I didn't think they were that bad, but Saturday I got back from Bear Mt. in New York and found that you can see the steel belts peaking through. I'm going to stop riding till I buy the replacements.
I ride conservatively, I think however, that smooth roads are an important factor in long tire life.

Gene

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 9:51 pm

I think however, that smooth roads are an important factor in long tire life.

I was out riding today and noticed how smooth the roads are around here.

I ride mostly around the city and all the traffic must wear them smooth.

DJ

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:26 pm

I'm on my 3rd different set of tires for my R. I started with Dunlop D208's and the rear was replaced due to a nail, then I had a D220 put on, so the front D208 lasted about 12k, and the rear D220 about 8k (all in miles). Then I went Metzeler Z4's, again about 12k on the front and 7k on the rear. Then switched over to Z6's, a little more even - about 9k rear and 10k front. I've been through a couple Z6's and they seem consistant. Now I changed over to the Avon sport touring tires, I think the ST45 and ST46. Just put them on about a month ago so no answer yet.

BTW, I run my tires down to where there is hardly any tread left; not necessarily when the tire is noticeably 'angled'. My main reason is most of my miles are commuting so I'll milk as many miles out of them as I can.

One 'experiment' I've been wondering about is tire wear factors - I would imagine these factors will vary the tire life, but how much?
Riding in rain (less friction)
Cold temps as opposed to hot weather
Riding with or without systems cases
loaded down (weight) or empty

My last set of tires I went mostly without the system cases and I seemed to get a few more miles out of the rear. It seems like one season (a few years ago, different bike) I got more miles out of a set, and it seemed to rain alot.

Post by **Beemeridian** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:54 pm

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:38 pm

Riding the canyon doesn't burn up the tires because you ride on the edges.

There are several factors in tires mileage:

1. tire pressures.
2. burn-outs.
3. heavy acceleration and deceleration.
4. weight of rider(s).
5. road surface condition
6. ambient temperature.

I'm sure that there are other factors that I haven't noticed. However, I am riding the Z6 with the front at 13,000-miles and rear at 8,000-miles (the other rear got 5,000-miles on before picking up two nailes). I still have a few millimeters worth of tread for the front and the rear is looking worn but probably still have at least 500-miles left.

I just bought the Diablo Strada because of the promotional deal and I expect it to be about the same.

Post by **taosports** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 6:24 pm

Another factor to consider in tire mileage is that two people can look at the same tire and come up with two different conclusions as to tire life.

I generally have to replace my tires due to squaring off than remaining rubber. The majority of my mileage is on straight freeways which tend to square the tires making for not so fun rides in the twisties.

Also keep in mind that when looking at your front tire, pay particular attention to the tread depth on the sides - that's where you'll get the most wear, not the crown.

Airman · Post by **Airman** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 8:00 pm

tor1150r wrote:Just switched out my MEZ 4's. They came with the bike when I took delivery in 2004. They lasted 25k kms, much of which was 2-up riding.

That's what, 15,000 miles ? Even I'm impressed with that.
My ME Z4's are just reaching the wear bars on the rear tire.
The reason I think exessive wear is heat related agrees with what a lot of you are saying here. Tire pressure, loading, outside temp, etc. I got the most wear in a single trip in `04 when I went to the MOA national in Spokane. I spent the entire day on the interstate in temps near 100 degrees F. I had the bike loaded with the usual camping gear, etc, and ran speeds up around 85 all day. It was about an 800 mile round trip and I could see the tire wear when I got home. It squared the tire a bit of course.
My theory has flaws though. DJ rides his RR hard down there in some serious heat and is still getting good wear from his tires.
I am probably inclined to use DJ's wear indicators. The cord. When I see that It's time for a tire change. Perhaps being 300 km from the house like he was is a little extreme though. You can have a nail related failure pretty easy at that point. Maybe he'll post that tire wear picture for us again.

