It's time again to replace my rear tire and I'm planning on going with ME880's. Metzeler tires run a bit narrower in tread width than Dunlops and their fitment chart recommends using a 160/80 but with a note, "special tire fitment on OE rim".

Has anyone mounted a Metz 160? If so, what does the "special fitment" amount to?

 

cHarley,
I have the Metz ME880 160/80 16 on my '05 1200C. Is slightly wider and taller than stock, but fits fine. Did not require any modification. I think th only issue I have read involved lowered bikes having the tire rub on the wiring harness when bottoming out.

 

What size are your rims? I want to do the same on a stock laced wheel but someone told me the wheel needs to be 16x3.5 and my wheel is 16x3.

 

According to Metzeler, the 160/80 16 fits a 3" wheel. See page 21 in the Metzeler fitment chart here:
http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/media...twin_07_lo.pdf

And thanks Hogsport.

 

Thanks CHarley, its a weight of my mind.

 

I've read that in Metzlers fitment charts. Having installed 2 150 wide metzlers, I don't thing a 160 would fit on my bike, but it is a L model. But if it will fit, that would be great!

 

I can't help with your question cHarley, but I'd sure appreciate your impression of the 880's after you have some miles on 'em!

Thanks!

 

Sporty,
I think the L model is nearly the same shock height as the C, you should have no problem. The ones I saw having problems on the xl forum were slamming lower than stock. It does fill up the fender nicely though.

 

I know fitting a 200 metz on my 05 CVO V-Rod the "special tire fitment" involves a slight trimming of the belt guard and thats not in every single case... I am sure it is something very minor like that inthe Sportsterscase your dealer should be easily able to identify the mod to you Metz wont screw you over and sell you something that won't work for ya... they are good people

 

cH,
Have you given any thought to Avon Venoms? I just put a set on my stock 1200C last week and they've transformed the whole feel of the bike. I couldn't get any info anywhere on how they compare to the Metz, but the benefit here is that they're a straight number swap for the stock Dunlops. The shop had the old ones off and the new ones on in about a half hour, no questions about which size tire and how it'd fit.

Just another option.