TC Posted this in INSTRUCTIONS thread
 

https://www.motorcyclepowersportsnew...tom-bike-show/

https://thunderpress.net/motorcycles...2018/12/01.htm
*UPDATED LINKS*
However, I was unable to post a reply - no permissions it stated... :ohno:

That being said. The new line of Metzler's (Thanks TC) look good and in sizes which are appealing to me. The Rear 180/70/16 would give us back sidewall height lost when using the 180/65.... :tup:

May give a pair of these new bad-boys a run, since the RADIAL TIRE TEST is gonna be over in the spring. Christmas present to the motorcycle (Nadia); new shoes for next year! :cheers::D

Ride safe,
Smokier

Thanks smokier, redjay PM'd me and said he could not reply in my thread either. I don't know why, I guess I put it in the wrong section of the forum.
I'm new here :ohno:


I clicked on the link in smokiers post but got an error message.
This may work.


https://redirect.viglink.com/?format...Touring%20Tire

It will be nice to have a new choice of tire. The price will dictate whether I change from a Commander II to the Cruisetec. I am currently running a Metzeler 888 at the front and a Commander II at the rear. The Metzeler 888 gives a softer ride than the Commander II at the front.

I'm curious where the new Cruisetec will fall in the grip vs. performance spectrum. I would like a tire with more grip that either the Metz 888 or the MCII, but with better life than Bridgestone or Shinko. For me, tire mileage is not the most important thing, but I still want to get considerably better miles out of a tire than Bridgestones give.

I'm going with Avon Cobras ( not the new CHROME series ) this spring. The Commander 2's I have on slid in the rain a couple times on my way back from nova Scotia last fall. Missed 2 exits because of it. They only have about 3,000 miles on them but they are coming off as soon as snow goes away.
I personally think when a tire has harder material in the center tread to make it last longer it is going to have less grip on wet roads.
I will take grip over longevity.

Here are the specifics, courtesy of Metzeler:
Front

• MT90B-16 TL 72H
• 130/90B-16 TL REINF 73H
• 150/80-16 TL 71H
• 130/80B-17 TL 65H
• 130/70R-18 TL 63H
• 130/60B-19 TL 61H
• 100/90-19 TL 57H
• 120/70ZR-19 TL (60W)
• 110/90-19 TL 62H
• MH90-21 TL 54H
• 120/70B-21 REINF TL 68H

Rear

• MU85B-16 TL 77H
• 180/65B-16 REINF TL 81H
• 150/80B-16 REINF TL 77H
• 130/90B-16 REINF TL 73H
• 180/70B-16 TL 77H
• 180/60R-16 REINF TL 80H
• MT90B-16 TL 74H
• 200/55R-16 TL 77H
• 160/70B-17 REINF TL 79V
• 200/55R-17 TL 78V
• 180/55B-18 REINF TL 80H
• 240/40VR-18 TL (79V)
• 180/55ZR-18 TL (74W)
• 150/70B-18 REINF TL 76H
• 260/40VR-18 TL (84V)

The Cobras are high mileage tires as you probably know.
I had them on my Nomad and there were no issues in the rain, but I don't ride much in the rain :tup:

The new Chrome series of Cobras are dual compound for high mileage but I don't think the ones I have ready to go on this spring are. I ran them on my Nomad when I had that and got around 8 to 9 thousand miles on them.

I don't ride much in the rain either unless I get caught in it. When I do, I like to have confidence in my tires. The Commander 2's give me no confidence at all on wet roads.

Was trying to find these now... However, Metzler's site indicates to be released in 2019.
No luck at Dennis Kirk, JP Cycles, BikeBandit, Revzilla or CycleGear


180/70B-16 TL 77H (REAR)
130/90B-16 TL REINF 73H (FRONT)

Dang, maybe a birthday present to me, not a Christmas present.

I run Avon Cobras on my 06 1600 Nomad. Air pressure 40 F & R. They are a quiet, smooth ride with good traction in wet or dry conditions. No problems wandering in road groves or getting loose with tar snakes or rain. They Wear good & don't cup like Metzler's did. Plus Avon's have free factory road hazard warranty. I bought a new set, got a nail in rear tire in the first 40 miles. Avon replace tire free of charge no problem. Needless to say my next set will be Avon's.

Those threads are locked intentionally so you cannot post in them, They are meant for reading only. I'll see if I can move it to the appropriate area so as others can post.

How to build customer loyalty
 

Great story! Thanks for sharing. My ride experience with Avon's is not the same as yours. However, your story is worth reconsidering.
That said, the new Metzler's look good and will probably get the nod if/when released.
Have had positive experiences with the MC II's, regarding wear and feel. However, had also experienced the wet road reduction in traction others have reported.

Back in the 1500 Vulcan days, ran Metzler's ME880 almost exclusively.

Momma's new ride (Vic Cross Roads) came with ME888 Marathon Ultra's. She is not as aggressive as I am, nor will she ride in declining weather conditions. Will see how she likes them...

Ride safe,
Smokier

Dito
 

Same experience. My concern is the front tire on the Vaqueros. I am due, Not over due though for a new front. To many MC11 problems reported on the front so I planed on a stock replacement. This could be great.

On my nomad I have used the Bridgestone spitfire with good results. got 20,000+ on first and the 2nd one will probably get that also. Handles well wet and dry. No cupping or wobble.
Good chance that what I will put on the Voyager when its time. Not sure it will handle the same with a frame mounted fairing though.

My OEM Bridgestone rear wore extremely fast towards the end of it's life, and while wear wasn't the only factor - it let go too fast and too much to recover from in a sharp left-hander a few years ago, resulting in a high-side and repairable damage to the bike - and irreparable damage to my passenger.

I won't use Bridgestone tires again.

MCII's were OK, and gave some notice when they were going to let go. ME888's have been very good, never felt like losing grip, but didn't give quite the same mileage. But I'll stick with them (and hopefully they for me) until something better comes along.