ME880 final report

[dank]

I am replacing my rear ME880. I got 12,906 miles. 40-42 psi. about 1,500 miles two-up. Probably 70% of the miles were on interstate or comparable roads in terms of tire wear. It is pretty bald in the center at this point. (I'd say it lacks chicken strips, but you'd all know I was making it up.)

I figure the front for another 7-8,000 based on current wear , but will let you know later this summer.

I like them and am replacing in kind. (180/70-16).

For comparison given that we all ride differently, some more aggressively, some less; I got 9,100 on the OEM Bridgestones. I think they could have gone another 1,000 miles, but I had a large trip coming up. I changed to Metzlers because I did not like how the Bridgestones tracked, more accurately failed to rack, through corners.

[ringadingh]

I got about 15,000 miles on my rear Metzeler, but I ran it down a lot further than I normally do. I ordered a new tire but there was a backorder on Metzelers in Canada last Aug. It took until Feb. for it to arrive. I wanted a whitewall, and they only had 10 on order for all of Canada.

[misunderstood]

Got a rear one put on 2 days ago and am lovin it. Ready for New Mexico now. Come on May 8th.............................

[buckeye]

Just got pair of Metzlers put on today! WOW - what a difference from the original Bridgestones!!! Better ride, better tracking, better cornering, big smile on my face. I got 9500 miles on the OEM rear and it was shot. The front still had about 3-4000 left, but since I had the bucks, I went ahead and put both on now. Went with 180/70x16 rear and 150/80x16 front on my 1600.

[MarkG]

I will not need to replace my OEMs before the end of the year, famous last words. I have pretty much decided, thanks to this group, that the new ones will be ME880s. Everybody appears to lean towards bumping the rear tire one size for better handling, etc. There is still one area that is a little vague that I do not understand.

Bias on the front, radial on the rear?
Bias on the front and bias on the rear?
Radial on the front, radial on the rear?

What are the pros and cons to the different types of tires? Thanks.

[Top Cat]

I don't know about pro's and con's but I have a bias on front and radial on rear because that is the only way to get the sizes I wanted for my 1600.

[ponch]

The thing is they do list a 150/80-16 radial for a front tire. What gives?

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

I don't know about pro's and con's but I have a bias on front and radial on rear because that is the only way to get the sizes I wanted for my 1600.

I have the Metzs, radial rear, bias front. No problems.

Just got the new Rider mag... ad for new Pirelli Night Dragon tires for cruisers..... look interesting.




I have Pirelli Sport Demons on the Sabre V4 750 and Pirelli Route 66's on the Vulcan 800... very happy with both of those...

I might try the Night Dragons next time.... just for sh*ts and giggles.... :)




http://www.motorcycle.com/products/p...iew-76648.html





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[Top Cat]

I don't know Ponch, dealer said no can get. I didn't figure it was a big deal as alot of people on here have bias front and radial rear tires.

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

I don't know Ponch, dealer said no can get. I didn't figure it was a big deal as alot of people on here have bias front and radial rear tires.

I thought that I read somewhere that the radial front tire is a new addition in the Metzler line and they are not available everywhere yet. Did not verify that with Metzler. Pure rumor.

[dank]

Originally Posted by machodc

Just got the new Rider mag... ad for new Pirelli Night Dragon tires for cruisers..... look interesting.

I might try the Night Dragons next time.... just for sh*ts and giggles....

eekgear/w280/italians-do-it-better-itdoitbe.jpg[/img][/move]

I'll keep an open mind until you report on them. I don't see the advantage. I'm not having trouble spinning the rear wheel and the 6,000-8,000 miles they are aiming for would mean changing tires 3-4 times a summer. To me the ME880 seem to strike a good balance between grip and tire life, but each to his own.

Originally Posted by dank

I'll keep an open mind until you report on them. I don't see the advantage. I'm not having trouble spinning the rear wheel and the 6,000-8,000 miles they are aiming for would mean changing tires 3-4 times a summer. To me the ME880 seem to strike a good balance between grip and tire life, but each to his own.

It'll be a while for me.... recently got the ME8800's and love them. Pirelli and Metzeler are one company now anyway.... you're right the 6-8k doesn't impress.

[doctorgski]

Radial -Front Radial -Rear 150 on front 180 on rear

[radco]

Originally Posted by ponch

The thing is they do list a 150/80-16 radial for a front tire. What gives?

RADIALS front and BACK, THATS what I am gettting this week,,,, I THINK thats what coming to the shop Rich