Triumphrat

03-09-2005, 12:41 PM

Hey, guys. New tiger owner here. I bought a 2000 model Tiger back in December. Loving it so far.

I'm about to mount a set of Metzler Karoos on the bike for offroading in Arkansas in a couple weeks and then in Moab in early May. My question -- since I don't plan to trailor the bike from my home in OKC to either location -- is does anyone know what kind of pavement mileage I can expect from these tires? I can easily see putting 3,000-3,500 pavement miles on the tires over these two trips and assorted running around during and inbetween. Does anyone have any experience in this area? I truly hate limping home on bald tires...

Timtiger · 03-09-2005, 05:09 PM

No direct experience, but from talking to BMW1150 guys you should expect about 5,000 to 8,000 KMS (3-5,000 miles) depending on the terrain, road type and temperature and most importantly on your right wrist. Maybe about 30-40% more from the front. This assumes normal riding patterns. If you are simply chugging down the highway on the way to the dirt in Arkansas, yoyu may in fact get a fair bit more. Also worth noting that I think Tigers are going to be harder on the tyres than BMWs due to more power. It sounds like you should be looking at 1 front and 2 rears for your trip. NOT falling off would easily pay for the second tyre. What price for safe fun?

I am very interested in how you go with these tyres. Please let us know.

03-10-2005, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the info, TimTiger. I'll let you know how it goes. Can't believe no one here has any experience running these types of tires on their Tigers -- the Karoos are very similar to the TKC80's, if that helps any (they were just a bit cheaper when I went to order!). You guys just not get offroad much? I realize the Tiger isn't the best bike for that sort of thing, but I like being able to ride in comfort enroute to my final offroad destination.

Should have some awesome photos for a ride report when it's all said and done. I'll be posting it at my website, http://bahwolf.com (there are other ride reports there now, though they deal with my ZZR1200).

djr · 03-10-2005, 02:02 PM

some nice reports/pics there!

How did you find the BT20's on your Kwak?
I am going to fit them to the Tiger as I dont ride offroad.

djr · 03-10-2005, 02:02 PM

some nice reports/pics there!

How did you find the BT20's on your Kwak?
I am going to fit them to the Tiger as I dont ride offroad.

03-11-2005, 02:23 PM

djr, thanks for cruising by ye olde website.

I've run both BT020 and BT010 tires on my ZZR. Both offered good grip, wet and dry, never had any problems. Quick to warm up. Stick like glue in the twisties. Same with the OEM Dunlop D220. The ZZR eats tires, though. Lately, I've been running Avon Azaros (the 45/46 STs) for the increased mileage. Grip isn't as good and they are very slow to warm up, especially in the winter, but I can live with them for sport-touring. If they make a size to fit the Tiger, I'd try the Avon before either the Bridgestone or the Dunlop.

03-11-2005, 02:23 PM

djr, thanks for cruising by ye olde website.

I've run both BT020 and BT010 tires on my ZZR. Both offered good grip, wet and dry, never had any problems. Quick to warm up. Stick like glue in the twisties. Same with the OEM Dunlop D220. The ZZR eats tires, though. Lately, I've been running Avon Azaros (the 45/46 STs) for the increased mileage. Grip isn't as good and they are very slow to warm up, especially in the winter, but I can live with them for sport-touring. If they make a size to fit the Tiger, I'd try the Avon before either the Bridgestone or the Dunlop.

djr · 03-12-2005, 04:47 AM

I ran BT10's on my TT600 and found them to be superb, like you say-they heat up quickly and stick like glue. I had heard the Kwak was hard on tyres, thats why I wondered how you had gotten on with the 20's. Unfortunately very few seem to make Tiger sized road rubber. Plenty dual purpose of which I like my standard Tourances but find them to take forever and a day to warm up when it gets cold(er).
In summer time they are plenty good.

djr · 03-12-2005, 04:47 AM

I ran BT10's on my TT600 and found them to be superb, like you say-they heat up quickly and stick like glue. I had heard the Kwak was hard on tyres, thats why I wondered how you had gotten on with the 20's. Unfortunately very few seem to make Tiger sized road rubber. Plenty dual purpose of which I like my standard Tourances but find them to take forever and a day to warm up when it gets cold(er).
In summer time they are plenty good.

03-12-2005, 09:27 PM

Got my Karoos mounted today -- my first time actually doing the work myself. Man, all those yahoos who say this is easy using nothing but a couple tire irons and a whole lotta muscle are full of crap. This was HARD FRIGGIN' WORK! I admit to a certain amount of satisfaction having done it myself, though. Now to see how the bike handles with them on. I rode it around my acreage for a bit and it sure rips the snot outta my grass. LOL.