• Welcome to the BMW R18 Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

R18B changing tires from Michelin Commander 3 to Metzeler Cruisetec

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1758297946#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter jackxer
  • Start date Start date
jackxer

jackxer

New member
Joined
Mar 23, 2023
Messages
19
Location
gent
Visit site
Bike
R18B
Last week I was fed up with the really bad Michelin Commander 3's especially in rain and the humming on different road surfaces (I live in Belgium, really bad here). So I asked price at the BMW dealership to change to Metzeler Cruisetec. They quoted me 867€ for the 2 tires labour included. I thought it was a bit much so I asked the tireshop not far away for a quote, they quoted me 545€ fitted. So choice was obvious and had them changed, see pictures. But this shop didn't know how mucht work it was to change tires, we were at it for almost 2 hours to change 2 tires. BMW didn't think of easy change of tires on this model, that's for sure, bags and exhaust had to be dismounted to get anywhere.
But I have now 2 nice Metzeler tires who perform muuuuuuuch better and muuuuuuuch more quiet than the stock ones from Michelin. They really hook in the corners now.
But I don't think that next time I will change tires they will quote me same price sadly enough.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1973.webp
    IMG_1973.webp
    717.8 KB · Views: 93
  • IMG_1974.webp
    IMG_1974.webp
    675.1 KB · Views: 89
  • IMG_1975.webp
    IMG_1975.webp
    860.3 KB · Views: 88
  • IMG_1976.webp
    IMG_1976.webp
    564.9 KB · Views: 83
  • IMG_1978.webp
    IMG_1978.webp
    910.9 KB · Views: 85
  • IMG_1979.webp
    IMG_1979.webp
    827.6 KB · Views: 85
  • IMG_1984.webp
    IMG_1984.webp
    903.2 KB · Views: 84
  • IMG_1985.webp
    IMG_1985.webp
    834.6 KB · Views: 86
I also went to a 'Cruisetec' in the front, the rear will follow but it still has plenty of 'meat' on it and I am 'cheap'. I really like it ... it seems to be 'cupping' a bit but nevertheless it is a really good tire. Got 4000 miles on it now and I estimate at least another 4k left in it.
 
I really thought that I was upgrading by getting the Michelins at my 12k mile service, but I've put 6k on them and the front tire sounds like it's got rocks rolling around in it. Never again. Looks like I'll be getting Metzelers. I went through probably 7 sets on my r1150r and never had a single issue.

I assumed a car tire store wouldn't touch a motorcycle. I've always taken my wheels off a bike, bought tires on the Internet and taken it all to one of the local motorcycle mechanics. Now you have me wondering if I could do the same at a car tire store 🤔
 
I received the Metzeler Cruisetec tires today; the Rear Tire looks like it was manufactured in Brazil on 07/24.

The front tire looks like it was manufactured in Germany on 11/22

Screenshot_20250219-051322.png
 
Last edited:
Star-Lord said:
I received the Metzeler Cruisetec tires today; the Rear Tire looks like it was manufactured in Brazil on 07/24.

The front tire looks like it was manufactured in Germany on 11/22

View attachment 17233
Click to expand...
So following up on the conversation concerning the Metzeler tires cupping on the new Indians. Apparently the problem tires were manufactured in Brazil but they were only the fronts and they narrowed it down to a batch specifically designated to go to the Indian plant.
 
MilwDave said:
So following up on the conversation concerning the Metzeler tires cupping on the new Indians. Apparently the problem tires were manufactured in Brazil but they were only the fronts and they narrowed it down to a batch specifically designated to go to the Indian plant.
Click to expand...
Now I will have to look .. I have a Cruisetc front and it is 'cupping' ... do you happen to know how to identify them/the batch/lot?
 
Ulrich said:
Now I will have to look .. I have a Cruisetc front and it is 'cupping' ... do you happen to know how to identify them/the batch/lot?
Click to expand...
If it was manufactured in Brazil they should warranty it for you.
 
MilwDave said:
If it was manufactured in Brazil they should warranty it for you.
Click to expand...
Well it looks like it was manufactured in Breuberg, Germany by Pirelli (which doesn't surprise me, Pirelli owns Metzler) in week 28 (last week of July) 2022 ... so it was about a year old when I bought it ;)
... I think I am all good, I was just curios :D .. I am going to ride this one out ... maybe another 5000 miles and then try a triple 8 or a Shinko
 
Hello.
My Classic has the front completely worned so I call a tire dealer.
After discussion we ended up with the price below in Swiss francs:


Metzeler Cruisetec

Front:
Tire: SFr. 179.-
Tube: SFr. 21.-
Installation: SFr. 50.-

Rear:
Tire: SFr. 206.-
Tube: SFr. 21.-
Installation: 70.-

Leading to a total of SFr. 547.- which is about EUR 583.-

Originally, the sales guy did not consider the specifications of the Classic bike but I told him that for the rear is it a bit more complexe than for a 1200 GS. ;)
Local BMW dealers are way too expensive so I tend to avoid them for this kind of service.
That said, they are very nice and they are never letting me in bad situation in case I ask for tools or workshop manual for any of my BMW. :D
 
I'm going in for a tire change shortly via BMW dealer. They have quoted about £550 for front and back Metzeler ME888s. Never heard of them, but look to have good reviews, and seemingly last a long time.
 
Boiled Octopus said:
I'm going in for a tire change shortly via BMW dealer. They have quoted about £550 for front and back Metzeler ME888s. Never heard of them, but look to have good reviews, and seemingly last a long time.
Click to expand...
Yes please .. let us know how the triple 8s run for you ... I am using the 'Cruisetec' from Metzeler ... similar tread pattern than the 888s somewhat different compound ... but I think the compound on the 'Cruisetec' is a bit too soft for the narrow front tire of the FE ... it is cupping a bit. Don't get me wrong, I really like the way the tire rides ... just not that thrilled about the odd wear pattern.
 
Will do buddy. Probably when the sun is out in the UK, will report back.
Ulrich said:
Yes please .. let us know how the triple 8s run for you ... I am using the 'Cruisetec' from Metzeler ... similar tread pattern than the 888s somewhat different compound ... but I think the compound on the 'Cruisetec' is a bit too soft for the narrow front tire of the FE ... it is cupping a bit. Don't get me wrong, I really like the way the tire rides ... just not that thrilled about the odd wear pattern.
Click to expand...
 
Boiled Octopus said:
So, I've done about 500 miles on these Metzelers, and they are awesome. Much better than the Commanders. Grippy, smooth, quiet and just feel a lot safer on the road. Highly recommend if you need a tire change!
Click to expand...
I'm looking to put a couple hundred miles on the new Metzeler Cruisetec tires this Saturday (80 ° in the forecast); the first thing I noticed when riding home from the shop, was how quite they sounded when compared to the stock tires...
 
Boiled Octopus said:
So, I've done about 500 miles on these Metzelers, and they are awesome. Much better than the Commanders. Grippy, smooth, quiet and just feel a lot safer on the road. Highly recommend if you need a tire change!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback. Always been impressed with Metzeler back when I rode R1200GS my choice was Karoo Street.
 
I also removed the commander 3 front and rear poor handling and the front tire sounded like an off road mudder tire . I chose the Bridgestone H50 . My R18B is now very responsive in the curves and much more quiet. Got about 2500 miles on them and they look brand new . I also run my pressure 4lbs lower than what’s recommended 38 psi front and 40 psi in the rear cold . After they warm up the pressure comes up about 2 to lbs front and rear . What pressure are you running front and rear ,
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top