Tire Choice Driving Me Nuts!

[kawiman]

Okay folks, I've been trying to figure out for a couple of weeks which tires to put on my 07 Nad. I finally decided I would just go with the OEM Bridgestones. But in the back of my mind wanting to try the Metzlers I have heard so much about.

I went to order the Stones and they were on back order at Dennis Kirk and will be a couple of weeks before they are in stock. So, I decided to pull the trigger on the Metz since they have plenty in stock. I called thier tech service guys just to make sure I was getting the right tire. I get to checkout and notice that the front tire is a bias and the rear is a radial. Is this normal or did I get bad info?

Anyone running these Metz on thier bike? Lil help plz.

[Top Cat]

Thats the correct info. Lots of guys are running the bias on front and radial on back. I don't think Metz makes a radial in the right size for the front. Anyone I know of on this forum has had no problems mixing them.

[ells]

Some folks can speak to this better than I, but there is tire table on the main KawaNOW web site and people have various non-Stone favorites. I have the 880s (160 on the rear) and think they grip great and are quiet for me (which I can tell because my pipes don't overpower things like that.)

Ells

[ringadingh]

I have ME880's on my bike right now, Im not sure if theres a radial on the rear though , I'll check when I get home tonight. I think it depends on what size tire you choose,
I have 150/80/16 on the front and rear in WWW. Since I wanted whitewalls my choices were limited.

Yes kawiman. Yes Topcat.

http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/Bikesafe/ATS/selecting.html

[rlfaubion]

I recently purchased the following Metzler 880's and show what the difference in size is. These lower your frame slightly.

Front 150 80HR 16 (1/2 inch taller than stock)
Rear 180 60HR 16 (1/4 inch shorter than stock)

Both are radials....

This bike handles perfectly in the corners, and I have no death-wobble. Metzlers track through ruts and groves better than stones, while providing a smoother ride all around with much more grip. I don't hear the noise that some speak of either. I say whichever tire you buy, make sure they're not those hardass stones. These are my second set of Metzlers.

[kawiman]

Good info wolf. Thanks. The sizes I am looking at are front; 150/80/16 and rear: 180/70/16. The rear is the radial. The site mentioned shows bias front - radial rear as legal. Just wondering if its advisable. I wanted to check with you folks to see that they have been tried and are ok. My bike is an 07 model if that makes any difference. I notice ells has 160 on rear.
Mine came with 170's on rear.

Yes everything is safe and has been tried and tested by the masses.

http://www.kawanow.org/faq.htm <-- click and scroll down a little

[kawiman]

Both ARE radials Ron? Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input on this!

[Top Cat]

Wolfy, Rinadingh says he has a 150/80x16 front and rear. what does that do to the rear of the bike? Does it make it lower?
doesen't he basicly have two front tires on his bike?

on rons I guess they are but he also has a different size than you so they may not make them in your size. This topic has been discussed many times in previous threads and MOST people who run the metz are NOT running both radials

[kawiman]

Thanks wolf and everyone! I'm starting to feel better about it now!

Tim

see this http://kawanow.proboards77.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1183337629&page=1

Top cat 150 80 16 was stock front and back on 2004's and earlier

[Top Cat]

I have read enough about tires on this board to know I am putting 150/80x16 WWW on front and 180/70x16 on rear. Metz dosen't make a Wide White Wall in my size for the back.
OK we crossed in cyberspace. I didn't know 150 80 16 was stock front and back on 2004's and earlier. Thanks CAH http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[kawiman]

All the info is very much appreciated. The tires will be ordered tomorrow. Thanks folks!

You guys have started something! I haven't even gotten my new Nomad from the dealer yet (still in the shop, adding accessories) and I called them this morning to tell 'em to take off the OEM Bridgestones and put on Metzeler ME 880's before I come pick her up.
Heheheheheh!
Now SEE WHAT YOU'VE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

I have read enough about tires on this board to know I am putting 150/80x16 WWW on front and 180/70x16 on rear. Metz dosen't make a Wide White Wall in my size for the back.
OK we crossed in cyberspace. I didn't know 150 80 16 was stock front and back on 2004's and earlier. Thanks CAH http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif



1500's run 150/90-16 front & back... I did the stage 1 upgrade to a 160/90-16 rear (the GL 1500 Goldwing tire)

Metzeler ME 880's

[Top Cat]

You guys have started something! I haven't even gotten my new Nomad from the dealer yet (still in the shop, adding accessories) and I called them this morning to tell 'em to take of the OEM Bridgestones and put on Metzeler ME 880's before I come pick her up.
Heheheheheh!
Now SEE WHAT YOU'VE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!
Glad we could help. It's only money http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[kawiman]

Mine are on the way and should be on the bike by next Wed. I appreciate all the input from you guys and I'm really glad the search is over and tires are ordered. I havnt had this much trouble deciding on something since I had to replace my refrigerator! LOL,,,,THANKS AGAIN!

