Tire Mileage

[dzimbric]

I know, just what we need; another tire thread, like that is a new subject. Next we can talk about oil dine vs. syn. But really folks all I want to know is what kind of mileage I can expect from a Metzler ME880 or a Metzler Lasertec tire on my K1100LT.

Or more specifically
1. How much less mileage I can expect from the Lasertec.
2. Does the Lasertec handle better.

Thanks
Dan

[JHGilbert]

1. Don't know.
2. No. Rain grooves really grab it. The ME 880 is MUCH better.

[zoridog]

1. I get just over 8000 miles out of my Lasertecs on a K100RT.

2. Don't know. I just switched to the ME880/ME88 combo. I'm expecting to get about 15,000 out of them.

[scbmwrider]

K1100LT.

Or more specifically
1. How much less mileage I can expect from the Lasertec.
2. Does the Lasertec handle better.

Thanks
Dan

If you want great handling and reasonable mileage get Bridgestone BT 45's, I have been VERY disappointed with mileage of Lasertec's on my K75s.

[rdalland]

If you want great handling and reasonable mileage get Bridgestone BT 45's, I have been VERY disappointed with mileage of Lasertec's on my K75s.

My experience is the same with these tires on my K75RT. BT 45's were a LOT of fun!

I currently have about 400 miles on a set of ME880's. I am liking them a lot. While not as confidence inspiring as the BT 45's, I am very comfortable with these tires.

1. I get 5000 miles from Lasertecs. Haven't worn out a set of ME880's yet.

2. Lasertecs were squirrely both times I tried them. ME880's have a very solid feel.

[dzimbric]

1. I get just over 8000 miles out of my Lasertecs on a K100RT.

2. Don't know. I just switched to the ME880/ME88 combo. I'm expecting to get about 15,000 out of them.


I just ordered a set, I ran them on my K100LT and had no complaints.

[122832]

I'm on my first set of Pirelli Sport Demons. Fantastic grip! :) Now with about 5k miles, both the front and back have 3/32" left in them. Fairly quick initial heatup - much faster than the Lasertec Front / ME88 Rear setup I've also tried. They don't show any signs of being 'greasy' as they reach the end of their life, unlike the entire Metzeler family of tires.

The only real criticism I have of the Sport Demon front is that its started to develop a light feathering in the last few hundred miles. And yes, I'm a FANATIC regarding checking tire pressures - normally before each ride.

I haven't yet tried a set of BT45s (yet...).

[BuddingGeezer]

I had Metzler ME 880s on a K100LT. 140/80 on the back which fit great. I sold the bike with 11K miles on the tires. The front was cupped and sang when laid over in a corner, but rode smooth. the rear looked 1/2 worn.

Ralph Sims

[dzimbric]

I think I will use what I am running on the K100LT which was the Metzler ME880 set-up. I mean after all it is a LT and I live in the midwest which means long hours of straight roads on trips. The Metzler ME880 delivers around 14,000 miles on the rear and the front can go even longer. When you own multiple cages and bikes tire purchase can begin to add up and recently I have been hit hard with the GS needing a new rear, The K1100LT needing a front and a rear, the truck coming due and I just dropped soem cash on 4 new tires for the trailer. :banghead

[motoedde]

I think I will use what I am running on the K100LT which was the Metzler ME880 set-up. I mean after all it is a LT and I live in the midwest which means long hours of straight roads on trips. The Metzler ME880 delivers around 14,000 miles on the rear and the front can go even longer. When you own multiple cages and bikes tire purchase can begin to add up and recently I have been hit hard with the GS needing a new rear, The K1100LT needing a front and a rear, the truck coming due and I just dropped soem cash on 4 new tires for the trailer. :banghead

You should consider the ME-88 for the rear...it has a nigher load capacity and may get you about 3k more in mileage.

I've gone through 4 sets and consistently replace the rear around 17-19k...and I replace when I reach the wear bar.

Also, make sure you adjust your tire pressures according to your load....it will get you more miles from your tire.

Incidentally, the ME880 in the front is an excellent choice...I regualrly get 23+k out of the front.

BUT...YMMV...;)

HTH

[RICHO2006]

Hello all,

I just replaced the rear tire on my K 100 RT. I got a little over 20,000 miles on rear ME 880 Marathon. The front ME 880 is still going strong.


Richard


Commerce, Mi

[MSHELTON146301]

I have a 1999 K12LT that has just over 220k miles. I have only used the Metzler ME880's from day one. I consistently get 20k on the rear and about 25k on the front. But recently I have changed them both out at 20k just for the convenience. I did have a challenge a while back when the local BMW shop suggested a Bias in the back and a radial in the front. The front tire "mohawked" with the center having tread and the sides wearing down in about 12k miles. I did that twice before contacting Metzler, who in turn contacted the BMW shop and informed them that a Bias and Radial set up was not a good thing!! My last pair of tires were at cost due to the mix up.
Mike

[letsride88]

Interested in knowing how the Bridgestone's run in the rain.

