New Tire Time?

[Len Averyt]

I think I need a new tire

[Moja]

Yes, it sure looks that way.

I am about to replace my front tire - it appears I have limited options from what I've searched on these forums (and googled.)

Is anybody running anything other than a Metzeler ME880 or Dunlop K555F on their 3rd gen up front?  I want to order something ASAP so that I can get in on there in time for MOOTMag next week - hoping to get your opinions on what you have, what you paid, etc.

Thanks!

CAB

[Len Averyt]

I'm running the same metzler upfront that you are and I have the dunlop on the back that needs replacing.

[roboto65]

I run the Metz 880s on both the front and rear of my Yellow bike and probably will put one on the rear of the orange one for MOOTMag I like they way they handle dry or wet and they have been WET hehehehe

[Curtis_Valk]

I'd go with the Dunlop K555, but if you decide to try the Metzeler I recomend going up a size to the 180/70.  I was not at all happy with the 150 Metz I tried.  It was a full 1 1/8 inch narrower than the same size Dunlop.........don't ask me why.

Curtis

P.S.  Lemme borrow that Maggie back for a while and I'll wear out the outer edges of that tar fer ya!! he he he he

*or you could let Allen R. burn it down! LOL

[Len Averyt]

I ordered a dunlop k555 80 15.
Should be in tomarrow and i'll have it mounted wendsday.
I bought it at the honda dealership.
$111.00 tax an all and another $25 to mount it off the bike $50 on

[Greg Cothern]

The Metzeler is narrower due to that the tread pattern is more aggressive and turns onto the sidewall quicker.
The Dunlop is less aggressive and builds the tread patter out on the shoulders thus wider.

[Moja]

I'd go with the Dunlop K555, but if you decide to try the Metzeler I recomend going up a size to the 180/70.  I was not at all happy with the 150 Metz I tried.  It was a full 1 1/8 inch narrower than the same size Dunlop.........don't ask me why.

Curtis

Do you mean the 180/70, or the 170/80?  I believe the OE is 150/80/15, and I'd like to go up to the 170/80/15 ME880 rear.  Presumably that should not change anything RPM-wise, since the tire size and profile size are staying identical - the tire is just a bit wider.  Anybody run this size rear in an ME880 and have anything to report?

And by the same token, anybody running the 170/80/17 ME880 up front care to comment?

Thanks!

CAB

[Curtis_Valk]

Colin, see the "other" recent tire thread.  The rear 180/70/15 Metzler is about the same dimension as the stock 150 Dunlop K555 based on what I experienced with the 150/80 Metz.  The 170/80/15 is way taller and will effectively change your final drive ratio.

You have to remember the middle number on the tire size is a width to height RATIO of the cross section of the tire, not an actual measurement.  Apparently there are also different ways the manufacturers arrive at these numbers.  How else to explain the huge difference between the actual width of the 150/80/15 Metzler and the same size Dunlop I cannot guess.  I do know that actually measuring both tires fully inflated on the rim the 150 Metz was a full 1.125 inches narrower than the 150 Dunlop at the widest point.

Curtis

[Greg Cothern]

Yep Curtis is correct again!!!  The 170/80 would be the tallest and widest you can fit on the rear of the Magna with only a brakestay rod "adjustment" or replacement.
The 180/70 is about the same height and a tiny bit wider than the stock Dunlop.

[Moja]

Colin, see the "other" recent tire thread.  The rear 180/70/15 Metzler is about the same dimension as the stock 150 Dunlop K555 based on what I experienced with the 150/80 Metz.  The 170/80/15 is way taller and will effectively change your final drive ratio.
Curtis

Whoa, I'm really glad I asked!  Okay, I located/read the other threads, and I guess will go with the 180/70/15 rear.  What about the front though - is the 120/80/17 ME880 also radically different from the OEM K555?  Anybody know what the closest equivalent Metz size is (if different)?

Thanks!

CAB

[Curtis_Valk]

I replaced both at the same time I bought my rear Metz 150 that I didn't like and the front Metzeler was satisfactory in every way.  As far as I know it is still on the bike (ask Len, he bought my Magna).  I didn't measure it like I did the rear, but if there was any size difference it was not big enough to notice.

If I still had a 3rd gen Magna I would not hesitate to buy another Metzler for the front and I might even try a Metz on the rear in a 180/70 size.  You can't run fast enough to give me another 150 Metz for the rear.  

Incidently, Bob B ended up with that 150 Metz after it sat around here collecting rainwater and breeding mosquitos.  You might ask him if anyone ended up using it and what they thought of it.  However, he may have just took it to keep around for emergencies or to help another MOOTster in case of dire need.  I don't know for sure.

My first choice for the rear would still be a stock size Dunlop K555.

Curtis

[Moja]

I replaced both at the same time I bought my rear Metz 150 that I didn't like and the front Metzeler was satisfactory in every way.  As far as I know it is still on the bike (ask Len, he bought my Magna).  I didn't measure it like I did the rear, but if there was any size difference it was not big enough to notice.
Curtis

Okay Curtis, but just to confirm, that front Metzeler whose size difference you couldn't notice, was that a 120/80/17? (aka, the same claimed dimensions as the OEM K555?)

That's the last thing I need before I place my online order  

[Curtis_Valk]

Yep, the front was stock OEM size.  Order away!

Curtis

[Moja]

Thanks

I'll check back at some point in the future and update with my review (I'm hoping the Metzelers last longer than the Dunlops, and will be less squirrely in the rear when its wet.)

BTW, here is a good place to get them (free shipping on orders over $75):
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/

Metzeler - ME 880 Marathon Touring Front Tire Size - 120/80V-17      $114.99
Metzeler - ME 880 Marathon Touring Rear Tire Size -  180/70HB-15   $124.99
+ $10 tire fee, total = $249.98

I've found them a little cheaper, at motorcyclemart.com, but they charge 27.50 for shipping which blows away the discount.

CAB