Metzlers

[phot]

Just bought a couple of new tyres for my 1600 Nomad. Ive got a ME 880 180/70 for the rear and a 130/90 for the front as this is what has been suggested by other owners. Have I done the right thing? I see Metzler list a 150/80 which is the same size as the stock front, should I have bought this instead? Confused!

[dogdoc]

YES, the front is the 150 size that most buy here,

[dank]

I have Metzler 150/80-16 on front. 180/70 -16 rear: front is bias, rear is radial. 150/80 -16 is the stock front size, as you noted. Have you mounted it? Reducing the width could make it hard to mount. Ask your mechanic about that. If it is already mounted ,then oviously it fits, so it really is just a question of how you like the appearance and how it changes performance. If you haven't mounted it and can exchange it, then I'd get the 150/80.

Given that 90X130 is117 and 80X150 is 120, there is just a 3mm difference in height due to aspect ration. One chart I have says the 150/80 - 16 is 25.4" in diameter and the 130/90 is 25." So very little change. I would expect that it will make the bike very slightly quicker to displace in in corners based on my limited understanding of how rake and trail work and also due to the higher aspect ration of your tire. The narrower tire will also change the appearance in a way I don't think I would like, but each to his own in that regard.

Give us a ride report on how you like it and post some pictures!.

[phot]

As the rear is a radial, if fitting the 150/80 -16 to the front, why not make that the radial as well, are there any pros and cons to having bias/radial front?

[dank]

General wisdom is not to mix radial and bias, but the radial front size is new and so people have been using the bias front. Doesn't seem to cause any problems. I tried to get the radial front earlier this summer when my front tire wore out (22,000 miles) but they were back ordered with no expected delivery date. Waited two weeks then went with the bias front again. Perhaps they are available now. I'd go radial for both if they are available.

I now need a new rear, but they are back ordered. I want the Metzler, but if it doesn't arrive soon I'm going to switch and try the new Avon on the rear. I can't wait till the snow flies to get a new tire.

[flavor]

IMPO

I just ordered the Avon Cobra tires for my 2007. 180/70 for the rear and 150/80 for the front. I've had the elite II's and liked them a lot. I felt safe in the wet weather where I didn't feel as secure with the Metzler's. I know both Metzler and the elite III's are good tires, but I figured I'd give the new Cobra's a try.

I have a few miles to go on the stock tires so I won't report back to give an update for awhile. 8700 on the stock tires now.

Total cost $325 for tires and shipping. Can't remember where I ordered them. If anyone wants that info, I'll check.

[flavor]

PS. Both are radials.

[redjay]

Going with Cobras next time. Anything has to be better than the howling Bridgestone front tire I have on now

[ice793]

+1