Which brand would be a better rear tire? And do they have to be z rated? My guess is no they dont have to be z rated.

 

Yes. I'd choose one or the other. Both good tyres.

 

z rating is for sportbike applications 168 mph, H or Z rating would fit that bike. I like the radial metzler I put on .

 

Never ran an Avon, been using Metzeler's for years. So I guess that tells you my answer. I do not have an opinion on the Avon's, sorry.

 

Love my Metzlers....

 

I run Avon Cobras on my Fat Bob but I ran Metz on my sport bikes for years. I don't think you can go wrong with either tire. Although I do remember hearing about some random issues with Metz on this site a while back. Someone had a rear blow out for no apparent reason and there was some other stories. But you know how that goes. There's always going to be bad experiences here and there. Might be something to look into if youre concerned or looking for anything to help make descision. For me my choice was made do to actual tire size. I wanted to run a 200mm in back and Avon runs a couple mm smaller than the Metz in actual size. But I am happy with my choice for performance also.

 

Avon Cobra Vs Metz 880

Avon Cobra has more grip, less mileage.

Mets 880 has slightly less grip more mileage.

Both are great tires, I have never tried the Avon Venoms. My Mets 880s were slightly less grippy than what I prefer, but I came from 15 years of riding on race bikes with super soft tires.

 

Metzler me880

 

Thanks guys. I just got done with a metz 880. I felt it was sticky for the first 500-1000 miles. Some of my friends said try avons, so i wanted to ask u guys. I want to run a 180/55r17

 

I went to the Pirelli Night Dragons. 180 rear. Another option.