[socwkbiker]

You guys have started something! I haven't even gotten my new Nomad from the dealer yet (still in the shop, adding accessories) and I called them this morning to tell 'em to take off the OEM Bridgestones and put on Metzeler ME 880's before I come pick her up.
Heheheheheh!
Now SEE WHAT YOU'VE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

Thank you...thank you very much.

[davidjones1]

Nico is the 160/90-16 the largest rear tire the 1500 can take are would you or anyone else know if the 180/16-16 will fit it? would like to go with the wide tire in the back, mine is an 03 fi.
ride safe

[bobzinger]

This VNB1600 group has a pdf that I made up with all the various sizes for the Nomad and how much it lifts or lowers the bike, widths, etc. I can email to anyone that wants it too.

It's a file called "1600 Nomad Tire Matrix"

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VN1600/files/

[socwkbiker]

Trip put that matrix on the main Kawanow website so everyone here can see it too. Thanks bobzinger for showing us that. Now I have the info I need in order to buy my next set of tires.

[rlfaubion]

I used Bob's matrix to buy my tires too. It's a great resource, and thanks for posting it.

Nico is the 160/90-16 the largest rear tire the 1500 can take are would you or anyone else know if the 180/16-16 will fit it? would like to go with the wide tire in the back, mine is an 03 fi.
ride safe


To the best of my knowledge the 160/80-16 is the largest a 1500 can take. I got the Metzeler 160/80-16 GL1500 Goldwing tire which i believe is slightly wider and it fits great.

[donguer]

Kawiman
Go to the Darkside!

[dogdoc]

the more we study them the more confused I get. Everybody seems to be using slightly different sizes of metz, some b/r and some r/r, hard to tell what is correct. :-)

[Todd]

There is no definitive correct. There are a few that will work. Keep in mind that we have people talking about 1500's and 1600's in the same threads here. I am running a Metz 180/70R-16 on the rear of my 1600 with the stock bias stone still on the front (I'm a cheap b@stard and hate to spend money). No problem with mixing the Radial and bias in that fashion..Many have done so. If I can find a radial for the front next spring when the front is ready to replace, I will probably use it, if not, I will go with the Metz bias.

[blowndodge]

+1

[kawiman]

Kawiman
Go to the Darkside!


I considered it,,,for about 10 seconds.

[buckeye]

Thanks for the info Todd I'm ready to order the Metz for the rear, but didn't want to change the stone on front until it was warn more! (thought I was the only "cheapo")

[ringadingh]

I just picked up my new rear ME880 yesterday, I stayed with the original 150/80/16 because its available in whitewall, and the wider sizes are not.

[rlfaubion]

I just picked up my new rear ME880 yesterday, I stayed with the original 150/80/16 because its available in whitewall, and the wider sizes are not.

I'm a guess'n you gotta 1500. Only cuz I wuz try'n to get whitewalls myself for a 1600, which I cudn't. It would be good if we all posted our type of Nomads in a sig line, so we could be better organized and help our poor selfless brutha's help one a nutha. Did I spill that right?

[ringadingh]

Your right Valdez it is an 02 1500, your spelling looks like youve had to many wobbly pops tonight.lol keep it up.

[davidjones1]

well I pick up my new tire's -ME's880r for both front and rear, went with the 160 for the rear looks great, stock size for front. we also did our own install, changed the tire's on two nomads my bud went with the mich commandors these are supposed to get up to 20,000 miles also a good looking tire. this took us about four hours and two other good friends a couple of beer's and some jackand a pizza all this is needed, love the way bike handles and no road noise to speak of. Have to go thru the 100mile break in before trying on any real twisty roads but can't wait. ride safe.

[kawiman]

I brought my bike home from the shop today, its only about a 15 mile ride but it has some nice curves. I am impressed so far with the grip, but then , the tires are brand new. I'm going to reserve my judgement until I have substantial miles on them.

[donoller]

buy avons and ride

[socwkbiker]

Just had my ME 880's installed yesterday. Went with the bigger tire on the rear and stock size on front. Could already feel a difference. Looking forward to putting some miles on 'em.

[Idaho]

Just had my ME 880's installed yesterday. Went with the bigger tire on the rear and stock size on front. Could already feel a difference. Looking forward to putting some miles on 'em.
Hey SWB, I see that you put the larger ME880 on the rear in January. How has that worked for you? Any issues with stability at high speed? How is handling in corners? Did the speedo error improve. And here is the biggie, would you do it again?
Thanks,

As long as you run the air pressure high (42 psi) I've only heard good things. If it get down around 35 you will get a wobble. When I change my tires I'm going with Metzeler ME880 size 150/80X16 for the front and a Metzeler ME880 size 180/70X16 for the rear.

BTW I would like to hear what SWB has to say.

[Todd]

Well, I'm not SWB (thank goodness)........but I switched to the larger 880 and won't be looking for any other tire when I am due for another. I run 40lbs. The wear so far has been far less than the OE Bridgestones. Ride is very smooth and tracking seems a little better through corners.

