Last Updated on: October 27, 2025

Circa 9000 kilometers done with the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires on my BMW 1250 GS. The front tire tire is ok, but the rear is done.

AT 9000 kilometers the Rally Scorpion STR behaviour changed quite a bit.

This is pretty much as expected. The set is considerably more worn at this stage than what it was on my former motorcycle, a 2023 KTM 890 Adventure. But we have to take in account substantial weight difference between the two bikes. That, and wheel dimensions.

For earlier observations regarding the Rally STR on the 1250 GS see this post.

The first half of their life

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires were excellent during the first 5000 kilometers. But there is one thing you have to be prepared for, and that’s noise. Especially on a BMW 1200/150 GS. Or more specifically. an oscillating sound or singing.

The noise or sounds begins at around 50 km/t and wanes around or a little over 80. Comes and goes all depending on speed, tire pressure, and wear. Types of pavement could also influence how much singing, or noise, they produce. Tire temperature also plays a part.

June 2025: The STR tires during first half of their life.

Riding above 80+ they become quiet, or at least on my motorcycle. Much higher speeds you get vibrations. The tires have a H speed rating which means 130mps or 210Km/t. It could be the vibrations I felt dies down when you get above certain speeds. Not tested that.

Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR have a reputation for not being great on wet offroad tracks. I have to say, whilst compared to their behaviour on the much lighter KTM 890 Adventure, they worked surprisingly well on all things wet. Except deep mud but, as stated earlier, that’s not something I actively go looking for.

Close to 9000 kilometers

Don’t know when exactly but it could have been around 7000 to 7500 kilometers degradation became noticeable. First on rougher gravel and dirt, then on pavement. Specifically I began to feel cracks and unevenness in the pavement. Although less stable they still ride phenomenally in tight curves and at high speeds. The rear has flattened, which probably is the reason for the behaviour.

Because of the offroad and gravel riding they’ve been aired to around 2.7/2.8 bars. Could be the rear would have lasted longer with higher air pressure. So to get a little more out of the rear I’ll probably up the pressure to 2.9/3.0.

July 2025: BMW 1250 GS with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR in Einunndalen. Norway.

I think the front would still last a few thousand kilometers. But it makes no sense for me to change just the rear and then have to go back for another change. Late July the bike is going in for its 60k kilometer service. And a new set of tires.

But that’s still two weeks off. So I suppose they will have to last till 10.000 kilometers. Which is ok by me. A long tire life can indicate harder compound, again at the expense of road safety. Especially if riding on wet pavement. Scorpion Rally STR heats up fast, which makes them ideal for alternative riding in Scandinavia from season start till season end.

Will I buy them again?

Yes quite likely, but not this season. Minus the noise they are very good. Though almost every tire in this class produces some form of noise or vibrations. Or both. I can think of one other alternative. Already have those on my veteran Honda Transalp. They really surprised me a lot.

What is certain is that I need to factor in Norwegian autumn. And that means colder nights, colder morning, colder (and wet) pavement. Subsequently longer rubber heating time. Any of the aforementioned tackles these conditions well. Too hard rubber compound is not ideal.

Time will tell what I end up with.

Update – July 15th

Out on a local ride yesterday, in an area south of Oslo, I could not resist the temptation, and went into the woods again. Found some new roads, with variable gravel and dirt surfaces. Surprised how well it went, on variable surfaces.

They do track on uneven pavement. In a way I’ve not felt before. But that’s a familiar behaviour, something I know from especially Continental TKC70. Definitely somewhat skittish if riding actively into corners. but that’s not a requirement now.

Found some new gravel and dirt roads south of Oslo.

With the prospect of nice weather all into next week I’m now thinking about a “last hurrah” for the STRs. Take a few days northwards in Sweden. An area that’s riddled with gravel and dirt roads.

I suppose it would be in place to say “it ain’t over until it’s over”.

See also

• TKC 70 from Continental, on a lightweight motorcycle
• Karoo 4 rear, first impressions on BMW 1250 GS
• Rally STR again, on a BMW 1250 GS
• Metzeler Karoo 4 review, more than a predecessor?
• Scorpion Rally STR, second set reflections
• Continental TKC 70 Rocks review, does it rock?
• Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR review
• Metzeler Karoo 3, a tire surprise
• Continental TKC 70 tire review
• Anakee Adventure, gravel, dirt and offroad review
• 10 000 kilometers on Michelin Anakee Adventure
• Michelin Anakee Adventure review & first impressions
• Michelin Sirac, a tire for allround usage
• Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2 reflections
• Metzeler Karoo Street road test
• Karoo Street on a 2016 Honda CRF1000L
• Update review on Karoo Street 
• Tire-some topic (again), and a “bold” decision
• Tires, a tiring topic you cannot retire from