 Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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I just installed my 6th front Metzler Friday morning, and when I went to file the receipt away, I discovered that last years receipt (dated 02/20/08) showed 38,562 miles, and Friday's (02/27/09) showed 48,562 miles - exactly 10k miles! I'll say again that unless I could realize an appreciable increase in tread life and still retain the confidence-inspiring wet road traction and fine all around handling and grip, I can not justify changing to another tire brand. I'm satisfied. 
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I just replaced my front ME880, which went 20k. Still plenty of thread left, just wobbled and had some dry cracks. The installer said the wobble was caused by the extreme amount of weight used on that install, he thinks it was never balanced properly.
My rear ME880 is still going strong at 15k.
I must ride like an old man..... <g>
Al
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
I can not justify changing to another tire brand.
I'm satisfied.
I'm tempted to try a set of Metzler's next go around. I'm currently on my 3rd set (?) of Avon Venoms, which are a great tire. Also have had Dunlop 440's, in addition to the stock Bridgestones.
Can't seem to safely get >7K out of the rear? Oftentimes I find myself far from a service center. I actually had a Avon (rear) blow up on me in the middle of nowhere, also known as Challis, ID four years ago. It put a damper on an otherwise perfect long weekend. Of course that was more my fault and than the brand.
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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They just don't ride as hard as you do, John. 
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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24,000 on my rear ME880.
21,000 on the front Lazertec.
And I don't ride gently.
(They are very due to be changed though.)
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Can't seem to safely get >7K out of the rear? Oftentimes I find myself far from a service center. I actually had a Avon (rear) blow up on me in the middle of nowhere, also known as Challis, ID four years ago. It put a damper on an otherwise perfect long weekend. Of course that was more my fault and than the brand.
Are you doing burnouts? My stock Bridgestones have 15,000+ with good tread left. I can't imagine getting only 7K life on the rear. 
I'll probably go to the Metzlers when I need to change.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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How do you find the Metzler in the wet , i have never used them but have been told they are not to good in wet condition`s ?
What goes round comes round
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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I've been in some monsoons  and thought the grip was very good. Mike
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Straight line performance in the wet is acceptable. However, I would not recommend twistie riding with them in the rain. NOT confidence inspiring at all! After several spooky incidents, I pulled them off my bike.  In MY opinion, A+ for high mileage, but B- for traction, and F for wet handling.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Well there ya go, some love em and some hate em. Does that clear up the picture for ya  For what it's worth I run 35psi rear and 33psi front.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Are you doing burnouts?
Burnouts! Yikes! !??, not even close. The only times I exceed the posted speed limits are those rare occasions each year I try to keep FJ &/or Roadie in the same time zone.
Granted I tend to use engine compression in the twistier sections. Don't know if that added, whatever (Torque?) puts a little strain on the rear rubber, sometimes I can feel it getting the "yips" downshifting into a corner. I replaced rear brake pads once around 25K??
Who knows, I don't
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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 Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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OP
Oil Expert
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Quote:
How do you find the Metzler in the wet , i have never used them but have been told they are not to good in wet condition`s ?
I generally just grin and ride on. Do I get more cautious when the road is wet? I'd be a fool not to.
Have I ever felt a loss of grip? Definitely.
I don't necessarily have to slow down, but I do get a little more careful when I know I'm going to be testing traction limits anyway, i.e., braking, cornering, etc., mostly surface street stuff.
On the freeway, though, 80 mph in a monsoon, no problem. (Unless you don't wear the full face lid.)
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I'll fly on the highway anyway as long as I can still see. dew rag, little round sun glasses, and leather face mask.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 42
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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well i can definatly say that the metz are a great tyre in the dry but as for the wet weather they are rubbish i live out in the stix and when go out on the bike theres one corner an s bend allways damp there so as soon as the bike hits that patch the rear end shifts across the road gets a bit scary sometimes iff traffic coming other way but gets the old heart racing just adds to the fun steve
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Oil Expert
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I don't see why I would switch from Avons. I think both brands make fine products.
Ride safe.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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It's time to order a new rear Metzler ME880. It seems the price has gone up since '06. In Jan '06 the tire was $117 shipped. Now, via the Motorcycle Superstore it's $138.99 with free shipping. Most of the other places were in the 150-160 range. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/3...-Rear-Tire.aspxDoes anyone know of a better place to buy?
Al
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I looked at americanmototire.com, and the price is less there, but the same once you add shipping. They show the ME880 in whitewall too, but only for the rear. Also Found the Lasertech for $101 plus shipping. I got my IRC from them and it arrived fast.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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just try and ask enough question to be sure you are not getting an old tire.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
just try and ask enough question to be sure you are not getting an old tire.