[astrin]

I'd agree with most of the Lasertec numbers so far. I've got 5000 miles on my current pair, and I'd say they're at about 70% wear. Buying a new set of rubber for an upcoming track day....

[dzimbric]

I just found out that when you try to install a 110/90-19 me-880 in place of a 110/80-19 it will interfere with the brace on the front fork.

:dunno

[chuck_donahue]

I just found out that when you try to install a 110/90-19 me-880 in place of a 110/80-19 it will interfere with the brace on the front fork.

:dunno

becauce the sidewall of a 110/90 is 10% 0f 110 taller than 110/80 I would think.

[dzimbric]

The spacers that are supposed to be installed between the fork and the fork brace are missing.
I stuck some flat washers in for a short term fix and tried out the ME-880's. They sure make that bike ride nice. I fabbed up a set of spacers from 7/16 inch tube steel and offfset brackets for the fender mounting tabs so I can get a 1/2 inch clearance recomended on the Metzlerr site between the fender and the tire.:thumb

With the ME-880's, the tires still touch the ground when it is on the center stand.

[druben]

Did you notice much of a change in the seat height with the ME-880's. Need to get a front tire for my K1100LT and really don't need any increase in the height.

I have a set of Lasertec's on the bike now, the rear was just put on about 2K back and still has a lot of tread. The front is getting real close to the wear bars and will need to go soon. Haven't been happy with the mileage from the Lasertec's and the MD880's sound promising...

[Sailingfool]

I don't know how you guys get so many miles on those Metzlers. I've run 2 sets, both 88 and 880s. The last rear 880 was almost gone at 8000 when I picked up a nail. The front has 9000, and has maybe 1000-1500 left, depending on how it feathers. I ride fairly aggressive old guy sport style, 75-90 mph, and am generally conservative with throttle and brakes. I rarely ride 2-up, but usually have 5-20lbs of bowling balls in the bags. Maybe if I never topped 70, and used a feather touch on the brakes and throttle, I'd see 15kmi., but I'd have to ride a moped to go that slow!

I recently installed a BT-V Battlax on the rear, because the stock 130/90 18 is very hard to find now. The 140/80 substitute is ~3% smaller diameter, and I don't want to gear down that much, so I went with the Bridgestone. While I cannot vouch for mileage yet, it is a vast improvement in handling and ride! The bike seems noticably smoother, and rolls into the corners easier. I assume this is because of the rounder profile, where as the 88 is flatter in the middle to increase the contact patch for mileage. The Bridgestone is a dual density rubber for the same reason.

I'm so impressed with the Battlax, I've ordered a front one, and doubt if I'll keep the Metzler on until its shot.

Before you all start screaming about mixing tire brands, I have felt no ill effects in straight line or knee drag twisty ridding.

JC

[JHGilbert]

I don't know how you guys get so many miles on those Metzlers..

It's easy. You try to use the whole radius of the tire.:burnout

[zoridog]

It's easy. You try to use the whole radius of the tire.:burnout
You might not be far off on that! I had a habit of not looking for wear until tires had 5000 miles. I noticed my bike was getting harder to lean into turns. After verifying the air was correct I noticed my rear tire had NO radius. It had a flat profile from too many highway miles. At a glance it still had plenty of tread but it was toast.

[JHGilbert]

Last weekend I was in Silverton, CO and had to follow two Harleys down the pass at 20-30 mph while they were hugging the yellow line scaring cars in the oncoming lanes and no leaning on the curves. Once I got to town, I checked tires of every bike I walked past (mostly Harleys, cruisers and a few GWs). Almost all were worn flat.

I can see why there are a lot of threads on mounting car tires on motorcycles. If you're not going to lean it, why bother with a motorcycle tire?

[BT]

Last weekend I was in Silverton, CO and had to follow two Harleys down the pass at 20-30 mph

I hate that :mad

[Sailingfool]

It's easy. You try to use the whole radius of the tire.:burnout

Are you refering to longtidal or transverse radius? If you are thinking I'm flat-spotting them with the brakes, that's not it. I don't use brakes. That would be admitting defeat. If you are talking transverse, my rubber ain't got no whiskers!

[Sailingfool]

[QUOTE=JHGilbert;486678]Last weekend I was in Silverton, CO and had to follow two Harleys down the pass at 20-30 mph while they were hugging the yellow line scaring cars in the oncoming lanes.

Perhaps you should look into a K1300S or K1300R. They wheelie a lot easier, making it a cake walk to go over the top of slow moving, fat assed Harleys.

[JHGilbert]

Trust me...I could have gone over them....
I was driving the pig.....a 4wd Ford Excursion (not mine either)....
I wouldn't even need to wheelie.