hi folks,

it was time for my 10k last week, and the rear Dunlop was looking pretty smooth down the center, so I had the dealer put on Marathon 880's front and rear on my FXSTC, based on the raves I have read regarding the handling of the bike with these tires.

I have put about 400 miles on them, and I have a question.

with the Dunlop OEM's I could always feel the traction of the tires when running deep and low into curves. so far with the 880's, I feel disconnected from the road. Almost like I am riding on a smooth, glass surface. Not from a traction standpoint-it's not like I am feeling slick traction or anything, just that I don't sense anything at all.

As a result, I don't have nearly the same confidence level when digging into turns as I did on the Dunlops.

I am running Metzeler recommended air pressures, NOT the pressures recommended in my manual.

Anyone experience this?

thanks, Jeff

 

ran them on my 05 sporty for a couple years and actually felt the opposite. much better grabbing the road, even when wet. what pressures you running? 42/42 psi?

 

If you're talking about the pressure numbers on the sidewall, those are maximum inflation, not recommended pressure numbers.

 

They are smoother because the tire is softer and soaks up much of the road. They stick like glue comapred to the dunlops. Down side is they don't last as long. I ran my metzlers at 40 rear and 42 front.

 

Metzler web site has recommended pressures. I run Metzlers on both bikes and feel the ride and handling to be much better than the Dunlops.

 

I switched from Dunlops to Metzelers on my old bike, and found them to be different at first. Turning in felt like the bike was slipping. I got used to it after a bit. They are designed to improve handling, and the rubber compound is softer to enhance grip. Excellent tires, once you get used to the difference in handling versus stock tires.

I intend to switch my Softail to Metzelers when the time comes for new rubber.

 

thanks for the input folks,

I am running 40 front, 44 rear, per Metzeler's recommended pressure chart on their site..

I don't feel any slippage at all, grip is great, just a very different feel. The bike now feels like I can lay it over more easily than before. I suppose it's just a shock how different they are.

I will be going to southeastern Ohio today, with some of the best hills and twisties anywhere, and will give them a good workout!

 

I made the mistake of running only 42 psi on my Metz
210/50ZR17 (78W) TL ME880....Rear
Consequently I had terrible cupping and only was able to get 5K out of the tire. In MHO, one should run the pressure printed on the tire.
I'm still running the front Metz 90/90-21TL 54H ME880 .....It has
a MAX PSI printed on the tire of 42. I have run 40-42 since the tire was installed over 5K ago, and it looks like new. I wish I would of run 46-48psi on my rear.
I'm now back to a Dunlop D407 200/55R17 on the rear..at 42psi.
Live and learn.......

 

i ran 38 -40 and yes you dont feel when they will let go in a curve becasue they dont, Just take the turn as low as you want. Even if you hit gravel they will recover fast. yes they grip great and dont last long.