K11 Owners Group

Trapps · Joined: 06 Jun 2012 Posts: 1 Location: The Detroit Zoo

Hello all, noob checking in here. The bike is new to me ( last summer) and an absolute dream to ride!

i'm getting ready for the season and just dropped a new battery in. I think tires are in order as well. Currently rolling Metzler Z6 rubber. Any opinions on thie Z8? I am a casual rider, less than 3000 miles per year, and I prefer back roads instead of freeways in southeast Michigan (actually I'd prefer back roads around Lexington, KY or Charlotte, NC ) because that's where I live. 2 up on occasion, but 80% solo.

Priorities in order of concern:

1. Dry performance
2. Wet performance
3. Tread life
4. Cost

Thanks in advance for comments. Very Happy

_________________
'93 K1100RS

whyoldbill · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 10:08 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on finding our little riding secret.
There is something about the K1100 that's just hard to explain.
Sorry, I don't have any experience with either the Z6 or Z8 Metzlers.
I did run the Metzler Lasertecs for a couple years. They were not so good in the rain, they tended to slip on the "tar snakes" we see all over the roads and I only got about 8-9k out of them.
I would highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Road 2's. Been running them about 4 years now.
They're great in the rain, pretty grippy when dry, last about 12-15k and are average priced (about $350 for both mounted and balanced).
The RS uses different sizes than the LT, but I'm sure the RS sizes are more readily available than the LTs.
If you do pursue the Z8, I'd be interested to hear how you like them.

Bill
_________________
'02 - GL1800

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

grant93 · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 11:53 pm Post subject:

Gidday Fellas,

Welcome and congrats with the RS purchase..

Nice read and info Bill about the tyres, I too will have to purchase some in the near future, so must keep that in mind..

many thanks
_________________
Cheers Grant

1994 K1100RS
1981 R100RS
1978 R100RS
1928 Chevrolet tourer

www.montythe1928chevrolet.blogspot.com.au

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:49 am Post subject:

I'll add a vote for the PR2's as well. I haven't tried the PR3's though I have heard good reports.

Me riding LT's, I have a more limited choice of matched set radials.
I run PR2 front and an Avon Azero on the rear. Been running this combo for 3-4 yeas now and am happy.
I generally get 1 riding season out of them, maybe a little more if it's a light riding year. I can average 10-14K miles per year.
_________________
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)

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:07 pm Post subject:

garynali · Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:14 pm Post subject:

Anouther vote for PR2s, I've had them on both bikes now and find them great for road holding and wear qualities. Price in OZ is ok compared to other brands.
Gary C
K1100RS
K1200GT

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 7:25 pm Post subject:

FedEx just delivered a pair of PR3 tires here last Friday.

I have used 3 different sets of Michelin PR2 and more recently Avon Storm 2 Ultras just for a change.

They were all good in the wet and dry.

I did notice that the Avons seemed to transition from side to side (like going from leaned over left to leaned over right or vice versa) a little easier than the Michelins, but no other difference.

We will see what the PR3 tires feel like.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

DLBass · Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:47 pm Post subject:

Big High Five for Avon's from me on my 93 RS Very Happy

_________________
There is only now, yesterday is gone and is unchangeable, tomorrow is uncertain. Live in the moment.