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Any recent reviews or updates on Metzeler Cruisetec tires?

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Manhattan Matte

Manhattan Matte

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Sep 25, 2024
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124
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Fayetteville, TX
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R18, R9T
With 6,000 miles on my 2023 R18 Pure, I'm beginning to research new tires. I'm currently running the OEM Bridgestone Battlecruise tires, which have been pretty good for grip and rain. Most of the mileage on these tires has been two-lane highway. But as the tires wear, I'm noticing a tendency for the bike to be negatively affected by grooved or rutted pavement. The country roads and highways where I live are constantly being re-coated with asphalt, leaving grooves, ruts, and ripples that cause the front end to be unexpectedly pulled or yanked off course. Don't know if this is being caused by the tire's tread pattern, the width of the tire, or something else. I run 36/42 psi as recommended by the manual. This is definitely something I hope to avoid in choosing new tires. In doing research, I'm leaning towards the Metzeler Cruisetec - a more performance oriented tire from what I've read. Does anyone have extended experience with these tires, and can you comment on how they're holding up after a few thousand miles? Thanks.
 
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Manhattan Matte said:
With 6,000 miles on my 2023 R18 Pure, I'm beginning to research new tires. I'm currently running the OEM Bridgestone Battlecruise tires, which have been pretty good for grip and rain. Most of the mileage on these tires has been two-lane highway. But as the tires wear, I'm noticing a tendency for the bike to be negatively affected by grooved or rutted pavement. The country roads and highways where I live are constantly being re-coated with asphalt, leaving grooves, ruts, and ripples that cause the front end to be unexpectedly pulled or yanked off course. Don't know if this is being caused by the tire's tread pattern, the width of the tire, or something else. I run 36/42 psi as recommended by the manual. This is definitely something I hope to avoid in choosing new tires. In doing research, I'm leaning towards the Metzeler Cruisetec - a more performance oriented tire from what I've read. Does anyone have extended experience with these tires, and can you comment on how they're holding up after a few thousand miles? Thanks.
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I have the Metzler Marathon Ultra 888s as my third set of tires on my R18B. I've had them for 2 months, coming up on 3,000 mi.. and I highly recommend them over the Bridgestones and Michelins. I would possibly try the cruisetecs as my next set.. but based on this comparison..

The Metzeler Marathon Ultra ME888 prioritizes long mileage and comfort, while the Metzeler Cruisetec is designed for a sportier, more performance-oriented ride. The Marathon Ultra focuses on extended touring with high mileage and consistent performance, even in wet conditions. The Cruisetec uses a dual-compound rear tire and a performance-focused profile for enhanced grip and handling in corners, making it better for aggressive or dynamic riding.

.. I would say that someone forget to tell the marathon ultras that they weren't sporty because they make this big bike really nimble!
 
What size rear? Stock is 180/65/16 I think. Will 200/60/16 fit with stock rear fender? Just for the look! I think the marathon looks better with slightly more grooves, and I never ride in the rain and avoid highways.

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BAD MIKE said:
What size rear? Stock is 180/65/16 I think. Will 200/60/16 fit with stock rear fender? Just for the look!
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I would advise sticking with stock size especially for the dynamic properties. Ideal for the hándling of a single track vehicle is same width front and rear. Wider rear is a compromised concequence of heavier load and need for more traction. Going wider without such reason needlessly compromises handling.
I will explain the latter: The wider a tire, the further the contact patch moves away from the centre of the wheel, the axis of the bike. This has two effects:
1. the centre of gravity needs moved further into the corner for the same cornering speed.
2. in respect of the narrower front tyre, the line between the contact points is also moved further into the bend at the rear meaning needing more steering angle for the same bend.
 
Yes, Bad Mike. Currently running a180/65/16 Bridgestone Battlecruise rear tire. I wonder if a wider tire would increase the probability of negative effects from ruts and grooved pavement? Will probably go with the Metzeler Cruisetecs when the time comes. Better mileage with the Marathon 888s sounds good, but I really want to eliminate the problem of having the steering compromised by grooved, rough, rutted pavement.
 
J'ai des cruisetec sur ma TC , tenue de route excellente, sous la pluie le Top , par contre à 50 km/h l'avant oscille ... cela vient de la forme du pneu avant je pense , dommage.
 
Hello jp R18T. I've read a couple of older reviews of Cruisetec tires from a few years ago that mention front end wobble at highway speeds. Is this the "oscillation" you describe in your post? What year did you purchase your tires and what's your current mileage? Thanks.
 
Acheté en mai 2025 , et oui oscillation à l'avant vers 50 kms , j'ai même fait changé le pneu avant sous garantie et même choisi...
après 4 passage en concession , le verdict : pneu non adapté à cette moto .
 
32000 kms
jp R18T said:
Acheté en mai 2025 , et oui oscillation à l'avant vers 50 kms , j'ai même fait changé le pneu avant sous garantie et même choisi...
après 4 passages en concession , le verdict : pneu non adapté à cette moto .
Click to expand...
32000kms
 
Manhattan Matte said:
Thanks again jp. I've sent an email to Metzeler asking about this issue. I hope to get a reply, but I'll be researching other tires in the meantime.
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Be aware that there are considerable differences between the various R18 models. Weight (the TC is a third+ heavier than de Pure), weight distribution, wheel/tyre sizes, and not least of the oscilating frequency of all the aero on the fork/steering and bags bags.
It is like a Mini Cooper Coupe vs a Mini Clubman station wagon. Both Mini but that is it ;)
In this case what is good for the goose may not be good for the gander :cool:
 
I purchased and mounted the Metzler CruiseTec blackwall tires with the stock size and tire pressure on my Model B, just prior to a long five day ride; I noticed immediately, lower road noise...

I'm still happy with the purchase, their overall roadworthiness and performance..
 
Manhattan Matte said:
Merci encore JP. J'ai envoyé un e-mail à Metzeler pour lui poser la question. J'espère obtenir une réponse, mais je vais me renseigner sur d'autres pneus en attendant.
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J'ai fait la même chose ...
Réponse : pas de problème de signalé avec ce pneus sur les R18...
On verra ce qu'il vous diront .
 
Star-Lord said:
I purchased and mounted the Metzler CruiseTec blackwall tires with the stock size and tire pressure on my Model B, just prior to a long five day ride; I noticed immediately, lower road noise...
Click to expand...
Wow, that would be a nice upgrade! The noise from the front tyre differs só much depending on the type/state of tarmac that the change often distracts me.
 
jp R18T said:
Réponse : pas de problème de signalé avec ce pneus sur les R18...
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it is the same with different versions of a model of other brands as well. As I wrote it is about tyre loads and resonance frequency of the chassis which is hihgly depending on ´accessories´ like fork mounted fairings and luggage at the back. Nothing new, nothing R18.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes, I'm asking specifically about Cruisetecs for my R 18 Pure, knowing that it's a bit lighter in weight than the TC and B models. At just 6,000 miles, I have some miles left on the OEM Bridgestone Battlecruise tires before replacing, so I'll have time to consider more options. I'll contact a couple of BMW shops in my area to get their recommendations for replacements. Here's a photo of my bike for reference:

2023 R 18.jpg
 
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