I'm looking at the Metzler ME880s for some new rims I'm getting for my 09 FLTR. I was looking at going 18/21, but the tire load rating on the tires I've found appears to drop too much for my tastes. Which tires did you go with on these rims and why?

To keep it close to the stock laod rating and a similar rear tire diameter (so the speedo reading stays close to accurate), I'm looking at the ME880 radials with a 130/70-18 on the front and a 210/50-17 on the rear (if it will fit with the stock fender).

Another option is to go with a bias on the front and then I can put a 120/70-21 on the front with a 1" lowering kit and only have the ride height change by about 0.3 inches.

I thought I've read in the past that you shouldn't mix radials and bias tires, but these are the same manufacturer with the same tread patterns. Anyone know why that shouldn't work?

Thanks in advance,

Roger

 

Everyone i have seen including myself run the Metz. Metz recommends that tire for touring so i guess its ok. Just remember the load is balanced between front and rear so its not like 800lbs is on front tire alone.
Only time that would happen is if you went vertical in a endo perfect 90 degrees , at that point i would think the load rating is the last thing you would be thinking about

 

You can fit a 200 rear tire on your stock 09. I've seen it on many bikes

 

Any idea on a 210? The 17" 210 is the same circumference as the stock tire and will not affect the speedometer.

 

Can't help on a 210. Sorry call Cory at Hogpro. He is full of information and will not steer you wrong.

 

I put 800 miles on the new dunlops that Harley put on there 2009 touring models (FLTR) to be x-act. Then switched to RCComponents Nitro Wheels front and rear. Metzler tires. Put 21 on front, 17 6.25 on rear. I.ve put 800 miles on the new set up.... Metzler is a very,very smooth ride. I like them that much better. Air pressure is KEY when running these low profile tires. I'm always checking them and they require that do be done ALOT!

 

Based on those tire sizes, it looks like the front is a bias ply and the rear is a radial. Is that correct?

 

For what it's worth, my husband has 18" PM wheels and has always used Metz 130/70/18 front and 140/70/18 rear on his 06 Ultra. They are bias

For some reason, he is unable to find the rear replacement in the Metz in a 140 or a 150. He has been told by numerous suppliers that it was discontinued to be replaced in the future with a different tire??

He just ordered a 130 front and 150 rear in an Avon Venom in the 18's as he was worried he wouldnt be able to get the 18" Metz rear.

He talked to Hog Pro and they confirmed no Metz in this size as well and recommended the Avons

I hope this makes sense as he was describing this to me as I typed