New Tires Being Installed on the RS

[Ray]

Stewart, the service manager at Morton's BMW (Fredericksburg, VA) talked (a lot) about taking the R1250RS with Roadsmart IVs to VIR where he helps instruct an annual training/track day. Said they were amazing. I don't know; Morton's put on Dunlop Q3s on my old K1300S and it was a religious experience. I'm not a wear-em-down-to-the-cords rider, just the opposite, so my mission is to wear out whatever the heck BMW put on my bike until I can justify the Q3s. Still, Stewart insists the Roadsmarts IV are just as good...

Understand the experience. Although a practice that required money and planning for tire changes in the middle of trips of more than 3500 miles, I used to run Pirelli or Metzler sport tires on my old '85 and '88 K100.

I find now that either I have become slower, or the tire technology is such that I don't regularly hit the limits on touring tires while on the road. I want to think that the tire technology has evolved that far.

Still - would be fun to compare the Q3s with the RS IVs....

All that said - I assume you're referring to Stuart Beatson, who was leading the AMA battle of the twins series about the time that I bought my first new bike (mid '80s) and used to teach in Reg Pridmore's school. (You might check with him - it was rumored that he used to ride from Virginia to the west coast races on his race bike.) If Stuart Beatson said the IV is as good as the Q3 on an R1250, I might save my money.

[Grumpy Goat]

Darrell asked me to assist in getting this article into this thread.

   

[Ray]

Wow. Acknowledgement by Ken Lee (who I remember from his staff work for Sport Rider).
Nice to know that folks notice your contributions and dedication.

[Lee]

Saw that the other day in the March issue of Rider.

[Ray]

I especially like Ken's justification for spending more on tires.....

[Olgry1]

When buying tires I first look for great handling through the curves at speed. The next trait I look for is great handling in wet weather including down pours. Lastly I look for longevity and consistent wear through the life of the tires. Some front tires will cup sooner than the rear.

When needed this year I will ask my dealer to price out both the Michelin Road V GT and the new RS IV.

[AlanM]

Hi
I have fitted Avon Spirit ST and so far 500 miles in a UK winter,
am delighted with them.
They were £50 less than Dunlop RS3 which I had on my 1200.

Even in the current winter/ spring weather I have got total faith on them.

So far much better than the Dunlops and another world away from PR4’s
no tracking tar snakes or white lines and they just work.

Alan

[Grumpy Goat]

Hi
I have fitted Avon Spirit ST and so far 500 miles in a UK winter,
am delighted with them.
They were £50 less than Dunlop RS3 which I had on my 1200.

Over here the RS3 is about $28 cheaper.

[AlanM]

Hi
I have fitted Avon Spirit ST and so far 500 miles in a UK winter,
am delighted with them.
They were £50 less than Dunlop RS3 which I had on my 1200.

Over here the RS3 is about $28 cheaper.

The RS3 are still higher on price than Avons.
But no sign yet of Dunlop RS4 in UK yet.
I would expect the Avon Spirit to be between the two Dunlop types when the 4 arrives.
Alan

[runnerhiker]

Way to go Darrell! Now I personally know a famous person.

[Duccrazydave]

Maybe we can get his autograph, in Ohio!
It does give more perspective when you know (even briefly) the person contributing to the review.

[Ray]

Maybe we can get his autograph, in Ohio!
It does give more perspective when you know (even briefly) the person contributing to the review.

And who in the community doesn't know Darrell after all these years?

Strikes me that Dunlop owes him more than a few tires.

(Of course, when he shows up wearing riding suit and helmet with Dunlop logos, we'll know the deal's been made.)

[darrell]

Strikes me that Dunlop owes him more.

Maybe a stocking cap [attachment=1089]

[BobAin'tStoppin']

With a trip to Ohio upcoming, I just ordered new Roadsmart 3 tires from 2Wheel.com. They didn't even list the new 4 model, and other web sites all showed no rear tires available. But I'm happy with the 3, so no big deal. For my trip (about 2000 miles total) I'll be on last years tires anyway. It's embarrassing to say that, but I just haven't been riding much. Looking forward to getting on the road!

[Grumpy Goat]

With a trip to Ohio upcoming, I just ordered new Roadsmart 3 tires from 2Wheel.com. They didn't even list the new 4 model, and other web sites all showed no rear tires available.

Revzilla has the rear RS4 in stock. And the front as well. Been toying with the idea of getting new tires but I do have enough tread for 3000 miles, I think. As long as I hit no monsoons I should be fine.

[Ray]

Strikes me that Dunlop owes him more.

Maybe a stocking cap

Nice toque, eh?

[runnerhiker]

I got new RS III yesterday, my RS is now ready for Logan. I paid $350 for both mounted, off the bike. They had the RS 4 but since they were +$100 for the pair, and I like the 3's so much, I just went with the old. Performance Cycle of Colorado is about 50 minutes from my house, they have great prices on tires and charge $25 for mounting. I like the prices and I always like visiting their store.

[Grumpy Goat]

Yeah, $100 difference is significant.

[Lee]

I got new RS III yesterday, my RS is now ready for Logan. I paid $350 for both mounted, off the bike. They had the RS 4 but since they were +$100 for the pair, and I like the 3's so much, I just went with the old. Performance Cycle of Colorado is about 50 minutes from my house, they have great prices on tires and charge $25 for mounting. I like the prices and I always like visiting their store.

If they are a Dunlop Pro dealer you can get a $60 rebate.
https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/ex...romotions/

[Lee]

I do have enough tread for 3000 miles, I think.

Buying tires unexpectedly on a trip can be expensive and a pain in the ass.
How much tread depth do you have to the center most wear bar?
Are you feeling lucky