Dunlops vs Metzlers

**scion0** · 09-29-2008, 05:10 PM

??? I need to replace the rear tire.. with all of the debate on tires on this site, has one beat out the other by a big margin or are the Dunlop/Metzler deal a matter of taste ($)? ???

waterman · 09-29-2008, 05:50 PM

I think it is a matter of taste. Kind of like Ford vs Chevy. Personally, I have the Dunlop E3. With what I have seen so far I plan on sticking with them. No experience with Metzler.

gghost · 09-29-2008, 07:57 PM

waterman

What size/type tires? Belted? Radial? Bias?

Did it change your load handling capability?

**scion0** · 09-29-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gghost

waterman

What size/type tires? Belted? Radial? Bias?

Did it change your load handling capability?

Good questions..

**Idaho** · 09-29-2008, 08:37 PM

Stay with the same construction, bias or belted, but other than that the tires are all pretty much the same when you buy a good grade of tire. Many here hold the opinion that the original Bridgestone tires are not a top grade of tire. You will find all kinds of opinions on one manufacturer or another, tread patterns, noise, wear life etc. In truth there is probably not a hill of beans diff between them. At least IMHO.

dogdoc · 09-29-2008, 09:32 PM

True, Im getting as much mileage as many get out of their blessed metzlers.

waterman · 09-29-2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gghost

waterman

What size/type tires? Belted? Radial? Bias?

Did it change your load handling capability?

I went with the 160/80 rear bias tire. It has the highest load rating that I could see for a rear tire. The rated load is 990 lbs. This is at least 50 lbs more than the 18/70. Right now I am very happy. Can't really tell much with the handling when loaded for bear. It has just been me for the long trips this year.

I still have the brickstone on the front. Should change it out to the 150/80 but I am to cheap and the tire still has good tread.

My thoughts on the 160/80 is that it is the same diameter (close enough) as the 180/70. It is about $40 cheaper than the 180/70. I found it for about $140 delivered. In three changes of the tires using the 160's vs the 180's, I have the 4th tire free!!!! (Remember I am cheap).

I haven't checked the tread wear lately. But with 1000 miles I couldn't measure any wear at that point. I should check the tires since they have about 3000 miles on them now.

How happy am I with the Dunlop. Very. They feel much better than the stones. Hopped on the bike after putting the tire on and boy did it just flow side to side without much effort. I have ridden in a virtual gully washer (also known as a toad strangler). Never felt out of control even going 60. A trucker was behind me and when I finally stopped to wring myself dry (gloves and helmet were soaked), he stopped and said he has never seen anyone drive thru a rain like that on a bike.

gghost · 09-29-2008, 09:59 PM

Thanks. Just looking to the future....still on my originals but want to be prepared.

Did the 160 increase/reduce/not change the MPH error.

VulcanE · 09-29-2008, 11:38 PM

My last 3 rear tires were the "blessed Metzelers" (one was lost @ 1200 miles due to a screw) I can't say anything bad about them except that I only get about 8000 miles out of them. But, they were a whole lot better than the stock brickstones, but on my next set, I plan on trying the Avon Cobras out (we are talking about the 180/70-16 rear and 150/80-16 front), just to see what they're like.

**schoeney** · 09-29-2008, 11:59 PM

I think I have talked myself into trying the Elite III's when my Brickstones wear a little more.

fish · 09-30-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schoeney

I think I have talked myself into trying the Elite III's when my Brickstones wear a little more.

same here

waterman · 09-30-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gghost

Thanks. Just looking to the future....still on my originals but want to be prepared.

Did the 160 increase/reduce/not change the MPH error.

Speedo error by GPS is now 3.5 mph @70 indicated. So yes it did help with the error by about 50%.

gghost · 09-30-2008, 10:41 PM

Thanks

Usually run with a GPS but it would be nice if the speedo was sorta correct.

butch · 10-01-2008, 10:40 AM

I had the Elite 3's installed a month ago and have 1000 miles on them now. 180/70HR-16 rear (radial) and 150/80 HB-16 front (bias) and LOVE THEM! The nomad handles much easier, very stable on curves, and quieter too. RPM at indicated 70 mph dropped by about 200, so the taller tire probably has made for a more accurate mph reading. You won't regret the decision. I paid $294 to AMT for mine delivered.

redjay · 10-01-2008, 01:41 PM

There is a topic on the Delphi Kawasaki Forum "Elite 3's, very unhappy".

