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Brand and tire life on the R18

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For what I have heard, the K is a tyre muncher, maybe because she encourages you to ride in a spirited way and therefore cornering and breaking will have an effect on the tyres and like you rightly said, the weight is also a big factor.
I ride maximum at 75mls/h in Roll mode and always anticipate my next steps whilst riding to avoid unnecessary breaking or acceleration. My old M109R gave me 12K on the factory tyres, also Bridgestones.
 
Gilles said:
I have just done the annual maintenance of my R18 and surprise, the dealer showed me that my front tire is at the limit of wear on the left side.

The tires are the BATTLECRUISE H50 BRIDGESTONE, fitted as standard, and have less than 8000km.

Seems to me a bit fast as wear...

What is your experience and which tire brand
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I had the same tires on my 22 TC, and I got 21,000kms on the pair. I replaced them with the same, but the new tires do not feel the same. I'm losing traction in wet conditions. I will probably go with Michelins next time.
 
SoCalMike said:
2022 R18B. I also have the stock Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 tires and my front is toast at 6k miles. We should all complain to BMW!
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I did extensive research when replacing my Battlecruise H50's at 6k miles. I also was very disappointed in the low mileage. I've found that, for me, the Battlecruise is the best tire out there right now. When a better tire is available, I'll certainly look into it as I'd like to get more mileage than I'm getting. However I won't sacrifice safety, handling, wet performance, or versatile terrain performance.

Why complain to BMW? They're not a tire mfr, and I do think BMW would put the best value tire on their bikes.
 
@ 4000ish miles both tires were shot. I forget the exact milage, I've posted it here somewhere. Went the cheap route knowing I'm potentially going to destroy another set of tires with my aggressive and exuberant ways. Picked up a set of Kumho SR999.

Now I'm at 11,000mi. Font is just touching the wear bars. Rear is extremely worn with a touch of "I already own a replacement rear tire" attitude induced flatness in the center. In spite of many traction-controll disabled launches, I haven't hit the threads yet.

Original Battlecruise rear started showing threads as soon as the tread lines were gone. Front tire was almost at the wear bars when the rear died...but it felt like it was coming apart internally. I don't recommend my riding style, but commend the Kumhos for holding up longer than the OEM tires. They are surprisingly soft and grippy as well. Definitely have more grip and bite than the Battlecruises that it started life with.

I already have a new rear I've been putting off installing...and I've been deliberately pushing the limits. It just isn't completely dead yet. I'm gonna pick up new brake pads and a front tire soon. As soon as this cold patch passes...maybe mid february. Definitely gonna keep with these SR999 tires.
 
KevinQ said:
@ 4000ish miles both tires were shot. I forget the exact milage, I've posted it here somewhere. Went the cheap route knowing I'm potentially going to destroy another set of tires with my aggressive and exuberant ways. Picked up a set of Kumho SR999.

Now I'm at 11,000mi. Font is just touching the wear bars. Rear is extremely worn with a touch of "I already own a replacement rear tire" attitude induced flatness in the center. In spite of many traction-controll disabled launches, I haven't hit the threads yet.

Original Battlecruise rear started showing threads as soon as the tread lines were gone. Front tire was almost at the wear bars when the rear died...but it felt like it was coming apart internally. I don't recommend my riding style, but commend the Kumhos for holding up longer than the OEM tires. They are surprisingly soft and grippy as well. Definitely have more grip and bite than the Battlecruises that it started life with.

I already have a new rear I've been putting off installing...and I've been deliberately pushing the limits. It just isn't completely dead yet. I'm gonna pick up new brake pads and a front tire soon. As soon as this cold patch passes...maybe mid february. Definitely gonna keep with these SR999 tires.
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Excellent rundown on your tires, thanks!
 
Well, I have problem with 22 TC front end Wobble with stock tire I tried 38 psi to 48 psi, balanced the front end, and checked full front with the dealer. They can't find the actual problem; they opened a case with BMW. After over two weeks, my bike is still in the shop awaiting a solution, My bike has 3,050 miles.
Don't know what to do from here.
 
kils said:
Cruistec of Metzeler is the very best for the R18 low riding noise and very good road condition, absolute my favourite after using the Bridgestone and the Michelin
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I've been looking at the same brand / model; I've used Metzler on my GS Adventure bike and liked them a lot...

Screenshot_20250206-044423.png
 
Star-Lord said:
I've been looking at the same brand / model; I've used Metzler on my GS Adventure bike and liked them a lot...

View attachment 17128
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So I'm getting close to purchasing tires, which I'll have the dealership mount them on my bike at the same time they fix the Reverse (waiting on recall parts).

Is there a difference between "SPIN" balancing and "HIGH SPEED" balancing?

I asked my dealership if they high-speed balance newly mounted tires, and the response was "yes, we spin balance..."

Thoughts..
 
Spin balancing uses a relatively low rotational speed to identify imbalances, while high speed balancing spins the component at its intended operating speed to detect issues that may only appear at high speeds.
Spin balancing is commonly used for motor vehicles wheels, while high speed balancing is typically used for industrial machinery like turbine rotors, generator rotors, and other high-speed rotating components.
 
Star-Lord said:
I've been looking at the same brand / model; I've used Metzler on my GS Adventure bike and liked them a lot...

View attachment 17128
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Indian has had a rash of warranty replacements for the Metzeler tires they spec on the Challenger/Pursuit line of bikes. Severe cupping and wobble at 35 mph. My buddy just bought a Pursuit down in Florida and the dealer is replacing the front tire at less than 1K miles.
 
Do you know which model Indian is using; I literally just purchased the Metzeler Cruisetec tires for the front & rear..? $557

The Metzeler Cruisetec model was named one of the top 2025 tires..
 
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The Cruisetec and from what I understand they were manufactured in Metzeler’s plant in Mexico.
They are saying it was from a bad batch but my Indian dealer is suggesting switching over to Dunlop on those bikes.
 
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My BMW dealership quoted me $180. plus tax & wheel weights to mount the new tires; I guess I'm going to have them do the work at the same time I have the Reverse fix done..

I thought about taking the wheels off myself and dropping them off to be mounted and balanced, but at $180, I'm thinking that is a good price from a convenience standpoint...
 
Star-Lord said:
My BMW dealership quoted me $180. plus tax & wheel weights to mount the new tires; I guess I'm going to have them do the work at the same time I have the Reverse fix done..

I thought about taking the wheels off myself and dropping them off to be mounted and balanced, but at $180, I'm thinking that is a good price from a convenience standpoint...
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I always take the wheels/tires off my K1600 and take them in to get the tires mounted and balanced. Dont think I will be doing that for my R18B, I think I will save all the headache and just take it in
 
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