On my Rocket Roadster I went 13,500 kilometers on the rear Metzeler before I replaced it. Down to the wear bars. The front went close to 16,000 and the main reason for replacing it was cupping. I replaced the original rear Metzeler 240/50 R16 with a Bridgestone Excedra Max 240/55 R16, which was slightly taller. The bike handled better, corrected the speedo error and the tire lasted several thousand kilometers longer. The Bridgys are almost half the price of the Metzelers. Also put a Bridgestone on the front and never ended up with any cupping. It will be replaced this spring having gone 5000 kilometers further than the Metzeler.

Punching the Rocket hard will either give you a wheelie or spin the rear tire out until you back off. This is so easy to do when you first get used to the bike that the first tire usually doesn't last long.

Another contributing factor regarding tire life is temperature. Where I live it's relatively cool contributing to extended tire life.

Fuel mileage? With 24 liter tank I have driven 350 kilometers nonstop and only added 19.5 liters. Done this multiple times. That translates about 38 miles to the US gallon. Not bad. My car can be better but I don't get the same thrill.

I didn't buy the Rocket to save on gas and tires.

265,000 miles on a Rocket..... Curious to see what maintenance was needed.

12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750