There's not much out there on the new Metzler ME888 and I needed a new set of tires so I figured I'd give em a shot. The stock Dunlop 401s had plenty of life left but were cracking a bit and felt pretty crumby, no surprise to anyone I'm sure.
Deciding between Michelin Commanders and the ME888 wasn't easy but time will tell what mileage is like. I've got a couple hundred miles on them now so they are fairly well scrubbed in and the ride is much improved.
Initially they came back from the indie underinflated and felt vague on the road if that makes sense, I was not pleased. I got home check and corrected the pressure then went for tank and a half spin.
They handle really, really well. Very stable at any speed and very Very sure footed compared to the 401s' The handling is significantly lighter and more precise, going in and coming out of a turn is effortless and very controlled.
They look cool too - Highly recommended
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I've been running them for a few months myself, and I like them. I love the way they fall into a lean, more effortless than the D401's.

 

Effortless is right, went from looking where to go to just thinking about it. Another hundred or so miles this afternoon and I like these more and more. I'll potentially get them out in the wet tomorrow and see how they are

 

They certainly do look cool! I have their Z8s on my Buell. The other brand I like for my Harleys is Avon Cobra, who are well worth considering. As with any change of tyre brand do check the website for pressures, as not all brands use the same pressures as factory stock tyres.

 

I knew they were supposed to be higher pressure, 42 front and 50 rear cold. I can't say enough about these shoes, they are the absolute cat's ***. It's a different bike now, especially with new Progressive fork springs and the air shocks in the rear. Total transformation

 

I have had some problems with the new 888. have ran 880's for years. Put a 888 on the rear of my 13 road glide ultra at 12,500. Have 18,500 now and starting to get some side cupping. Ordered a 888 for the front at 16,000. The first one was sent back because it needed 6 1/2 ounces to balance out. The replacement balanced at 0 ounces. Within 300 miles, tire delaminated. Sent that one back for a replacement. #3 Lasted for 500 miles before it started shaking so bad the bike became unsafe to ride. Had to get a Dunlop at the dealership to get us home. I will be looking at Michelin Commanders very hard for the next replacements. Just my personal experience and just the way my luck runs. One of my riding buddies has 888's on his limited and they are smooth as silk going down the road.

 

Damn, I'll keep an extra close eye on them. Still under 500 miles and they didn't take much weight to balance, less than the dunlops that were on the bike and they are definitely smooth.

 

I've been running the Metz 880 for years. I love them. Good handling in all conditions, including a light snow. And very good mileage.

The question about the Michelin Commander II, I had them on my previous Ultra Classic, I liked them a lot. I don't know how they would be on a Sporty. The have a stiffer side wall really intended for a heavier bike.

 

Regarding the 888's, there's a posse of us running them front and rear on Touring rigs since last spring. Not one issue through 10 bikes and a years' worth (northern year) of miles on them -5K to 15K Kms (2K - 8K miles) so far. They're much the same as the 880's handling-wise but seem to be wearing better so far, for what's that's worth this early in their life. Maintaining 42 front and at least 44 (48 to 50 for those of larger girth) rear Tire pressure is critical on both the 880's and the 888's if you're goal is long life in the 20K mile range. But I won't argue another's opinion or choice. Whatever spins your crank.

 

I got a rear ME888 installed sometime last year and I just hit 17K miles on that rear. It's sort of squaring off now and needs to get replaced but I'm happy that I got this many miles on it. My last bike only ever gave me about 8-9K max on a rear tire.