K11 Owners Group

Matt · Last edited by Matt on Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:50 am; edited 1 time in total

110/90H18 FRONT
140/80VB17 REAR

Is there any problem using this front tire size as it seems 110/80/18 is not an available size? Next nearest is 100/90H18 FRONT

I think this would be a fine set for a KLT that will see mainly strait down the road running and never over 100MPH speeds or kneedraggin cornering angles.

Matt

Jim · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:14 pm Post subject: bigass front tire

hi Matt - I tried that once. The bike is a bitch to get off the center stand, and if that little screw that holds the center section of the front fender is too long, it'll cut a groove in the center of the tire when the tire heats up and expands. Doesn't really hurt the tire...

I think there's actually a tire the right size that's matches up OK with the the rear, even though it doesn't have the same numbers and tread pattern.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Matt · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 10:24 pm Post subject:

I've also thought about the Macadam's and Lasertec's, as these do come in the right sizes. I think I'll investigate a little more. I've read some prior posts on these models. Anyone have any updates on these tires?

Matt

Technician · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

I used to run Metzeler Me33 Lazer on the front and an Me55 on the rear but changed over to Micheli Macadam 50's as a matched pair in the following sizes, front 110/80 V18 rear 140/80 V17
I found that these handled even better than the Metzelers, lasted longer and wet riding was better too. I've also got a couple of mates [ yes i know it's hard to belioeve] who I've persuaded over to the Michelins and they both have the same opinion.
_________________
Fat Ba***d with a K1100LTse
Squire D18 trailer
Garmin Zumo 660
"Run it round the block to see if the wheels fall off!!!!"

kltk1 · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:02 am Post subject:

I use the Michelin's too. My personal favorite is the Metzeler Lazer but the wear out too fast. The Mich's handle great and last much longer.
_________________
Thomas Adamo

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:08 am Post subject:

I've run Mac 50s on both my K75RT and my K1100LT. Good wear and was able to scrape metal parts on both bikes. No complaints whatsoever.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Matt · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:04 am Post subject:

I'm going to go with the Macadam's. I've never had a flat with the Michelin's I have on my Explorer, so I may have as good of luck with moto tires from them as well. Looking at prices online it seems that www.motorcycleproshop.com has good prices; anyone ever buy tires online? I can only find the 50E available for the front, is the regular 50 still available or was it discontinued? Anyone know the story about the front tire switch, I kinda think the tread on the 50 front looks better than the 50E.

Matt

Jim · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:09 pm Post subject: K tires

Matt - try Pilot Activ for the front, and Macadam 50 for the rear - it's a good combination - if you can still get them. I've gotten more miles out of this set of tires than I did out of any set of Metzler's.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

mnb · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:32 pm Post subject:

The common Metzler config for the K1100LT is a Lasertec front and the ME880 rear using stock sizes (110/80x18 & 140/80x17). They're ok, but I prefer the Michelin Macadam or the Avon Roadrider over them (better grip).

Some people like the Bridgestone Battlax, I've yet to try that, although I know an AFM racer that's written a couple books on riding that has them on a new 08 Kawi Ninja 250 and he's pretty pleased with them for street use. If I can get my shop to order them, they're the next set I'm trying.

In the 12 years I've owned my K1100LT, the Macadams are the best of what I've put on it, which has included Dunlops, Metzlers and Michelin. I'm not sure yet how the Avons compare as I've only got 3 months using them, but they're up there with the Macadams. To determine which is ultimately better IMO, I'd need to put another set of Macadams on, but the Bridgestones are next up.

Oh yeah, I also tried the Pirelli Sport Demons. Great tire, but wore out quick because of the sticky grip. Really nice handling, too. Nice front tire profile, drops right into turns.
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

abreeze · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:27 pm Post subject:

ive run all those brands and had the most confidence with the BT45 Battleaxes.....They stick like glue, the only draw back is mileage.

My last set got 5500 miles, but I run them at 34/30psi, R/F solo... I havnt run them at higher psi but dont think youll get much more than that.

The 110/90-18 fruks up the handling....IMO

mnb · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:32 pm Post subject:

I only get 4000 out of Macadams and about 4500 out of the Roadriders... But I do ride pretty hard fairly often.
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject:

I used to get 8k+ out of the Macs on my K75RT. 6-7k on the K11LT. I wonder why the rear wears out first. Very Happy

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE