No matter how many time you check . . .

[Sin City Stan]

Changed the oil today. Part of my routine is to check tightness of fasteners, light operation, tire pressure and tread depth. I checked the tire pressure just three days ago but it was part of my routine.

Tire pressures were fine as I expected. While on the floor I skooted around to the back to measure tire tread. This is what I saw.

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww179/Stan7442000/Tire1.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww179/Stan7442000/Tire2.jpg

WTF!!!!!>:(>:(

I just looked at this tire three daya ago when I checked the pressure. The valve was in the same position and I looked right at this area of the tire and it was fine. Then I went for a 70 mile ride which was uneventful. Didn't drive over anything and never left the blacktop.

This morning before the oil change I took a six mile trip to warm things up. So it had to of start coming apart in the last 76 miles. This is the only place on the tire that's coming apart. There is plenty of tread left where the rubber remains. These were not run thin. I can't believe this. I was planning on a new set the end of April but I guess things change.

Looks like tomorrow I pull the rear wheel off. >:(>:(>:( Oh, by the way it's a Metzeler 880.

[gv550]

That is a known issue with the 880s. Good news is Metzeler has been replacing them free of charge so hopefully it will all work out for you.

[ToeJam]

Mental note: don't get the 880s.

[gv550]

I've had a Dunlop do the same thing, and it was replaced no charge.

[Sin City Stan]

That is a known issue with the 880s. Good news is Metzeler has been replacing them free of charge so hopefully it will all work out for you.

I've had a Dunlop do the same thing, and it was replaced no charge.

Not sure I would want another one. :ohno:

[aldridgekennedy]

My dealer tried to sell me on the 880s, saying he personally liked the handling. When i told him about these issues he called his Metzler rep. Said the rep. told him a subcontractor got them bad rubber. Claims to have it fixed.

Like many of ya'll I don't want to take the chance......I'll go with another brand.

[redjay]

Would hate to see that 500 miles from home !

[cnc]

Wow your lucky you looked at it when you did.

[gv550]

Not sure I would want another one. :ohno:
What is the date code on this tire?

[Blown32]

Holly Stuff, glad you were paying attention, could have made for a very bad day!

[traveler]

Glad you found it before it blew out. Ive had two sets of M880 and never had a problem . but as of last week i now ride on a dunlop sp 5000 . I really like the way it rides . You might look at that option also

[aeropilot]

Do you have a date code or link to the info from Metzler? I just put ME880's on last July when I bought the bike and have 2k on them. Planning a long road trip this summer and I'll definitely be keeping a closer eye on them now!

[Kawhead]

I'd car tire that thing before somebody gets hurt!



Just sayin':shrug:

[ringadingh]

Mental note: don't get the 880s.

Good idea!

[ragnagwar]

Man that's just plain Scary! Glad you caught it before it caught you!

[danimal2]

Good thing you did your pre-flight. That could've been disastrous. Good catch Stan. Seems like Metzler should've put out some kind of notice. Gotta wonder how many complete failures there were.

[gman47]

As you said "there's plenty of tread left", why were you going to replace the tires? How many miles on them? Was it because of age, handling or something else?

Glad you found it when you did!! I've had several sets of 880's (on my Classic and now my nomad), have had no problems, got good mileage and they handled better the the OEM's, at least IMO.

[Sin City Stan]

What is the date code on this tire?

Week 38 of 2009. Sidewalls and remaining tread are good except for the obvious chunks of missing rubber.>:(

Also, I decided I just don't feel like dropping the tire. I will bring a stakebed with liftgate home from work on Wednesday (the day the new tires arrive) and take the bike in to get the tires changed on Thursday.

Thought I got a reasonable deal from the Motorcycle Superstore. Front & rear Michelin Commander II for $238.00 delivered. If this rear tire doesn't get me 10K-12K miles it's back to a CT.

[Sin City Stan]

As you said "there's plenty of tread left", why were you going to replace the tires? How many miles on them? Was it because of age, handling or something else?

Glad you found it when you did!! I've had several sets of 880's (on my Classic and now my nomad), have had no problems, got good mileage and they handled better the the OEM's, at least IMO.

I was going to change them before the SWVBA Ralley at the end of May. The tread would have probably made it through August but I didn't like the tires. I was never comfortable with them boring into a turn because occasional they would break loose a bit and hook up again. Nothing real bad but a little unnerving. It was always in the back of my mind. Also when wet they were worthless in turns until they dried. Rain isn't an issue here but puddled water in the street from errant sprinklers is.

[usranger74]

Week 38 of 2009. Sidewalls and remaining tread are good except for the obvious chunks of missing rubber.>:(

Also, I decided I just don't feel like dropping the tire. I will bring a stakebed with liftgate home from work on Wednesday (the day the new tires arrive) and take the bike in to get the tires changed on Thursday.

Thought I got a reasonable deal from the Motorcycle Superstore. Front & rear Michelin Commander II for $238.00 delivered. If this rear tire doesn't get me 10K-12K miles it's back to a CT.


Stan - what size tires did you go with?

[patrick]

Say it aint so , I just put one of those on mine 2 weeks ago- I need a drink

[Sin City Stan]

Stan - what size tires did you go with?

Front 130/90x16 (1/8" shorter in height than the existing 150/80x16)
Rear 150/80x16

[Sin City Stan]

Say it aint so , I just put one of those on mine 2 weeks ago- I need a drink

Who knows. As aleardy been said, Metzeler got a bad batch of rubber. Still,it's probably a good idea to check them often.

[Bdog]

Stan..thank you for checking..don't want to hear worse news. I too put a metz 880 on the rear only because that was my only choice in the middle of no where. Once I got home..took it off with only 2000 miles and tossed it..hated it.

[Loafer]

I have heard that some have had problems with the Metz 880's.
I'm on my second set, "no problems with them". I will be looking for a different
mfg. next time though, only because of what I have seen and heard on this site.
I might try the Avon's or maybe Pirelli's will see what the prices are when I need to switch. JMO

[Pitchinguy]

Interesting. I've run 3 sets of 880's on my 1600 w/o incident & thought they handled & rode pretty good, or better than the OEM stones anyway. When the OEM's are gone on my Nomad I'm seriously thinking CT but wonder how the Avon's do on the heavy cruisers. Haven't seen anything bad about them. Anybody heard any negative about the Avons?

[Loafer]

There are lots of post about tires on this site, most I believe have a CT with an Avon on the front. Some have said that the Avon's are better handling then the Metz.
You would have to do a search and then make up your own mind. JMO

[Sin City Stan]

Michelin Commander II's are in my office. Install on Friday for a full weekend of riding.:tup: Why does it smell funny in here. :D

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww179/Stan7442000/photo-1.jpg

[bibendum]

I can't wait for my 880s to weat out. I beat up a Michelin salesmen, who agreed to pay for my next set. Knowing I wanted Michelin commanders.

[cnc]

I can't wait for my 880s to weat out. I beat up a Michelin salesmen, who agreed to pay for my next set. Knowing I wanted Michelin commanders.

Trying to get free ones on account of your Avatar?:tehe:

[bibendum]

I work for one of the countries largest commercial tire service companies. It has its benefits.

[Sin City Stan]

Michelin Commander II's are in my office. Install on Friday for a full weekend of riding.:tup: Why does it smell funny in here. :D

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww179/Stan7442000/photo-1.jpg

New tires are always a joy. 280 miles on Saturday. Got a little over a 100 miles on them and started to press them in the curves. they passed with flying colors. They don't follow grooves in the pavement either. The most noticeable difference was the over steer was gone. the best description I have is that the steering feels lighter. Now we will see how long they last.

[ringadingh]

Thats good to hear, I may try those next time around.

[redjay]

Are the Commander II's the new "high mileage" tire that Michelin were introducing ? $238 for 2 tires including taxes and delivery is a great price. I am pretty sure I paid more than twice that last time I bought Avon Cobras in Canada.

[Sin City Stan]

Are the Commander II's the new "high mileage" tire that Michelin were introducing ? a.

That's what they say. Only time (miles) will tell.:D