K11 Owners Group

omarsbuddy

I apologise in advance for creating a thread in which there is no definitive correct answer for the question I'm about to ask, but I'd sure like some educated opinions on front tire longevity.

When I bought my LT last November, the previous owner provided me with a stack of receipts showing what had been done to the bike over the last several years. Among those receipts was one showing that new tires had been recently installed, and they had only 400 miles on 'em. Perfect!

The bike has a Metzeler ME88 Marathon rear, and a Metzeler Lazertec front.

I've put right at 5k on the bike, and the rear tire shows very little wear, while the Lazertec front is down to the wear bars! Confused

5000 miles, and the front tire is worn out? WTF?

Hence, my question . . . what front tire do you recommend that would provide better longevity?

Having owned several airheads over the years, and being used to getting upwards of 15k out of a front tire, I just can't believe I wore one out in 5000 miles! There's GOT to be a better alternative! Rolling Eyes

Right?
_________________
Scot
'95 K1100LT

whyoldbill · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:59 pm Post subject:

Scott,
I'm running Michelin PR2s. My front currently has about 14k on it and I just replaced the rear.
5 k sounds a little low for a LaserTec, but they are a soft tire.
Try the PR2's, you won't regret it!
BTW, you'll have to bump the rear up to a 150/70-17, but it works great.
If you want to take mine for a spin, just give me a call...

Bill
_________________
'02 - GL1800

The desired effect is what you get when you improve your interplanetary funksmanship - George Clinton

omarsbuddy · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:07 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply, Bill. Reading between the lines, it sounds like you're suggesting that I shouldn't leave what I've got on the rear and put a PR2 on the front. Am I reading correctly?
_________________
Scot
'95 K1100LT

whyoldbill · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:18 pm Post subject:

omarsbuddy · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:41 pm Post subject:

At the rate the rear is wearing, I could go through another 2 or 3 front tires before the rear wears out. I mount my own tires, and I'm not real keen on doing it every 5000 miles.

I long for the days of the Dunlop K491 Elite II. The last set I had on my airhead went over 21k before I had to replace 'em. Very Happy

One thing I don't like about the Lasertec is that it gets pretty squirrelly on the tar snakes.

I guess I'll have to do some thinkin' about what I wanna do. Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and buy a set of PR2's.
_________________
Scot
'95 K1100LT

whyoldbill · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:55 pm Post subject:

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:29 pm Post subject:

It is possible to get a radial in the stock LT tire size, I personally have tried the 150/70 on the rear and didn't like it. More work to get the bike up on the center stand.
I went back to the 140/80 rear in the Avon brand with the PR2 on the front. I can get between 12-15K miles with this combination.

If you want to stay with the LT stock tire size you won't find many tire mfgrs that make BOTH the front and rear. There are some, just not many.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Number 6 · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 12:18 am Post subject:

I have Michelin Pilot Activ front and rear, about 5000K, rear is square and close to the limit, front is like new. How can you wear the front before the rear???
Next set, I'll go to PR2 or PR3 (any advice?) on K12 wheels, so 170/60-17 for the rear.
_________________
I am not a number, I am a free man.

94 K1100LT

whyoldbill · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 7:15 am Post subject:

E T · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:40 am Post subject:

Wow!!! glad to know I'm not the only one to have short life with the lazertec, first time i have ever had the front and the back wear out at the same time, i also had the ME880 rear and lazertec front, Now i love the ME 880 as that is what i run on my Honda VTX1300, but the lazertec just has no life. I, as others went with the PR2's, As said, they do take some getting use too, but well worth it, I now have 7000 on them, rear is getting down there, but plenty of miles left, front still looks great. As far as getting it up on the center stand, I didn't notice enough difference to even comment about it.. But next tires will only be the PR2. Very Happy

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1993 K1100LT
2005 Honda VTX 1300c---Passed

marlin · Brick Rider Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 35 Location: Iowa

I like Lazertecs, but 8000mi is top's. I found if I run 42lbs in the front it wears a little longer. Maybe I need to try something else.
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1993 K-1100LT. 1986 K-75C . 1992 K75RT. 1976 Honda CB 750A

omarsbuddy · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:04 pm Post subject:

drikko · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:37 pm Post subject:

When are you people going to learn to spell tYre properly????? Laughing

_________________
K1100RS '97
Laverda RGS 1000 '84
Jim Young Trailer Sailer 5.7M WB

DISCLAIMER:- Anything I say may have been when I was drunk so please don't take it personally.

'Bigamy is having one wife/husband too many. Monogamy is the same.'
Oscar Wilde

omarsbuddy · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 5:23 pm Post subject:

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:42 pm Post subject:

omarsbuddy · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:55 pm Post subject:

drikko · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:59 am Post subject:

And lets not mention your techs who like soddering with their soddering irons...... Shocked

_________________
K1100RS '97
Laverda RGS 1000 '84
Jim Young Trailer Sailer 5.7M WB

DISCLAIMER:- Anything I say may have been when I was drunk so please don't take it personally.

'Bigamy is having one wife/husband too many. Monogamy is the same.'
Oscar Wilde

Number 6 · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:33 am Post subject:

Number 6 · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:37 am Post subject:

So now my tire question: if I want a tire that will last very long, what should I buy?
_________________
I am not a number, I am a free man.

94 K1100LT

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:02 am Post subject: