Opinion on upgraded Metzler tire size for rear?

[dank]

I have the Metzlers front and rear on my 1600. (Bias ply on the front, radial on the rear.) As noted above, the larger tire helps correct the speedometer. Yes they do sing a bit in the corners, but I think they hold a line much better than the OEM tires. I have 11,000 miles on them and expect to get 2,000-3,000 more on the rear. I plan to replace them in kind.

[rlfaubion]

Hello fella's, this is my first time here in BD's garage.

Thought I'd contribute to this thread. If you're body is size challenged, this may be a consideration for you. I went with the following Metzler 880's and show what the difference in size is. These get you a closer to the earth while seated.

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

It handles perfectly in the corners, and I have no death-wobble.

[kawiman]

I just brought my bike home from the shop today with the new Metzlers on front and back. I only rode about 15 miles and the tires are brand new but I was very impressed with the handling in the curves (there are several on the route home). I'm going to reserve my judgement on them until I have put some substantial miles on them, but so far I like em.

i hear alot of humming noise on the metzlers in the turns? none with the stones.

More air. ;)

[davidjones1]

I have put on the metzler 880's 160 on the rear and 150 for the front both are radial, I have not had time and are weather to give them a good testing but what little I did ride they felt great. I am hoping to get 12-14,000 miles think this is reasonable ? my bikes and 03
ride safe.

[ells]

I have put on the metzler 880's 160 on the rear and 150 for the front both are radial, I have not had time and are weather to give them a good testing but what little I did ride they felt great. I am hoping to get 12-14,000 miles think this is reasonable ? my bikes and 03
ride safe.

I'm running the same combination but my experience with 880s on my 800B would suggest that the rear won't get to 10K mi. Folks might note that the 160 does has the same load rating as the OE Stone.

[skyhookman]

Any body know the load rating of the 160-80-16, as compared to the 170-70-16, or the 180-70-16

[dank]

Any body know the load rating of the 160-80-16, as compared to the 170-70-16, or the 180-70-16

Not sure which makes you are looking at:

The 170/70-16 Bridgestone OEM is load rating 75 (853 lbs)
The 180/70-16 Metzler ME880 is load rating 77 (908 lbs)
The 160/80-16 Dunlop Elite 3 is load rating 80 (992 lbs)

[skyhookman]

Thanks Dank, thats what I needed to know.