09-29-2008, 05:10 PM	#1
scion0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Peoria, Illinois Posts: 1,507	Dunlops vs Metzlers ??? I need to replace the rear tire.. with all of the debate on tires on this site, has one beat out the other by a big margin or are the Dunlop/Metzler deal a matter of taste ($)? ??? __________________ ___________________ Mike "Scion0" VBA#: 0097 Former VBA North Central Asst Regional Leader St Jude Rides Peoria to Memphis Rider Retired MSgt, USAF (1979 -99) "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff!" Current ride: 2012 H-D Ultra FLHTCU (Black) Past ride: 2007 Black Nomad Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-29-2008, 05:50 PM	#2
waterman Top Contributor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,530	Dunlops vs Metzlers I think it is a matter of taste. Kind of like Ford vs Chevy. Personally, I have the Dunlop E3. With what I have seen so far I plan on sticking with them. No experience with Metzler. __________________ Joel "Waterman" 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra 2006 Nomad - Sold VBA 213 VROC 16913 Custer 09: Cortez 10: Crescent City 11: Kanab 12: Estes Park 13: Tahoe 14: Red Lodge 16
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09-29-2008, 07:57 PM	#3
gghost Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 626	Dunlops vs Metzlers waterman What size/type tires? Belted? Radial? Bias? Did it change your load handling capability? __________________ gghost
	0

09-29-2008, 08:37 PM	#5
Idaho Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 5,241	Dunlops vs Metzlers Stay with the same construction, bias or belted, but other than that the tires are all pretty much the same when you buy a good grade of tire. Many here hold the opinion that the original Bridgestone tires are not a top grade of tire. You will find all kinds of opinions on one manufacturer or another, tread patterns, noise, wear life etc. In truth there is probably not a hill of beans diff between them. At least IMHO. __________________ Idaho (aka Curmudgeon) Blue Knights Idaho III VBA #110 VROC #24864 IBA #49753 2007 Nomad 86,000 miles Bud Smalley Pocatello, Idaho Idaho Jack Adapter Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-29-2008, 09:32 PM	#6
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Dunlops vs Metzlers True, Im getting as much mileage as many get out of their blessed metzlers.
	0

09-29-2008, 09:59 PM	#8
gghost Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 626	Dunlops vs Metzlers Thanks. Just looking to the future....still on my originals but want to be prepared. Did the 160 increase/reduce/not change the MPH error. __________________ gghost
	0

09-29-2008, 11:38 PM	#9
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	Dunlops vs Metzlers My last 3 rear tires were the "blessed Metzelers" (one was lost @ 1200 miles due to a screw) I can't say anything bad about them except that I only get about 8000 miles out of them. But, they were a whole lot better than the stock brickstones, but on my next set, I plan on trying the Avon Cobras out (we are talking about the 180/70-16 rear and 150/80-16 front), just to see what they're like. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
	0

09-29-2008, 11:59 PM	#10
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	Dunlops vs Metzlers I think I have talked myself into trying the Elite III's when my Brickstones wear a little more. __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina
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09-30-2008, 10:41 PM	#13
gghost Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 626	Dunlops vs Metzlers Thanks Usually run with a GPS but it would be nice if the speedo was sorta correct. __________________ gghost
	0

10-01-2008, 10:40 AM	#14
butch Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 121	Dunlops vs Metzlers I had the Elite 3's installed a month ago and have 1000 miles on them now. 180/70HR-16 rear (radial) and 150/80 HB-16 front (bias) and LOVE THEM! The nomad handles much easier, very stable on curves, and quieter too. RPM at indicated 70 mph dropped by about 200, so the taller tire probably has made for a more accurate mph reading. You won't regret the decision. I paid $294 to AMT for mine delivered.
	0

10-01-2008, 01:41 PM	#15
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,978	Dunlops vs Metzlers There is a topic on the Delphi Kawasaki Forum "Elite 3's, very unhappy".
	0

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