Forum bmwbike.com

My brother regularly rides an R69S (on sunny days and Sundays) shod with Metzler tyres not quite as old as the machine itself.
Recognising that tyre technology (sizes, compounds) has progressed in leaps and bounds since the R69S was being produced, can anyone provide up-to-date feedback , advice and warnings as to what is the preferred brand, type and size of front and back tyre for this machine, bearing in mind that it is in "standard" trim? Thanks in advance.

Phil,

I'll check out the tyres on my 67 69S tonight, I run 2 different makes, with the most modern profiles I could find. I just need to check what they are. The bike handles very well with this combination & they are equally well suited to touring use. having tried my 69S a friend changed his R60 tyres to match mine.

I'll post tomorrow.
Peter

There is a wide selection, ranging from the $50 USD Cheng Shin which is perfectly OK, to the Metzelers of which some cost $120 USD. Not all of these tires are available everywhere. I have heard that the Michelin combo is the very best.

The Earles fork R69S came with Metzeler Block C 3.50 tires front and rear, and 25/8 final drive, a matching of tire diameter to gear ratio. The 3.50 tire size is hard to find these days, as the modern equivalent is 100/90.

It is not advisable to fit the larger 4.00 (110/90) rear tire to the R69S. Aside from the inconvenience of having to deflate to remove it, it will also slow the bikes acceleration and top speed a little.

Front
- Metzeler ME33 Laser 100/90
- Metzeler ME77 Perfect Front 100/90
- Metzeler Marathon 100/90
- Metzeler ME880 100/90x18 Front
- Metzler Block C 3.50
- Michelin AE50 100/90
- Cheng Shin Hi-Max C906 Front 100/90
Rear
- Metzeler ME77 Perfect 100/90
- Metzeler ME77 Perfect 3.50
- Metzeler ME880 100/90x18 Front
- Michelin M50 100/90
- Cheng Shin Hi-Max C907 Rear 100/90
- Metzler Block C 3.50
- Mitas (Czech) 3.50
Also
F&R – Metzeler ME22 3.50

My 1969 "R69S", with US. type (straight) fork runtwo different tires. Front: Cheng Shin 3.50X18, [was $Can. 42.- in 2001], Back: Metzeler "Perfect" M77 4.00X18.64 [was $Can. 155.- in 2004]. Good combination, and handling, time to time up to 80-85 MPH [128-136 km/h.] I recommend! My original owner-service manual recommend 4.00X18 at the back for R69S bikes.