New Metzlers

[RadGen]

I finally swapped out the tires on my bike. At 9500 miles the stock Bridgestone's had Cord showing through on the back tire. So yesterday I put on some Metzler 880's. I've put these tires on ALL the bikes I have owned in the past, and loved them each time. But wow, I didn't expect such a dramatic change in the riding position and handling on my "C". It's no longer a big cruiser, but more of a sport cruiser now. I never thought it would corner the way it does with these tires on it.

If your still running Bridgestones. Don't wait as long as I did to swap them out. You will be kicking yourself in the ass for waiting if you do.

[Gorge Rider]

Did the shorter tire reduce your cornering clearance?

[RadGen]

Did the shorter tire reduce your cornering clearance?

No it's cornering better. I swear it almost feels like the bike has power steering it handles so nice now.

[Gorge Rider]

I put a pair om my C90 and loved the way the bike handled. I need some fresh tires, maybe I'll give them a try on my 109. I only got 5000 miles on the last set of bridgestones before the front wore out.

[ace4aday]

The Metz and the Bridgestone handle very differently. It takes a lot less effort to lean with the lower profile Metz, but I didn't notice any change to clearance. Some say the Metz is softer and wears faster. I've only had mine on for 3k or so and I don't see a difference yet. They all wear too fast for me.

[Gorge Rider]

It was a high speed 2 volcano (Adams & St Helens) ride a few weeks ago that ate my front tread. Once she started howling in the long sweepers I knew that new tires were on the shopping list.

Lower profile, to me means less ground clearance-more board rubbing...... Not so

[RadGen]

The Metz and the Bridgestone handle very differently. It takes a lot less effort to lean with the lower profile Metz, but I didn't notice any change to clearance. Some say the Metz is softer and wears faster. I've only had mine on for 3k or so and I don't see a difference yet. They all wear too fast for me.

​I can see a definite difference in the height in the rear. It is sitting about an inch lower. My windshield is now at chin level, where it was at chest.

but I haven't scraped my boards yet, and this is with doing some deep leans in twistys

[Ozrutto]

What size are the Metzlers? I would like to see if I can get them in Australia.

[ace4aday]

​I can see a definite difference in the height in the rear. It is sitting about an inch lower. My windshield is now at chin level, where it was at chest.

but I haven't scraped my boards yet, and this is with doing some deep leans in twistys

The rear does sit a little lower. I grind my boards all of the time in the twisties no matter which tires I have on. I didn't see any increase in that when I put on the Metz.

[Gorge Rider]

Is the front a lower profile as well?

[ELI]

The Metz and the Bridgestone handle very differently. It takes a lot less effort to lean with the lower profile Metz, but I didn't notice any change to clearance. Some say the Metz is softer and wears faster. I've only had mine on for 3k or so and I don't see a difference yet. They all wear too fast for me.

[GMan]

No it's cornering better. I swear it almost feels like the bike has power steering it handles so nice now.

Sounds like the experience I have been having witht he newer Bridgestone MAX. It has the same tread pattern as the OEM, but something they did withthe construction and tire compound makes it handle like it doesn't have a wide tire. First time I cornered it I almost layed it over is went so easily and they are the saem size as OEM.

How is wet weather traction? The ME880's I use to run on the C90/LC's were dangerously slippery in the wet and would over lean the bike in the corners. Just curious if you felt any of that with the ME880's you are now running?

[Gorge Rider]

Thanks for the info Gary.

[ace4aday]

I rode all winter and I didn't notice much slippage due to wet roads. To me, the Metz and BS tires are comparable in just about every aspect except ease of leaning over in a corner. A more aggressive or seasoned rider might be able to pick out the subtle differences that I can't. All I know is that the Metz made my 109 almost as easy to throw around corners as the M50 I used to have did. I would be interested to hear if others are running the newer BS that Gary is referring to, but right now, it's a no brainer which I think is better.

[Devildog73]

I cannot answer for my C109RT yet, but on my Wing, I prefer Metz 880s to Dunlap Elites. They take tar snakes better, iron bridge gratings better, and wet roads better on the wing. Since I bought my 109 from a friend whom I trust with my life, I know that it has stock tires on it from the showroom. I will be gentle with it until I get used to those stock tires. When they are due for replacement, I will be getting Metzlers just because I know them from years of use. I just had Dunlap Elite IIIs put on my Wing and will try them out for a while to see how they do compared to the Metzlers.

