Metzler ME880s on ST1300?

[roginoz]

(I'm not sure that I've seen this specific issue addressed; if there's an existing thread that covers it adequately, please post a link.)

Metzler doesn't list an ME880 fitment for the ST1300, but does show an ME880 120/70ZR18 M/C (59W) TL and an ME880 170/60R17 M/C 78V REINF TL, that should fit the front and rear, respectively.

The front has the same speed and weight rating as the OEM Bridgestones. The rear shows a higher weight rating (78, versus 72 on the OEM,) but doesn't show a "Z" rating in the size designation. Does the "78V" indicate a "V" rated tire? Admittedly, a "V" rating (up to 149mph) seems as useable as a "Z" rating (in excess of 149mph.)

Any input from tire experts, or precocious amateurs?

Does anyone know if the listed tires are readily available in the US? (I'd heard previously that there weren't any front ME880s for ST1300s, but the Metzler site lists them.)

 

[SoloTotoCoyote]

Depending on price, I'm going with the ME880's next........They should definitely be available......a vendor my work carries has the ME880's in their book in the ST sizes. Personally, I'm hoping they have the white wall versions as well.

 

[Gene]

Z6 up front and the heavy 880 on the rear has been great 2up towing a trailer !! 9k with a little more to go before replacement, the only issue with the 880 has been when riding single in the rain it will be a little twitchy when pushed a little to much other wise very happy with the ride and handling and great mileage !

 

[indypup]

ME880's suck in the rain IMO and are not worth the risk. I'll never have another one on the rear.

 

[BakerBoy]

ME880's suck in the rain IMO and are not worth the risk. I'll never have another one on the rear.

+1. The one ME880 I've tried provided long mileage, but at the expense of buzzing noise and very poor wet traction. I won't use another one.

 

[dduelin]

Is the handling dodgy because of a stiff sidewall for the 78 load rating or a hard rubber compound?

 

[Gene]

For me wet traction seems fine when 2up but get a little loose rding single in wet twisties. They do well for there purpose carrying heavy loads whe providing almost twice the mileage of 73 weight tire. All tires act differently for different folks give them atry and ride sensible and they will serve you well .
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[alan]

Been using a ME880 on the rear of my 1300 for the last 50,000 miles and am very happy with the tire. Last June in British Columbia, I rode in the rain for a couple of days and never had any issues, works fine on wet pavement. I usually get at least 12,000 miles out of the tire.

 

[onetrack]

Been there, many years ago, no thanks. Heavy, poor handling, noisy.

 

[roginoz]

Personally, I'm hoping they have the white wall versions as well.

Mark your calendars: we may have to travel to CA for an intervention...

 

[Gene]

We need to be sure to compare apples to apples, I've ran both the old 73 version and the new heavy weight 78 version and they are different tires in my opinion the heavy 78 is great at 2up trailer towing at 50 psi but at the same psi one up is truely like riding a solid tire, but lower the psi to around 40-42 and it is a nice one up ride again a very versitale tire after you figure out what pressures to run. My wet weather twitciness was when one up at 50psi at much lower preassures it is a good solid handling tire

 

[Howesound]

We need to be sure to compare apples to apples, I've ran both the old 73 version and the new heavy weight 78 version and they are different tires in my opinion the heavy 78 is great at 2up trailer towing at 50 psi but at the same psi one up is truely like riding a solid tire, but lower the psi to around 40-42 and it is a nice one up ride again a very versitale tire after you figure out what pressures to run. My wet weather twitciness was when one up at 50psi at much lower preassures it is a good solid handling tire

Trailer towing? It seems you are confusing Truck tires for sport touring tires

:CanFlag1:

 

[Ozark Rider]

Been using a ME880 on the rear of my 1300 for the last 50,000 miles and am very happy with the tire. Last June in British Columbia, I rode in the rain for a couple of days and never had any issues, works fine on wet pavement. I usually get at least 12,000 miles out of the tire.

I agree with Alan. I'm on my third set of 880 and Z6 combo. I've ridden hundreds of miles in down pours and never had an issue. I also have ridden in 3 to 5 inches of snow with this set up and also never had an issue with the tires. I did have an issue with my shorts though after that ride.
( Just kidding about the shorts. )
I made a promise to myself never to do that again.

 

[yogione]

I used the ME 880s on my Valkyrie Interstate and loved them both solo and two-up. I thought the big boy was rock steady dry or wet, but once the tread wore down a bit I lost some confidence on the turns. Ran two sets, both times to about 8500/9000 mi. Honda recommended 33 front and 36 rear for that big bike and it seemed just right. I don't know how they would handle at 40 or 42 on a bike 200 lbs lighter.

 

[BakerBoy]

I'm not certain of which model ME880 I used, but a sticker says '72V TL ME880'. It was made 15-06 and I ran it at 42 psi, riding one-up. After a few thousand miles, I was peeved at its buzz and uninspiring grip in the curves, but I rode it for 6500 miles and just couldn't take it any longer. The front Z6 was great--it stuck well. But the back tire always felt like it was in drifting in twisties.

I put on Conti Road Attacks in place of the Z6 and ME880 and absolutely loved the grip and quietness. The cheap side of me wouldn't throw away a half used ME880 so I put it back on the rear once the Conti RA rear wore out. I promptly scared myself with how poor it gripped, again feeling the rear tire 'drift' in curves and having a constant buzz.

The nail in the coffin for me was while riding through the mountains with the ME880 rear on. I certainly would have wrecked on one rainy day while setting up for a curve if it weren't for ABS saving me. I had had twitches before with this tire, but it broke loose just as I was setting up for the corner. (Speed was not involved)

I pulled that rear ME880 off and the front Conti Road Attack that had lasted that long and replaced them with new PR2s. The improvement in rear grip in corners was remarkable. The front grip had remained quite good with the Road Attack.

All tolled, the front Z6 accumulated 6500 miles and I kept it as an emergency spare--it probably has 1000 miles left on it. The ME880 rear lasted 10700 miles...and I sent it to reclaim with 3000 or 4000 miles still left on the tread as it wasn't worth the risk any longer IMO.

My riding is almost exclusively in the CO mountains with lots of curves--the straights weren't the issue.

I'm not disagreeing with other's like of the tire, rather I'm just stating my experience with the one ME880 tire I used. No more of them for me.

 

[Vwm]

I have never used an ME880 but have put on Z6 on front and back (2nd set) since BT-020 OEM. I like the Z6 for handling wet and dry and get about 8000 miles out of the rear (both sets). The front one would go longer but I prefer two new tires at the same time. The problem with the rear is that the ST really wears the tire badly in the oddest way. I have never had a bike (3rd street bike) that wore tires so unevenly.

I ride 2up and with baggage, we max out the specified load for this bike. I run 42psi always both tires.