Metzeler Tourance : Long Term Review

Metzeler Tourance : Long Term Review : Find out how I got on with the Metzeler Tourances after 8000+ miles on a R1200 GSA.

By TomBoyNI

Metzeler Tourence Long Term Review

Metzeler Tourance : Long Term Review :

When I got my 2010 BWM R1200GS Adventure (in September 2016) it came with the stock tyres (I believe they were an optional extra – but they were fitted by BMW Motorrad) – a pair of Continental TKC80. Basically they are ‘knobblies.’

That’s fine, ‘knobblies’ have a very real purpose, but let’s be honest most R1200GSA riders don’t need them – note I said most. If we are being even more honest I also think it is safe to presume that most customers who put these on their R1200GSA are doing so cosmetically – they look cool. Again, note I said most.

I hated them.

They were noisy, bumpy and (for me) I felt they really lacked grip which meant I lacked confidence on the tarmac. I have no doubt if you were on something a little less solid than road worthy tarmac then they would excel, but for mainly road use – they simply were not for me.

I concede that they look cool, but I am well past the stage of wanting a tyre that looks cool – I just want it to stick really nicely to what is underneath that tyre – for me that is 95% tarmac.

So the first thing I did was change them and I opted for a set of Metzeler Tourance.

Continental TKC80 v Metzeler Tourence on a BMW R1200GSA
Continental TKC80 v Metzeler Tourance on a BMW R1200GSA

I know Metzeler Tourance pretty well, my Honda XRV750 Africa Twin has a set and my previous BMW F800GSA and G650GS both were shoed with the same rubber.

So after that purchase I was £194 lighter, but had a well tried, tested and importantly, trusted, tyre on.

Official Metzeler Tourance Site : https://www.metzeler.com/en-uk/products/tyres/tourance

Metzeler Tourence on a BMW R1200GSA
Metzeler Tourance on a BMW R1200GSA

8,304 miles later and they were done.

Pretty much completely done.

I think it is safe to say I got every single mile out of them.

Metzeler Tourence Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourance Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourence Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourance Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourence Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourance Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourence Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourance Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourence Tyres After 8000 Miles
Metzeler Tourance Tyres After 8000 Miles

8,304 miles isn’t bad, and the tyres didn’t have an easy life. They experienced numerous sections of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, 2 trips along the length and breadth of Wales, the Scottish North Coast 500 and 2 trips to the Isle of Man during the TT Festival. Add that to get to most of these places they had to go over many motorway miles – and there is no better way to square off or wear out the centre strip of a tyre (especially a big heavy adventure bike’s tyre) as motorway miles.

All in all the Metzeler Tourance are easy to recommend.

They are great on the tarmac – I used them in every weather imaginable, glorious sunny days right through to a winter storm as I traversed Snowdownia National Park in Wales and just some good old fashioned rain whilst exploring the Irish and Scottish coastlines.

They are durable – excess of 8,000 miles is no bad thing for a motorcycle tyre. Although to be fair this set should have probably been changed about 500 miles previous.

Road noise : not an issue, the ride is smooth – noise is effectively unnoticeable. Silent in comparison to the TKC80 – but then that wouldn’t really be a challenge.

Usage : On road they excel. This however is not an offload tyre, despite the reasonable cuts and tread pattern I wouldn’t be opting for the off road route. Rough roads are fine, light gravel is fine – think Irish B Class roads – the sort with grass growing up the middle – you’ll be grand. Mud, ruts, sand etc – I would be finding another path.

Metzeler Tourence Features
Metzeler Tourance Features
Metzeler Tourence Features
Metzeler Tourance Features
Metzeler Tourence Features
Metzeler Tourance Features

There you have it, I am on my fourth motorcycle on Metzeler Tourance tyres and I rate them highly. The question is would I buy them again? Of course.

Here is the interesting bit.. Did I buy them again? No.

The latest set of tyres I purchased are :

Michelin Anakee Adventure :

Michelin Anakee Adventure Tyres
Michelin Anakee Adventure Tyres
Michelin Anakee Adventure Tyres
Michelin Anakee Adventure Tyres

These Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres are the new stock option for the BMW R1250GS – they are designed to rival the Metzeler Tourance, maybe a little more off road bias but still a road tyre with some agressive styling, and a light off road capability. The cost for the pair came in at £186 (which included £30 cash back from Michelin).

So far I have put about 800 miles on them, I have another visit to the Isle of Man, Scotland and a few days in France planned so there will be a review on how this new offering from Michelin preforms, so be sure to look it up.


Read the review of the Michelin Anakee Adventure Tyres here and how I got on with them after 10,000+ miles.



9 thoughts on “Metzeler Tourance : Long Term Review”

  1. Hello!

    So how are those michelin anakee?

    Nice review on the tourance, that’s what I have now and I’ll have to change them in 6 month maybe.

    Reply
    • I’ll be writing a writing a review of the Anakees at the end of their life, but without spoiling it too much I can assure you I will be going back to the Metzelers for my next set.

      Reply
    • Hi there.

      I will review the Anakee Adventures when I change them.

      With COVID the mileage I have done over the last couple of years has been really low.

      Spoiler alert though, I’ll be going back to the Metzelers.

      Reply
        • Do you mean why I didn’t stay with the Tourance?

          I just decided to try the new stock option (Michelin Awake Adventure), however they will be replaced this year and they will be replaced with Metzeler Tourance – for the reasons mentioned in the post…

          They are great on the tarmac

          They are durable

          Road noise : not an issue, the ride is smooth – noise is effectively unnoticeable.

          Usage : On road they excel. This however is not an offload tyre…

          Reply
  2. Hey,

    Thank you for this great review. I’ve been riding these tyres for nearly two decades and recently tried the Trailmax missions. They are great tyres but got be me a death wobble over 80mph.

    I am looking to buy new tyres this week and all roads lead to the Anakee Adventure.

    I know a few people have asked but could you share how they compare in and off road with the Tourance Metzelers?

    I want to be able to ride long distances and feel safe at higher speeds above 80-95mph, but I also want an upgrade off road. And something that lasts maybe 6-8k+?

    Reply
    • Hi there,

      My review on the Anakee Adventures is now also online, you will find it here :

      https://tbni.blog/2023/06/22/michelin-anakee-adventure-long-term-review/

      For your long distances (on road) you will have little issue on the Anakees, you will be fine with the speed as well (I have ridden on them over the Mountain on the Isle of Man ;). ). As far as off road goes, honestly – they are a road tyre.

      SPOILER ALERT : All that being said, I think there are better options out there and I can confirm I have went back to Tourence (Next 2s) and am already much happier.

      Good luck and stay safe.

      Reply

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