I'm safe from burnout wear. The linked brakes discourage that sort of thing. Not that it doesn't cross my mind sometimes.
I find it interesting that so many other riders are getting decent mileage from their tires. I had gotten the impression that 4500-6000 miles was the common distance most got from their tires on the RR.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 10:03 pm

Yes I was away on a week-end ride with the boys...riding very hard...and hoping my tires would last till I got home.

We stopped for fuel about 300 kilometers (160 miles) from home and I hear one of the guys yell..check out DJ's tire..yes it was down to the wear indicators..

I rode it hard (to keep up) all the way home..trying not to engine break too much...and here it is when I was almost home.

When I was having new tires fitted I thought I would see how much meat there was left on the tire...

...and after ten minutes of sawing all I did was blunt the hack saw..

That stainless steel wire bead is tough stuff.

Here we are..all happy again..and ready for another 20,000 klms (12,000 miles)..I love my Pirelli's.

DJ

Post by **KHaynes** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 3:58 am

It varies a lot and as others suggested, it's a lot to do with the riding style. I ride my R1150GS solo and managed to get 23,500 kilometres from the front and rear tyres.

I ride my R1150RT mostly two-up and with Mrs Haynes on the back I ride more sedately than I do solo. The most I've had from tyres on the RT is 16,000 kilometres.

If you ride anything but aggressively, you should expect at 10,000-12,000 miles.

jimcameron · Post by **jimcameron** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 3:59 am

taosports wrote:Another factor to consider in tire mileage is that two people can look at the same tire and come up with two different conclusions as to tire life.

Amen!!

I think it has a lot more to do with what is acceptable than some mysterious factor.

I am a worry wart, I think that the only thing keeping me from disaster are two patches of tire less than the size of the palm of my hand. I always err on the side of what I consider caution and replace. My dealer replaces my tires, and the dealer is 130 miles away. If I am at the dealer with 6000 miles on the tires and I think they will need replacement within the next 2000 they are going on at 6. To each their own, and I would like to see some photos of 15,000 mile tires.

DJ, glad you are still with us.

Ride On!

Post by **wncbmw** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:31 am

It is correct that some people's assessment of a tire's remaining life can vary. A couple of weeks ago, a friend said he considered my front tire shot, while I thought the rear was nearer demise. He based his opinion on some irregularity in the wear pattern on the front and I based mine strictly on tread depth.

Of course, he and his Duc spend a lot more time on the edge of the contact patch than I do.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:52 am

I realize now that letting your tire tread get too low is not smart and not worth the risk...

It's not the safety issue that worries me...

It's because if I was have an accident my insurance company would look at the tires and say.."you're on your own buddy".

DJ

Capt. Blackadder · Post by **Capt. Blackadder** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 11:46 am

When I finally replaced the original Michelin tires they had about 20K miles on them. The front was pretty badly cupped and the rear was significantly squared off, but they were only down to the wear indicators, i.e. there was some rubber left and no wires were showing. I was very happy to get so many miles out of them, but they did make the bike feel a bit truckish... it was freight-train stable in a straight line and not so eager to lean into turns.

The current set of Metzeler Z6 tires has about 5K miles on them now and these feel quite a bit better. The bike is lighter on its feet and handles better, and these tires also make it easier to modulate braking up to the lockup point. They're also wearing quite well. The front looks almost unused and the rear is just beginning to square off, just a little. Cappy is happy.

Post by **wncbmw** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 9:33 pm

20K!?! Where do you ride, the beach?

That's over three times what I can get from a set!

Airman · Post by **Airman** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 11:12 pm

DJ,

When I saw your photo of the attempted cross section, I was hoping you'd get it sawed in half. I suspect there's a lot of material left even when the tread is gone. You needed a high speed abrasive wheel to cut through it.

I did notice that your Pirellis did not seem to flatten like I see on my rear Metzler. is that the way they wear ?

BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Tire Life

Tire Life

Tyre wear

tire life