I went with the MotorcycleSuperstore.com. $139 shipped. (about the same as American Moto Tire, as mentioned earlier).
I bought my front from them last year and it was only a month old. Hopefully this will be the same.
I'm counting on the daughters boyfriend to mount it. He runs the York Technical College bike mechanic program and has access to their shop. Last night, I mentioned going to the International MC Show in DC this weekend and she said they weren't speaking. Great, my tire shipped today. Here's to young love patching it back together....at last long enough to get my tire mounted.....<g> My wife says I'm awful. I like to consider it "opportunistic".
Last edited by ssjones; 01/14/2010 8:29 PM.
Al
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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just because she broke up with him dont mean you have to also  i am still very close friends with one of my youngest daughters old ex's, although i dont usually have him over to the house when she is here 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Al
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Oil Expert
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You either ride like an ol man or you've dialed the exact inflation rates for both tyres. What I'm seeing here is variations in longevity but little info on what riders are pumping there tyres up to.
Moe for instance he pumps his rear tyre up to 42 kpa, the manual says 34 lbs and the side wall of the tyre says 412 lbs at 290 kpa.
So what I'd like to know is this: is pumping your bike tyres up the same as if you were puttind extra load on the back of your truck ie. Higher loads require higher inflation rates. I would be surprised if this wasn't the case but the variations in what people would be loading their bikes up with would be nearly as numerous as the inconsistant findings in how long they last or perform in the wet. In other words I'm thinking there may be quite possibly a link here and I'm yet to get consistancy in any answers to this one.
Comments???
Staffo
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
So what I'd like to know is this: is pumping your bike tyres up the same as if you were putting extra load on the back of your truck ie. Higher loads require higher inflation rates. I would be surprised if this wasn't the case but the variations in what people would be loading their bikes up with would be nearly as numerous as the inconsistant findings in how long they last or perform in the wet. In other words I'm thinking there may be quite possibly a link here and I'm yet to get consistancy in any answers to this one.
Comments???
Staffo
I think the answer is both yes and no.
Yes, because I believe the pressure must match the load pretty closely to optimize the wear and the factory recommendation only aligns with the tire they install.
No, because you have to match the tire manufacturer with both the bike and the load as it relates to the tire model. In my case I went directly to Avon to check on a set of Venom X I had installed on another bike, a Harley Dyna whose factory specs were 30psi front and 40 psi rear. The tires performed and I wanted to know why. Avon's engineer replied that I should be using 40psi front and 44psi rear. Pumped up the bike handles much, much better. Still, I've found 36psi front makes it even better so that's my current set up.
I've been running Avon Venoms on the America for the past 8K miles and show little wear with 34psi front and 36psi rear, 210 Lbs. solo. I don't ride as hard regularly as most but I do have a few spirited moments and I haven't carried any kind of substantial load other than four days clothing in my saddlebags. These tires work well in a variety of wet conditions, which I like to avoid; if I'm caught out in anything from a mist to a deluge I don''t stop and the grip is very good.
There, that should muddy up the discussion sufficiently.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I rode moderately, and keep 36 psi in front and rear.
Al
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
I don't ride as hard regularly as most but I do have a few spirited moments and I haven't carried any kind of substantial load other than four days clothing in my saddlebags.
Neil Peart moment(s)?
Unlike you I stretch the throttle cables all the time. Thomwill has no idea. consequently the secondary drivetrain and tires know it. 
I don't put her up wet though. except when in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Indiana, North Carolina, New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, Georgia, ...
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
Neil Peart moment(s)?
I could only wish that I could have a Neil moment or two. Unfortunately I'm the one setting up the drums instead of the player riding to the already awaiting gig...
Oh, let's not confuse anyone here, I don't work for either Neil or Rush although I would if they called. 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Oil Expert
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Due to my considering what the marathons were recommending with the higher load rate than I actually had, I guesstimated my pump up pressures as 34 front and 36 back with about 300lbs total including bags. I don't know whether this is enough considering what Moe puts in his, but maybe another 2 psi up on both wouldn't have hurt but again I'm guessing here again. Sounds to me unless Metzler have done specific trials with the marathons on our bikes, then how is anyone to know without their own trial and error, and I thought dialing in my rear shocks took time  In saying this I did have a bit of wet riding on my latest 3000k cruise and couldn't say I had any probs with the tyres sticking and I still have good tread life left after 9000 kilometres. Can anyone suggest my pumping up to higher pressures and justify why, or should I now find out myself sometimes the not so easy way ie: tyres perhaps slipping more cos pumped up too high perhaps It's not real scientific though is it?  In fact it sounds like a bit of a clusterfu#k considering any miscaculations can mean some dire consequences if one's not careful. I guess that means being a bit more careful until I have a better understanding of this side of my bike. I do know the lazertechs were good in the wet but the tyre life for the recommeded pressures was plainly not sustainable cost wise. Certainly makes it interesting though 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
I've been running Avon Venoms on the America for the past 8K miles and show little wear with 34psi front and 36psi rear, 210 Lbs. solo.
