Metz ME880 and Z6 mix or Avon AV45/46

[johnwgy]

Has anyone ran a Metz ME880 rear and a Z6 front together?My dealer says this is a miss match of radial and bias ply and does not recommend.I'm about to go on a 6000 mile 3 week trip and want a good mileage combination.I believe I have read of this combination being used with good results.My bike is a ST1100.
The only other combination in stock is the Avon AV45/46 how would these compare.I'm in Canada so mail order isn't the greatest alternative.The new AV55/56 is only available special order,would it be much better than the older model?

 

[Txrebel]

I just got done running that combo... Your dealer is wrong... both are radials and they worked just fine together... A little noisy maybe.
I am now running a set of avon storms... just had them mounted this weekend. would have gotten a few more miles out of the 880/z6 if not for a couple nails in the rear.

 

[STArnie13]

The 880 in the correct size for the ST1100 is a bias tire. The Z6 is radial. I have heard that they shouldn't be mixed. I have never tried but many have and claim that it is not a problem.

I use the Exedra stock front tire for my non ABS 1100's with the 880 back tire. That combination does a good job for me. I believe that Honda says to use radials with the ABS 1100's.

I haven't tried the Avon's but many have. Some claim they feel vague for the first several miles but do good after a time.

 

[Ken H]

I have had both types of Avons. I disliked the 45/46s quite a bit, and I absolutely l-o-v-e the new 55/56s.

Brad- what do you find different between the 45/46's and the 55/56's? I have had mixed results with the 45/46's. I havent run the 55/56's yet but my in my experiences with the 45/46's they generally handle well but I have had varying degrees of tire howl and head shake.