Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

I’m putting a 1960 R69 back on the road after a Long rest. The tires are not safe. I’m looking for recommendations from experience. I live next to a rural highway where it will mostly be driven. 55 mph speed limit with a good surface. Long sweepers, some tight twisties with some elevation changes....perfect.

I’m wondering what tires are you folks happy with ? Heidenau K36-K34, Metzler block C, Avon RoadRider or ???

Thanks for the input. Brad Moore.

On my R69S, I first used IRC GS11 tires and thought I was happy. Then I needed to replace the front tire, so I bought another one. The bike developed a wobble. I went through all kinds of things to isolate the issue and see what the problem was. Of course, I added the IRC tire and the problem showed up so that really was the likely problem. I went with Metzler Block C and there was no more wobble. I replaced the rear with a Metzler Block C. I guess the IRC just didn't have the quality control on tire production.

Brad,

I have the Heidenau K34 tires on my R51/3 and the K36 tires on my R69S. Both are great, but the K34's want to grab the lines in the road a bit more. I think the K34's are a bit softer and they look more vintage, but the K36's look just like the old Metzler tires.

Please do get the same size front and rear, that is the correct setup for your motorcycle. K36 Tire Size: 3.50x18 62S TT

This is where I bought them. Cost is fair and they ship fast. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hei ... _id=817720

Hi
I ride a 1961 R69s have been using Heidenau tyres a K34 3.25 on the front and a K35 3.50 on the rear . The rear appears to be a soft compound . I am on my second rear , the first only lasted 3,000 miles . Hope this helps .

I've only had my 69S since May, but I switched out Metzlers for Avon RoadRiders and like them.

I put Heidenaus on all my vintage bikes now - they are also "Made in Germany".
S

Heidenau K34 are great because you can swap the front and rear tire at will (granted the brakes are in similar condition front to rear). The 3.5" width makes them have the ability to be pulled directly from the rear without having to let air out of the tire with the 4" wide widths. That's big with me and it adds life to both the tires.

Heidenau just feels right, made in Germany, a great vintage looking tire.

I'm running the Avon Roadriders on my '68 R69s and I do ride it quite aggressively for a 52 year old bike and have also done some 400 mile touring days on it and I'm quite happy with them.
No trouble with rain grooves and they stick quite well in the corners.
I'm running the same size front and rear.
-Eric

Eric,
What size are you running, 100/90 18? They don’t list a 3.50x18.

I'm about to replace the tires on my 1956 R69. It came to me a few years ago with Metzler Lasertec ME33 100/90 V18 on the front, and Metzler Metronic ME55A 120/90 V18 on the back, both of unknown age. I've had the bike for 4 years, put 3k+ miles on it, and I can tell the tires are getting hard and need replacing. Tread in back is almost gone as well. I've parked the bike until I get it a new set of shoes. I ride the bike pretty aggressively and have liked the tires so thinking of replacing with the same thing. I see a few members saying they use the Metzler Block C tires. I don't mind paying up for the Lasertec. Is it just a personal choice between the two? I already know that my rear tire is wider than what the bike carried when new but I am good with that too. I own the bike to ride, not to show.