I hope it wasn't a MISTAKE !!!

[MarkPenn]

After MUCH searching, like many of you on tire choices, I decided through forum input on the Metzler 888. I did it for the possible better grip, not longevity per say. Bike is 2010 Nomad 9,400 miles. Anyway after install I went only one mile and noticed a VERY(!!!) noticeable buzz in the grips when going straight, but lean left right no buzz. Ok chalked it up, new tires. Note, Couldn't ride for a week after new install. So this morning went for new tire break in. After 40 miles still buzzing feel. Left right lean ok. FYI, Shop where I had tires installed in business for years and trust them. Over the decades have had many new bike tires installed and never this straight buzz feel. Usually the other way around, left right lean buzz because of tread pattern. Shop said to be vigilant on tire pressure at 40 psi, due to Metzler's will cup easily if pressure low. Well on return trip I let air out from 43 to 36 just to see any difference. Yes, but only slightly. I did the no engine load thing and coasted and still the same. Yes the tire is mounted in correct rotation. Total miles 90 today.
For you Metzler guys, ever experienced this before? Do I need to break these in ? Never had to on previous brand tires, or experienced this before, usually new front tire very smooth. I really don't think it's a balancing thing, does it at very low speeds too. I think more of a tread cut thing. Perhaps more break in miles ? Thanks to all inputs in advance.

[mbarr10]

Sounds Like My Old Rear Metzlers, never a new one. Have you changed Helmets, visors??? anything that may make sounds different than before the tire change?

And Yes Keep the Air pressure up. Them things will cup and make all sorts of Noise later in their life. I ran 42psi on my 1500 classic.

[mbarr10]

I miss spoke looks like 50psi they were 105/80/B16 m/c 77 H Metzler . Hard to tell I wrote over the Metzler psi when I bought the commanders. I do remember the shop telling me that the pressure can be reduced on the commanders because of a stiffer side walls.

BUT CHECK WITH SOMEONE THAT IS MORE KNOWLEDGABLE

[Chuck A.]

Well this is not good for me either. Just order my first set of 888 Metzlers Saturday. Been running the Michelins and the rear has been cupping fast sense I added the trunk. Was running 42 psi in the rear. I'm a little ruff on the curves and thought well try the metzlers and see if they hold up better. Let us know what you find on the buzzing.

[redjay]

I have an 888 on the front and a Commander II on the rear.
I have non of the "buzzing" you describe.

I had a Commander front tire before the Metzeler and prefer the Metzeler.
I ride a 1300 V Star.

[mike07nad]

Originally Posted by MarkPenn

After MUCH searching, like many of you on tire choices, I decided through forum input on the Metzler 888. I did it for the possible better grip, not longevity per say. Bike is 2010 Nomad 9,400 miles. Anyway after install I went only one mile and noticed a VERY(!!!) noticeable buzz in the grips when going straight, but lean left right no buzz. Ok chalked it up, new tires. Note, Couldn't ride for a week after new install. So this morning went for new tire break in. After 40 miles still buzzing feel. Left right lean ok. FYI, Shop where I had tires installed in business for years and trust them. Over the decades have had many new bike tires installed and never this straight buzz feel. Usually the other way around, left right lean buzz because of tread pattern. Shop said to be vigilant on tire pressure at 40 psi, due to Metzler's will cup easily if pressure low. Well on return trip I let air out from 43 to 36 just to see any difference. Yes, but only slightly. I did the no engine load thing and coasted and still the same. Yes the tire is mounted in correct rotation. Total miles 90 today.
For you Metzler guys, ever experienced this before? Do I need to break these in ? Never had to on previous brand tires, or experienced this before, usually new front tire very smooth. I really don't think it's a balancing thing, does it at very low speeds too. I think more of a tread cut thing. Perhaps more break in miles ? Thanks to all inputs in advance.

Hmmm - I have run the Metzler 888 front on my current Voyager for 2 front tires now. - No buzz. I have always used a Dunlop American Elite on the rear on this Voyager.. My previous Voyager I had the Metzler 888 rear and don't recall any tire buzz.

And in the for what it's worth department - I run around 35 front and I'm sure my rear tire has air in it - I just can't remember what it's at. That valve stem is way down under the bike, maybe I should check it again.

Sorry you are disappointed with the Metzlers.

[captblack52]

Just installed a set of 888's on me Vaquero ( first front after 25K on the OEM Bridgestone; 2nd 888 rear - had a separation at 14K). With about 100 miles no strange noises.

[mbarr10]

Pump it up, Before it cups. Go a bit past the tire sidewall max and check it out then. KEEP IT AT MAX PRESURE.

[cactusjack]

At one time, a few years ago - there was a general consensus on this forum to avoid Metzelers. Several years ago, they were decent tires then they switched manufacturing from Germany to Brazil (I think) and quality went way down hill.

[redjay]

Those discussions were about the Metzeler 880 that I think are no longer made.
I am not sure where the 888's are made.

[mike07nad]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

At one time, a few years ago - there was a general consensus on this forum to avoid Metzelers. Several years ago, they were decent tires then they switched manufacturing from Germany to Brazil (I think) and quality went way down hill.

Yes - at one time you had to be cautious on which Metzeler 880's you bought and where they were made.

That has changed when Metzler brought out the Dual Compound 888 to compete with the Michelin Commander II's and then the Dunlop American Eagles appeared about the same time.

I've ran several different 888's without any problem.

[mike07nad]

Originally Posted by redjay

Those discussions were about the Metzeler 880 that I think are no longer made.
I am not sure where the 888's are made.

I did a quick search on Amazon and you can still get the Metzler 880's.
The load rating on the Metzler 880's was not heavy enough for the tank Voyagers / Vaquero's. They at one time were a popular option on the 1500/1600 Nomads.

[Kawalski Rider]

Originally Posted by mike07nad

Yes - at one time you had to be cautious on which Metzeler 880's you bought and where they were made.

That has changed when Metzler brought out the Dual Compound 888 to compete with the Michelin Commander II's and then the Dunlop American Eagles appeared about the same time.

I've ran several different 888's without any problem.

I'm currently running Metzeler from & rear. They are my third set, the last ones being the 888. I've never had a moments hesitation or second thought about the choice. They have never given me any cause to be concerned. I'll buy any set.

Cheers, David

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[Iamriding]

I had problems with 880s being out of round, but then had no problem with the Pirelli MT66 which I believe are the same company. Now I run Avon Cobras.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by redjay

Those discussions were about the Metzeler 880 that I think are no longer made.
I am not sure where the 888's are made.

Well I switched to Dunlops several years ago and haven't kept up with Metzeler's changes.