Are you running the Avon Roadrider on the front (cos I didn't think they made a Venom that fits the front)? I ask because I'm fitting new Avons next week to replace the POS Metzlers and I will use your PSI as a starting place.
Last edited by foglefar; 01/17/2010 9:08 PM.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Hey Richard, what are you doing on here. Aren't you at work??? Anyway it was great to see you and Benny on Friday. Really enjoyed it. Now before I get bagged for hijacking this thread, can you tell me which Metzlers you are running? From memory they were Lazertechs weren't they. If so yes, they are imho a license to print money
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
Are you running the Avon Roadrider on the front (cos I didn't think they made a Venom that fits the front)? I ask because I'm fitting new Avons next week to replace the POS Metzlers and I will use your PSI as a starting place.
100/90-18 Venom up front (I think that's the 41). Yes, it's 2mm taller than the stock Bridgestone but the clearances aren't an issue and it seems to have helped correct the speedometer a bit.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
Hey Richard, what are you doing on here. Aren't you at work???
Well ummm, pretending to work.
Quote:
Anyway it was great to see you and Benny on Friday. Really enjoyed it.
Ditto - had a great time.
For the sake of everyone else on the forum, this was the first meet up of some of the 'downunder BA members', and, in case you were wondering - Staffo's better looking than I imagined, I'm not, and Islandbum's just like you imagined.
Quote:
Now before I get bagged for hijacking this thread, can you tell me which Metzlers you are running?
Stock: Lasertech front and 880 rear.
Last edited by foglefar; 01/18/2010 12:58 AM.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I found the 110/90/18 Avon puts the speedo spot on and looks better as well , and handles good
What goes round comes round
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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That's interesting Boof. I'm still evaluating the marathons and FYI I'm not yet convinced some of the bad press They have been getting might not have something to do with confusion on what the best inflation pressures should be for any given weight on the bike.
The Avons sound interesting though so if after a certain amount of fiddling I do find they aren't that good in the wet, I'll keep them in mind. Btw, shame you couldn't make it for a beer but it was just briiliant being able to look at each others bikes and exchange notes. You guys have got a good thing going up there. Next time I'm up I'll be in touch again for sure but this time a weekend ride is in order I think.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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My ME880 arrived today from the Motorcycle Superstore. The code date is the 40th week of 2009, which seems pretty decent.
Al
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I had Marathon 880's on my V-Star 650. Just AWESOME tires. Lots of grip in the wet, and very predictable. Ran 40F/40R unladen, and 40F/42R laden 2-up. Yamaha specs were 33F/36R. Metzeler told me to use their pressures. Sold the bike with 16,000 km (10,000 miles) on those tires and they were hardly worn. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat. They run pretty cool, and I guess that helps in tire life.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
My ME880 arrived today from the Motorcycle Superstore. The code date is the 40th week of 2009, which seems pretty decent.
Mmmm... Fresh! (Suddenly I'm thinkin' donuts)
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Yeah, I always forget to do some burnouts before pulling that old tire....too late now. Quote:
Quote:
My ME880 arrived today from the Motorcycle Superstore. The code date is the 40th week of 2009, which seems pretty decent.
Mmmm... Fresh! (Suddenly I'm thinkin' donuts)
Al
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Thanks Al. Quote:
My ME880 arrived today from the Motorcycle Superstore. The code date is the 40th week of 2009, which seems pretty decent.
The last tire was closer to 170 out the door. Without a new tube. Now if I could source a 46mm rubber band.
God Bless 'Merica
Ordered a rear 880 and tube today. $156.98 delivered. For those that care, I only got 11,374. This time due to a cabinet screw not tread life. grrrr Vera Lynn gets a new rear skin. When she rolls with major friction, your low or flat...
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Metzler Tread Life Consistency
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Ordered 4 rear rubber bands from second wind... and two TBS needles.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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