Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

hello all. Ok after owing my r60/2 for 41 years I am officially confused. I ran Continentals last time and am running Metzeler perfect M77 now. I have no complaint with either tire. Cant remember what before that.
I have a 100/90 18 on the front and 4.00 18 on the back . Every site I check for new tires seems to say you cant run same tires on both ends. The 100/90 says front the 4.00 doesn't specify which.
I guess what I am asking is are the tires I am running ok size wise. I am happy with the performance of these tires. The few time I have found myself maybe going a bit fast in a turn they have never failed me.
Hope this makes sense I am just confused as to the size issue. I hate to switch brands and learn to trust them handling wise all over again.
Thanks Kurt

The early /2 bikes typically had 3.5x18 front and rear. Your 100/90 tire is a little wider than 3.5, so it's probably OK. As for the rear, when BMW came out with the taller rear end 27/8 they recommended going to the 4.00x18.

I strongly suggest the Heidenau K36 tires. They have them at Revzilla in stock now for $95 each. They are very good and sticky.

Also, there are varying thoughts on the sizes but BMW always specified the same size front and rear. It is my feeling that the geometry of the motorcycle was built for that. I have ridden with different sizes front to rear and I much preferred the same size on both ends. 3.5 x 18 both sides.

thanks very much for info. Will try the Heidenau on recommendation. Saw them on other posts so just to save me further aggravation looking they sound good.
Was always kind of picky { price was never a question just wanted very good tires} on tires as they seem to be the main thing between me and the pavement.
Thanks again Kurt

I agree with James. You may enjoy Duane's article on steering. https://w6rec.com/bmw-motorcycle-neutral-steering/

Bill

I've been happy with my Metzler Block C tires.

schrader7032 wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:48 pm

I've been happy with my Metzler Block C tires.

Kurt, I have block c’s on my R68 and heidenau k34’s on the R51/3 and I will tell you that the heidenaus are soooo much better. The block c’s are not horrible but when you ride them side by side the k34 is by far the better tire for grip and feel. Try them.

The only thing I do not like about the block c’s or k34’s is that they grab grooves in the road. The k34’s are a bit worse than the block c’s because I think they are softer. No big deal, it’s not like your going to fall or anything you just need to get used to it. The k36 pattern will not grab the grooves.

Couldn't agree more. Heidenaus (K36) are an excellent tire for all around use, including rain. Metzlers are more period correct I suppose, but do follow any groove in the road.

Dave

Good info
I like the k34's and have used them for the last 3 years
will try the k36's next replacement
tommy

have the H K34's as well.

Tires feel very stable but man you get near rain grooves and you're holding on for dear life.

I put on around 120 miles on Saturday. About 20 miles of that was highway speed with deep rain grooves in the concrete. Serious butt pucker moments even though I know I'm safe it's a very uneasy feeling.