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Totolandman
| Posted on Monday, March 24, 2008 - 10:54 am: |
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Just wanted to see if anyone has any knowledge or experience with Metzeler. Heard from my shop who races flat track ovals and he suggested looking into the Metzeler line. Attached is a .PDF file for those running the 110/70-16 (front) and 140-70-16 (rear). I am looking to getting another set of rims for my ride and I am looking at getting a different tire this time. Any advise or comments..... http://www.cambriantyres.co.uk/metzeler/1136 (Message edited by totolandman on March 24, 2008) |
Berkshire
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2008 - 02:42 pm: |
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Those look nice! I just ordered a Michelin Gold Standard 140/70S, and this Metzeler seems very similar with the dual rubber compound and "long life" touring tread design, but IMO the Metz has a sportier looking tread! The downside is the Metz doesn't seem to be available at US discount mail-order places yet, and the exchange rate will bite on UK purchases. Also, it's still just a "P" speed rated tire, while the Mich GS is made in both "P" and "S" speed ratings. That's not a big deal, but it's something to think about. If you're interested in the Mich, act now while they're on sale: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/32/404/5933 /ITEM/Michelin-Gold-Standard-Touring-Rear-TIre.asp x I'm assuming you mean a spare set of STOCK wheels, not a different sizel? There are plenty of 17" tires, and even some nice tires made for wider 16" wheels, but even with the lowest profiles you'd need to lengthen the swingarm a bit, and then figure out a belt/pulley solution. |
Berkshire
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2008 - 05:34 pm: |
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After looking at manufacturers recommendations, I see that a 16x4" wheel would be ideal for running a 140/70 rear tire - the Blast wheel is only 16x2.75" |
Ezblast
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2008 - 05:44 pm: |
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It really does depend on the tires true profile - your only 10 over on ratio - which is the max usually safely allowed. EZ |
Gearheaderiko
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - 01:17 am: |
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"Tires true profile". Very true. Some tires have the same sizing, but are not the same size. You should certainly use much caution when using a non-stock sized tire. If the Michelin works, it'd be nice to have a high mileage tire choice with soft sides. I've always liked Michelin on cars. |
Gearheaderiko
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - 01:18 am: |
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and it comes in stock sizes! |
Berkshire
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - 04:27 am: |
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I'm referring to manufacturer's wheel width recommendations - for the Michelin 140/70, they say 3" to 4", with 3.75" being optimal, and 23.72"O.D.. For the Avon Viper Strike 140/70, they recommend 3.5" to 4.5", with 3.75" again being optimal, and 23.70" O.D.. I figure a narrower rim pulls the sides of the tire in, making it "rounder" in profile and possibly taller in O.D., while a wider wheel does the opposite. Considering the way my back tires always wear out down the middle, and looking at XB back tires, I think a flatter profile would be better. Also, a wider wheel makes the tire more stable. Of the two that I found specs for, the Mich seems closer to being "approved" for the blast rear rim (only 1/4 "off). I couldn't find the specs for the Metz & the Pirelli Diablo 140/70, but would certainly welcome... |
Gearheaderiko
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - 09:11 am: |
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Yeah, I got that you were referring to wheel width recommendations. The bigger the tire (compared to rim size), the more tire flex. If you really corner hard then an 'oversized' tire may not be for you. It may even be possible to pull it off the rim and loose tire pressure. What I was saying is you cant be sure of true tire size until you put it on the bike. Which you get! |
Ezblast
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - 10:42 am: |
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I corner pretty hard and have never experienced flex from the Avons - you have to remember that the lower profile also has a smaller side wall, so less wall to flex. EZ |
Gearheaderiko
| Posted on Thursday, April 03, 2008 - 12:38 am: |
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The point I want to drive home is that all tires are not the same. Just because an Avon 140/70 works, a Bridgestone 140/70 may look and behave like a completely different tire. If you're the Guinea pig trying a new tire-use caution and dont expect it'll 'bolt right on'! If EZ, Swampy and Xgecko say the Avon 140/70 is safe, I believe them. |
Ezblast
| Posted on Thursday, April 03, 2008 - 12:42 am: |
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You are so right - I decided to take a chance on the Avon because they have good quality standards - and it really paid off for me. EZ |
Totolandman
| Posted on Friday, April 04, 2008 - 11:14 am: |
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Well looks like I am going to be the test case for the Metzeler FEELFREE tyres. I found a company in Italy that stocks these tyres and will ship to the US. I will be $132 USD for both tyres including VAT and S&H to my doorstep! I decided to purchase the stock sizes this go around but they also carry the oversize tyre size that EZ is running as well! Cheers, totolandman |
Ezblast
| Posted on Friday, April 04, 2008 - 12:43 pm: |
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I'm curious about their mileage and cornering ability - keep us informed please. EZ |
Totolandman
| Posted on Friday, April 04, 2008 - 04:21 pm: |
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EZ, Will let you know I will have them installed within the next 30 days. It should only take 7-10 days to arrive from Italy. Just got the order confirmation from the company in Italy that the tyres are on their way. Had to translate via Babel Fish though LOL! Cannot wait to see these in person. Cheers, totolandman (Message edited by totolandman on April 07, 2008) |
Berkshire
| Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 05:25 pm: |
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Toto, please post contact info for the company in Italy - I'm thinking about getting one of these! |
Totolandman
| Posted on Monday, April 28, 2008 - 12:16 pm: |
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Berkshire, Below is the information on the company/website where I ordered the Metzeler Moto Feel Free tyres. It will be somewhat of a challenge when ordering and I would suggest you email them before placing the order. The website is only in Italian so you will need to use Babel Fish for translating from Italian to English LOL. Here is the website link: http://www.tyreone.it/vmchk/offerte.html Cheers, Robb (aka totolandman) |
Berkshire
| Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 02:54 am: |
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Thanks Robb - any news yet on yours? |
Indybuell
| Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 03:13 pm: |
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Any info? |
Luckdragon
| Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 02:04 pm: |
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bikebandit (a USA supplier) is now showing the Metzler scooter tires for sale in both front and rear sizes. Both stock and 140/70/16 and 110/70/16 |
Luckdragon
| Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 02:27 pm: |
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Metzeler scooter tires are shown for sale at Bikebandit. They are showing the Blast sizes in both front and rear in stock size and in 140/70/16 and 110/70/16. This is a USA supplier and not an overseas supplier. |
Ezblast
| Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2011 - 12:20 am: |
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The Z6 is considered one of the best rain tires, and the new FS are patterned after them - looks promising for the all weather commuters and gets good mileage as well - 5000 to 7000 area is what I'm reading from the different boards - I was thinking of trying this one and see how it compared to its cousin the Pirelli Diablo - a really great handling tire period. http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/pro duct_info.php?manufacturers_id=653&products_id=474 9 EZ (Message edited by ezblast on January 09, 2011) |
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