Gunshots

I think its time for a poll

1. Tried and true Metzler lover
2. I like my Metzler, but the growing numbers of darksiders are makin me think twice
3. I'm into the Dark and ain't going back, unless something is done with the lousy tread wear

Pig9r

How about this one?

1. Metz round tire purist, no darkside for me, though I may try an Avon
2. Tempted by the darkside
3. My next rear tire will be fitted by Lord Vader
4. I am your father (already a darksider)

boogerdave

Mmmm . . . good cookies

goodfellow

that would be #4 in my case...

greg

nightrocket

not much for refugee from the darkside is there. iv come back to fight for the other side so says the stack of metz in my garage.

TxRIIIRider

Dropped the Rocket off at our local little bike shop, called The Motorcycle Shop to get the tires changed as well as a 6 month overdue state inspection.. I knew they wouldn't have time to get to it today, but I'll be able to pick it up Tuesday after work and get the Avons scrubbed in good..

john.pilot@hotmail.com

I am still hear from our US brothers how they go when changing to the "Dark Side". Please let me know how the R3 feels. That notwithstanding, I am going to give it a go here in Aus, I have to check the diameters as I want the same or close to the Metz but down her we have a couple of choices

1. The Nankang NS2 225/50/16 at $130 AUD fitted ----------US$123.50
2. The Yokohama S Drive 225/50/16 at $211 AUD fitted----US$200.45

Both tyres are directional and the Nankang is a good quality tyre, with Yokies, you pay for the name. Both tread patterns are the "v" type which the tyre gods recommend and both these have deep syping that runs over the edge. My rear is due soon so I am going to give it a shot. By the way we pay about $425 AUD for a Metz rear so I do not know how our US bretheren get them in the $200's.

The tyre gods have fitted roadies to the Valkyre and they are having great success with them so we will see and I will do a post with piccies when fitted.
Capt. Aussie John

tdragger

Consider going with a 225/55 instead of the 225/50. The 55 is only 1.2% larger around as opposed to the 50 being about 2.3% smaller. The 55 helps slightly with the speedo error whereas the 50 makes it slightly worse. That's assuming that my thinking is right.

The truly closest fit is a 215/55 which is 0.5% smaller. I like the idea of the poor man's speedo correction.

goodfellow

I would also recommend the 215/55-16. this is much closer to the bikes original feel of countersteer as well as speedometer/odometer reading.the handling should be very good if combined with a low wear rating compound. try to stay with a sub 300 wear rating if possible for good wet weather handling. some pronounced countersteer effort should be expected during extremely slow maneuvers when first starting out with this profile size. otherwise, you're in for a sweet ride. it'll be a dream on long stretches of highway.


greg

britman

The Riken Raptor 225/55Z16 is sitting in the middle of my garage floor. Damn that thing looks as big as my first wife's butt. I won't get to it this weekend due to a full plate and waiting on a set of rear brake pads, but it won't be long. I'll let everyone know. At least if it is not for me, I have time to go back to the Mez before RAA3.