Front tire - Metzler Z6 or 880?

[rickj]

Hi All,

I've put about 1500 miles on the '03 ST since I got it late last year and am starting to ride more often now. The rear tire is an ME880 that is about 40% worn, but the front Z6 is probably 85% worn. We plan a trip to the Grand Canyon in about a month, so I'm going to be replacing the front tire before we leave. I'm trying to figure out if I should get another Z6 or put a 880 on the front to match the one on the rear. (I have no experience with Metzler tires.)

From what I've read the Z6/880 is a popular combination and it does seem to handle great, but I'd like to know if a 880 in the front might make more sense. I stay away from the freeways and enjoy the mountain and country roads, and I also drop in to the desert from time to time. I am a fairly conservative rider, but I do like a tire that handles. I am not an agressive sport rider, so a sticky racing type compound would be a waste on me. I also ride with my wife on the back about 75% of the time. Is there a tangible advantage of the Z6/880 combo offer over the 880/880 combo? Is the 880 on the front not sticky enough for the moderate to slightly aggressive cornering?

Advice much appreciated!
Rick

 

[NormanPCN]

The 880 has not been made in the 1300 front size apparently until recently. I just checked the Metz site and the 1300 size is now listed. Because of this, feedback on the 880 front will be hard to come by. I read one post of someone who crammed the 880 130 front on the bike. I would not reccomend that.

 

[dond]

120/70ZR18M/CTL (59W) ME880F

Good find Norman!!


Oh Seattle Phil......................................!

 

[STArnie13]

The 880's work well on my LT. The Z6 front and 880 rear do well for me on the ST1300 too.

 

[Putt]

Arnie,
What kind of mileage you getting out of the 880's on the LT??

Putt...

The 880's work well on my LT. The Z6 front and 880 rear do well for me on the ST1300 too.