[mellowyellow9er]

I just ordered the new Bridgestone max tires I will post up with some info as soon as get some miles on them.

[ELI]

Where did you get that monster seat Rad?

[RadGen]

Where did you get that monster seat Rad?

the seats a Russell Day-long

[She's real fine my 109]

Been running the bridgestone up front on my 109. Last longer then the Metz. I got the two compound tire. I'm going to a 140 from the 150. I like the feeling better.

With a car tire on the back it last linger then the Metz also.

[BradSmith]

I rode all winter and I didn't notice much slippage due to wet roads. To me, the Metz and BS tires are comparable in just about every aspect except ease of leaning over in a corner. A more aggressive or seasoned rider might be able to pick out the subtle differences that I can't. All I know is that the Metz made my 109 almost as easy to throw around corners as the M50 I used to have did. I would be interested to hear if others are running the newer BS that Gary is referring to, but right now, it's a no brainer which I think is better.

I have had 2 C109s, first with 42,000km now I am at 30,000km on my 2010. At 17,000km I thought I would try the Mtzlers this time.
While I do like the tires, I do not find them much different than the bridgestones. I have had a M50 and a C90 and the bridgestones on the c109 are the best I have had as far as grip, rain performance.
I do think the metzlers are not as good at gripping in colder temperatures. I don't find much in lean they have the same curvature. I think people love new tires for turning because they are going from tires with a flattened center tread, where the 'edge' makes you have to lean more and then 'throws' you into the lean, where new tires are an even, gradual lean.
I find that with the metzlers i am revving at about 200-300 rpm at higher speeds due to the smaller circumference.
I will be switching back to the bridgestones soon (about 4000km more most likely) based on my experience with braking.

Brad

[GMan]

I will be switching back to the bridgestones soon (about 4000km more most likely) based on my experience with braking.

Brad

Brad-
Do consider the BS Max. Same tread pattern as std OEM BS, but leaning is much easier, sharper and quicker.
I am not one that wears the center of my tires out, I have already broke one floor board, ground the bottom of my exhaust, even under the right floor board. Shaved over 1/2" off my kickstand bracket and left floor board bracket from contact with the road and wear the rear tire's sharp edge on each side down before I install new tires. I am having way too much fun witht he new Max from BS. The bike leans like it has the 170 Dunlop on the rear, which is outstanding btw.

[BradSmith]

Brad-
Do consider the BS Max. Same tread pattern as std OEM BS, but leaning is much easier, sharper and quicker.
I am not one that wears the center of my tires out, I have already broke one floor board, ground the bottom of my exhaust, even under the right floor board. Shaved over 1/2" off my kickstand bracket and left floor board bracket from contact with the road and wear the rear tire's sharp edge on each side down before I install new tires. I am having way too much fun witht he new Max from BS. The bike leans like it has the 170 Dunlop on the rear, which is outstanding btw.

Thanks GMan
My buddy just installed those, they will be my next try :)
Loving the Stealth filters, had the Bully for a while now (2nd C109 its been on).
Brad

[GMan]

Thanks GMan
My buddy just installed those, they will be my next try :)
Loving the Stealth filters, had the Bully for a while now (2nd C109 its been on).
Brad

Thanks for the update on your Bully Package. I really like the Max tires whcih is why I added them to my site. Really only like adding stuff I have tried and liked. These Max tires are a keeper!!!!!!

[ELI]

Thanks for the update on your Bully Package. I really like the Max tires whcih is why I added them to my site. Really only like adding stuff I have tried and liked. These Max tires are a keeper!!!!!!

I was thinking the max designation was just hype, glad they changed,the 852 oem was like a car tire,I too like the more rounded tires handling.

[GMan]

I was thinking the max designation was just hype, glad they changed,the 852 oem was like a car tire,I too like the more rounded tires handling.

I seriously puckered on my first few corners witht he Max thinking I had hit an oil slick or something. When actually it was the over leaning I was doing being used to the std BS tires input. The bike wants to scrape the handle bars with these tires and is sweet.....for me anyway!!!!!