Metzeler ROADTEC 01 vs 01 SE

[VladTepes]

Please restrict conversation in this thread to these specific tyres only.

After much consideration, I have decided that I will go with Metzeler Roadtec's for my next set of tyres - due now.
The decision now is whether to go for the original 01 or the newer 01 SE 

Metzeler ROADTEC 01       https://www.metzeler.com/en-au/products/tyres/roadtec-01

Metzeler ROADTEC 01 SE  https://www.metzeler.com/en-au/products/tyres/roadtec-01-se

So keeping in mind the following:

Factory spec Front tyres:   120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) tubeless
Factory spec Rear tyres:     190/50ZR17 M/C (73W) tubeless
My rear preference:           190/55ZR17 (at least based on the tyres I have had so far)


The ROADTEC 01, has these fronts available,
120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) HWM TL   (HWM = Heavy weight motorcycles)
120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL (E)

as well as both rear options.
190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) HWM TL
190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL

190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) HWM TL
190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL

The ROADTEC 01 SE, has a single front tyre option.  Fortunately it's the right size for our bikes:
120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL

as well as both rear options.
190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL

190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL


The main pros for the SE as opposed to the 'old;' 01 are:
ROADTEC™ 01 SE
- puts more rubber to the road at large lean angles,
- increased traction and grip in  severe wet conditions, and low friction surfaces.
- increased straight line stability
while evidently retaining the mileage of the ROADTEC™ 01

The tyre profiles (see above links) are VERY similar.


So it seems that the -01 is very good (by all reports) and that this newer -01 SE has a slight edge particularly in very extreme conditions.

Based on that, the SE is better, though perhaps only marginally better. For most of us it's probably unlikely to justify any significant cost increase.

If I get the standard -01, should I get the normal or HWM version of the tyre? That is the question.

I see the -01 SE  is not available in an HWM version so presumably Metzeler think it's not necessary.

[VladTepes]

Reviews:

http://www.cambriantyres.co.uk/new-roadtec-01-se-tested/

"The new Metzeler Roadtec SE hoops are a large step above their predecessors"

"For hard braking and acceleration in the wet the Metzelers are astonishing and it's tricky to get the traction control or ABS to ever chime in even when you ride the wet track like it's dry. Cornering grip is just as impressive.

For all-weather, big mileage riders (expect around 6-8000 miles from a rear, or more) looking for a tyre to look after them in all conditions, the new Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE carry on from their predecessor as being the new go-to sports touring tyre."

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/advice/parts/metzeler-roadtec-01-se-review/
(this is an expanded version of the above review)

It now steers more like sports rubber, bites harder in the dry and has incredible levels of wet grip under severe braking and acceleration.

the steering is lighter than you'd expect from traditional sports touring rubber and there's more rear grip on the road than any sane person would ever need. Metzelers always offer a plush ride and the SEs are no different and don't skitter over bumps

AND

https://bikereview.com.au/tyre-test-metzeler-roadtec-01-se/

8.2 / 10
A solid competitor in the sports touring class, with fantastic wet weather grip and a serious amount of sports ability

our Euro friends have raved about their street and track performance.

https://www.visordown.com/reviews/product/metzeler-roadtec-01-se-review
(this is an expanded version of the above review)

the new Roadtec SE compound heats up smartly, giving the impression that you can almost get on and get on the pace from cold.

With such versatility, sporty handling, and wet weather grip, it's hard to see a better option for somebody looking for proper performance ability from their sports touring rubber, the new Metzeler Roadtec SE hoops are a large step above their predecessors, and many of the competition.

So... maybe they are substantially better....

[gsxbarmy]

May be a bit too early to gauge how good the SE is yet Mike, only just coming available in the U.K. I can only report back on the Roadtec 01's, now, I've always been a firm supporter of Michelin PR's but when I got my BMW, it came with a new set of Roadtec 01's fitted and I have to say I'm very impressed with them, not noisy, good grip and good wear rates (confirmed by other BMW GS owners) so much so that I'd happily fit them again in preference, in fact in the U.K. those who have the Roadtec's fitted swear by them.

Given the SE is new, I'd probably opt for that given the choice, being newer technology.

[Hooli]

If I get the standard -01, should I get the normal or HWM version of the tyre? That is the question.

HWM without a doubt.

I've had 01s on mine & killed the standard rear in just over 3k miles, I'm currently finishing off the HWM rear I had last winter (then took off before a tour last year as there wasn't enough left on it to go) it's on about 4k with plenty left. I think it rides better to as the stronger construction means it can cope with the weight of a 14.

[VladTepes]

Interesting the SE isn't available as an HWM version., Just a 'one size fits all'

Maybe it has a compound that lasts longer or something....

[grog]

Vlad, my Angels always been standard type, no probs from me. Time to buy Mate, nothing like new boots.

[Irish in Oz]

A spec

[Batkwaka]

I am changing the tyres on the K1600 tomorrow. Current tyres have now done 19k/km and are square as I am prepared to go.
What kind of distance do you think Roadtec tyres could achieve in best conditions?

[grog]

Thats bloody good ks on a big bike like your BMW. What type?

[Batkwaka]

Thats bloody good ks on a big bike like your BMW. What type?

2017 K1600GTS, I am quite gentle on the throttle though unless I am at the Drags or something similar. Cruise control helps too.

[grog]

Sorry Mate, i meant tyre type/brand.

[Batkwaka]

Sorry Mate, i meant tyre type/brand.

Pirelli Angel GT.

[VladTepes]

Let's not drift to other brands here please...

As for me I am waiting for the tyre guy to get back to me with prices. Obviously with a recent  lockdown (while I was on holidays no less) and Easter closure there has been a delay.

[Hooli]

Over here some tyres places are struggling to get any brand of tyres at the moment. As usual the excuse is bat flu, it'll be interesting to hear if you're suffering the same issues in convictshire.

[Kiwifruit]

What tyres do you want Hooli, l'll pop a set in a courier bag. We are doing ok here for stock. Though l might go sling a set of the new Metzeler 01 SE's in the wardrobe for laters.
Management's too scared to go rummaging in there looking for hidden treasure