Tires for 2003 ABS

[SammyG]

My owners manual says to use only the Dunlops or Bridgestones on my 2003 ABS model. I want to go with the Metzeler Z6 tires. The original Dunlops are still on the bike with about 7200 miles and plenty of tread left, but are cupping badly and make alot of noise when in a turn. Will it be okay to use the Metzeler tires of the same size on an ABS model? Thanks for your replies.

[AZST1300A]

I'm literally at the moment of ordering a new set of tire myself. I had set up to order a set of AVONs until I read a recent post stating they were de-rated by AVON. I guess I should try the Z6/ME880 combo, bit haven't read anywhere on the site yet how they react to constant 110 to 120 degree temps and tar snakes...

[sherob]

Here is a quick blurb about the Z6 on a ST1300... They loved them...

www.motorcycledaily.com/01march05stfinal.htm

[AZST1300A]

Appreciate it, I went ahead and ordered 'em.(ME880/Z6 COMBO) I have failth in the boards members. The road surface in Phoenix from May thru Nov stays above 105, topping around 125 around 3pm on a bad day. Tried to stop on asphalt one day and the oil that came up made it act like black ice...

[crazykz]

I'm running the BT020 Series "F" and am getting about 9-10K out of them. Tires are very subjective. YMMV

Curt

[NormanPCN]

I had set up to order a set of AVONs until I read a recent post stating they were de-rated by AVON.

The Avons were not derated. The issue was at auto Autobahn speeds, saddle bags loaded and a old/worn rear tire and a new front. The rear tire was not deemed acceptable in that configuration. Therefore Avon does not officically reccomend the AV 45/46 tire for the 1300. They only give one worldwide reccomendation, not per country. Supposedly in that test other brands were not acceptable in that configuration. Avon says they are going to update the tire for the ST1300.

Yes, I do use Avons on my STeed.

[SammyG]

Great info. Thanks to everyone.

[AZST1300A]

If Ihave issues with the ME880/Z6 combo, I'll get the AVON's next round...

Thanks for the input.

[SteveST1300]

I too am using the Avon 45/46 and I really like them. I too checked with Avon and was told it was only a concern at Autobahn speeds. :03biker: :biker:

[motojedi]

There is a "B" suffix version of the Metzeler Z6 that is designed specifically for heavier bikes like ours.

[AZST1300A]

Didn't see that option, the one I ordered just had "ZR". Hope I didn't goof...

[NormanPCN]

There is a "B" suffix version of the Metzeler Z6 that is designed specifically for heavier bikes like ours.

Don't see that option. A B spec tire does exist in the 180/55 size, not the 170/60 size.

[AZST1300A]

No problem, 90mph 'bout as fast as I get to go...