Anyone ever run these two tires and have an opinion on which one might edge out the other? From what I have read, you should get more mileage out of the 880s, but a little better handling characteristics out of the cobras. If you run the 880s, how do they handle? Are they ok in the curves? I'm not a super aggressive rider, but I do like to have a little fun every now and then!

 

I'm not 100% but I thought the 880s are being discontinued, at least the 16 inch rear is really hard to find. Great tire though. Good in the rain too.

 

Oh, didn't know that. Well, what about the 888s then? I did a quick search and couldn't find the 16" 880.

 

I should've added I use the 888s. I think the 888 will eventually replace the 880. But they are also a solid tire. Good mileage, great in the rain. I ride pretty hard in the twistys and haven't noticed any ill handling. Never used avons so I can't compare them.

 

Never ran the metzler on a HD. Didn't like their super bike tire. I run Avon cobras on the wifes fatbob and my RGU. Excellent handling tire for hard riding. The FXD will get a set this winter as well.

 

http://www.americanmototire.com/cata...oducts_id=4636
I have used the Metz for a many years and to me if it's not broke don't fix it. Great wear and excellent traction.

 

I've used both the 880 and 888 and both are very good tires. Much better than the stock Dunlop or Michelin IMHO. Got about 8k - 9k on the rear 880, and an unbelievable 17k outta the rear 888. Had the 880 on my first DYNA and then again on a Heritage. Put the 888's on my Ultra that I got the 17k out of the rear and just over 25k on the front. IIRC, the 888's were quieter than the 880's (a common complaint about the 880 even though I didn't think they were loud at all). Both are great in the twisties (way better than the stock Dunlop), and handle the rain without issue. I would recommend either if you are looking for a solid tire that's dependable.

Never even seen the Avons around here. No one carries them. So, I can't give any input other than what I've read on the forums. Which I'm sure you've seen the same...sticky in the curves, low miles at best.

 

Can't comment on the Metzelers, but the Avon Cobras are superb tires.

Stick like sh*t and handle really, really well. Totally different ballgame from the stock Dunlops.

 

did they get a grip on the issues that were causing the metzlers to shred? i could have gone 200 on the rear with the 880 or 888 but, was afraid of the peeling and failures that i had seen out there in the net space

 

Not to complicate / change the subject but there is a "big" difference between OEM Dunlops and replacement E3 or American Elite Dunlops too. Widely discussed. Just thought I'd mention it.