Replacement tyres - K1200S

[Istanman]

I noticed my back tyre felt 'squidgy and loose' during my last ride and also today to and from the office. Nope I wasn't riding it in the dirt nor have it stepped out through corners (although I have thought about it)

I had the rear tyre pressure checked at BMW (Burswood) on the way home and was advised the pressure was down about 1/2 a bar on the back. Further I am almost down to the wear marks as well with maybe 500 - 1000 k's left in the rear.

The mechanic also looked at the front tyre and it is showing cracks in the tread area of the carcass (along / near the centre line) probably due to prolonged use in an under inflated state by the previous owner. Recommendation - fit near tyres front and rear.

Can other riders recommend alternative makes of tyres to the Bridgestone Battleax BT020 that are currently fitted front and rear?

It has been suggested to fit Michelin Pilot Powers?
Do Michelin tyres run / feel nicer than Bridgestone?

I'd like to have good traction wet and dry, unlikely I'll be needing track day performance, and would like to do a few miles as I have a couple of longer rides planned.

Being an absolute newbie to road bike tyres ( had my bike for almost a month now) I'd appreciate some feedback as to the tyres you have fitted for K1200 / K1300 series, performance / experiences to date or similar and recommendations as to who I should get to fit said tyres.

Thanks,
Istanman

[Istanman]

Sorry guys - I couldn't wait for a response. I rang around and managed to get the new Michelin Pilot Power Pure fitted at 'Tyres for Bikes'. I rang around a couple of places in search of information and opinions and the general consensus was these or Battleaxes or Metzeler all with similar cost. Also recommended was the new Continental tyres on the 1300 series BMW.

I've only done about 10 kilometers lurking slowly through the back streets finding rough (course) blue metal roads on which to remove the release compound. The tyre compound appears to be bedding in quickly with the release agent being removed on the course blue metal roads.

The tyre compound itself appears to be quite hard on the centre line and very tacky toward the outer edge. I understand this is due to the due compound properties (hard in the centre for prolonged life and soft edges for better traction at higher lean angles).

Given that there are some really ominous dark clouds lurking about today with visible rain I shan't be chancing my luck on new tyres and greasy roads. Tomorrow has an improved forecast.

I'll post up later when I have had a chance to evaluate the tyres with a couple of hundred k's on them.

Cheers, Istanman.