Different types of Metzeler ME880 tires?

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Nov 8, 2011 | 05:50 PM

#11

Stiggy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 17,548

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From: Oxford, Nc

There is a difference. I ran Metzelers until last year and have since gone to the E3 Dunlop. I had noticed back then that some retailers were listing some Metzeler tires models as 'OEM spec', in this case slightly stiffer sidewalls rather than the 'standard' tire we were all used to.

If it's an 'Alpha' number: MU or MT, it is a different tire than a '130' or '140'
Alpha being the heavier rated tire.

Eastern Performance Cycles sells both and have a short descriptions explaining further.

Nov 8, 2011 | 05:58 PM

#12

drspencer

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 1,534

Likes: 10

I want to get Metzelers for my 2007 FXSTC.

I need MH90-21 for the front and 200/55/17 for the rear.

If I'm not mistaken, the front is bias ply, while the rear is a radial.

Is it O.K. to mix & match like this?

Thanks

Nov 8, 2011 | 10:27 PM

#13

thepun1sher

Cruiser

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 214

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From: tip of the sip

Avons are better, they have a better feel on the road and at crusin speeds

Nov 9, 2011 | 01:07 AM

#14

Sol

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 447

Likes: 2

From: Sooner Central

Quote:

Originally Posted by SportyPig

I'm not sure where that came from about the Brazilian tires. Maybe it was a problem in the very early days of the Brazil facility. I've had German and Brazil tires...no difference in safety, performance or tire life.

I know what you're talking about...I've heard all the stories...But, from my first hand experience, I haven't noticed it.

To the OP...if you go with the Metz..check with them for the air pressure. In general Metz tires require a bit more air pressure.

I ride on Metzelers and recommend them to other riders.

The issue from a few years ago with the Brazilian-made Metzelers was that the tread would come off in chunks toward the end of the tire's lifespan (1st hand experience). Any tires from that period are now suffering from dry rot as well.

I forget if there was a recall, but Metzeler was straightforward about posting information on the affected tires and has since improved the Brazilian plant manufacturing quality.

Nov 9, 2011 | 02:25 PM

#15

river rat

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 157

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good to know, I guess I won't worry about it then when I go to order tires in the spring

Nov 17, 2011 | 10:27 PM

#16

MikeMihelich

Advanced

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 79

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From:

Metzler is a bad choice for a bagger. They can't handle the weight. I have seen more than one including my own bike (2007 Ultra) where the rear tire bulges or spits out large chunks of tread way before the tire is down to the wear bars. People say this failure is due to not enough air but I can tell you from personal experience that these tires fail even when running 44psi.

Nov 18, 2011 | 01:29 PM

#17

Beemervet

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 6,590

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeMihelich

You may have had the early Brazilian tire. I've run nothing but Metz for over 100,000 miles, and they are are a GREAT tire for baggers.

Nov 19, 2011 | 04:32 PM

#18

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 4,344

Likes: 67

From: Hooterville, Fl.

You have to be careful which Metz tires you buy. Check the higher load rating. I got a rear one time that when it went flat, it was like a bicycle tire. Then the next one had a much stiffer side wall when it went flat. I bought a Avon one time and did not care for it all. I buy nothing but Metz.