I have the ME 880s, second rear,still on first front. Looks like I'll make 20K on the front and about 10-11K on each rear. I'll put MEs on again.

[socwkbiker]

Just had my ME 880's installed yesterday. Went with the bigger tire on the rear and stock size on front. Could already feel a difference. Looking forward to putting some miles on 'em.

Having ridden on my ME 880's now for a couple of months, I'll definitely continuing using them unless something else way better comes along. I love them at high speed, and I've taken them up to 115 and felt like I was on air. Oh wait, maybe I was. lol. They track great in corners and with tight turns at low speeds and I feel much better with them than I did with my Stones. I don't know about speedo error since I haven't been pulled over yet, so I can't help with that one.

[misunderstood]

[quote:dr34dcx8]Just had my ME 880's installed yesterday. Went with the bigger tire on the rear and stock size on front. Could already feel a difference. Looking forward to putting some miles on 'em.

With tight turns at low speeds I feel my Stones. [/quote:dr34dcx8]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

Sorry, I've been drinking. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[blowndodge]

SWB always wants to show everyone his little stones. err pebbles...

[unwind2]

I'm so excited!! Just ordered my ME 880's...order 150/80-16 front....180/70-16 rear....can't wait to get them on!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I'm so excited!! Just ordered my ME 880's...order 150/80-16 front....180/70-16 rear....can't wait to get them on!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif


Great choice unwind! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[oledawg]

Did you get the Bias Front Radial Rear? ???
Ya can't go wrong with the Metz! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gifGood Decision
I'm so excited!! Just ordered my ME 880's...order 150/80-16 front....180/70-16 rear....can't wait to get them on!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[dirtysteve]

The stones only lasted me 5,500 miles on the rear, the Metzler(180/70-16) - 7,500 miles. I've got the Dunlop Elite III (180/70-16) on the rear now with 8,000 and just starting to square. FWIW

[oledawg]

Hey Davy, I'd love to know how those Mich Commander's work out ? ???I haven't ever heard anything about them. I would be stunned to hear of any motorcycle tire on the rear of a Nomad getting that kind of mi. I know some have claimed 15000 on Metz. but I find that hard to believe, unless they are runnin on slicks. A chance I'll never take. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif
well I pick up my new tire's -ME's880r for both front and rear, went with the 160 for the rear looks great, stock size for front. we also did our own install, changed the tire's on two nomads my bud went with the mich commandors these are supposed to get up to 20,000 miles also a good looking tire. this took us about four hours and two other good friends a couple of beer's and some jackand a pizza all this is needed, love the way bike handles and no road noise to speak of. Have to go thru the 100mile break in before trying on any real twisty roads but can't wait. ride safe.

[macmac]

I ran a search for this and didn't find it?? "1600 Nomad Tire Matrix "

Would some one point it to me please?

[bobzinger]

Michelin makes a "Premium Cruiser Tyre" for the front in 150/80-16. They don't say whether it's a bias or radial. They make a rear "Hi-Tour 79X" in radial size 160/80-16.

Michelin makes a "Premium Cruiser Tyre" for the front in 150/80-16. They don't say whether it's a bias or radial. They make a rear "Hi-Tour 79X" in radial size 160/80-16.


Typically. 150/80R-16 Radial
..............150/80B-16 Belted (non radial)
..............150/80-16 Bias

So it's probably bias.... :)

[unwind2]

Did you get the Bias Front Radial Rear? ???
Ya can't go wrong with the Metz! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gifGood Decision
[quote:3r5hklot]I'm so excited!! Just ordered my ME 880's...order 150/80-16 front....180/70-16 rear....can't wait to get them on!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif[/quote:3r5hklot]

You know right now I'm not sure. Called the Kawa dealer and told him I wanted the 150/80-16 front which according to metz and chart on our own board here is bias and rear 180/70-16 which according to same metz and our charts as radial....but the dealer says that in looking them up he found both sizes in metz as bias? Wondering ......I noticed on the charts that the 180/60-16 rear is bias but not the 180/70-16....unless his list of available metz tires is more extensive? I guess we'll see when I go to have them mounted what he got....for sure if I'll look at the tires first before I let him mount them to make sure it is the sizes I want.

[unwind2]

[quote:qnwbmym7]I'm so excited!! Just ordered my ME 880's...order 150/80-16 front....180/70-16 rear....can't wait to get them on!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif


Great choice unwind! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif[/quote:qnwbmym7]

I like metz....I put them on a Honda Shadow sabre I used to own when replacing the stock....amazing difference. And...one thing I can say for Moto Guzzi...the metz come stock on their bikes!

[hangon702]

I almost blew up a set of Metz. so I went looking for some new WWW and found these great handling tires from Maxxis

[misunderstood]

I ran a search for this and didn't find it?? "1600 Nomad Tire Matrix "

Would some one point it to me please?

There under information and maintenance links

http://www.kawanow.org/links.htm