Oldnorthstate: Thanks for the excellent reply. Very helpful. Like you, I've been riding since 1969 but I'm just getting back into it after a long time without a bike. I feel better after reading your post because your description of how the Metz tires handle may explain my experiences so far. On my recent trip, I felt embarrassed when I was holding people up on twisties out West. I just didn't feel confident taking the corners at speeds that everyone else on bikes, or driving cars, trucks, etc., were taking them. Every time I looked in the rear view mirror, someone was on my tail but I just didn't feel confident enough to take the curves at the speeds I was used to in the past. Of course, my bike was loaded down on the trip but even when it's not loaded down, turns and tight curves aren't fun like they should be. So maybe it's all or partly due to the Metz's. I'm anxious to change them out. However, I'll use them until this winter because I'm actually getting better wear out of them than what others are reporting. I'd have to go out to the garage but I think I have about 8,000 miles on them now and they still have a lot of wear left. In fact, I'm going to take them on a moderately long trip next week (if it isn't raining) and then take them on a trip around Lake Superior later this fall. (I live just west of Chicago.)
Thanks again for your reply. It looks like the handling issues were not entirely caused by me.
Indeed, for whatever it was worth to you, you're certainly welcome. I did one pile of online research before buying the Exedra Max V's for the R3T, and in my view, no other tire offered - for the price, from all I could fathom - any more, or even as much, as does this one. Now this is R3Touring specific, as it's a combination of 2 sizes entirely different from the Roadsters and other similar versions of the R3. One of the biggest hurdles is finding a mfr. which makes BOTH correct sizes for front
and rear for the R3T. I think the Michelin Commanders might be excellent IF (a very BIG "if") they had the correct sizes for both ends, but they do not. And, they'd be considerably more expensive, to boot. (Don't run an even slightly off-size on front, either, with ABS... they say it's not safe, as it throws the ABS sensing haywire.)
All just afterthoughts, here... and let me add, I really do love my R3T... I personally believe it to be the best looking, while concurrently most unique, heavy cruiser Triumph (and many others) makes... and I get respect and interest even in other hardcore "brand venues" (H-D primarily), not that that matters... but the masses' "judging everything else by H-D dynamic" is an interesting phenomenon, if not annoying. Of course, "old school" bikers (I guess I fall into that category, lol...) know and remember that Trumpets were also very much a part of the early "biker" and MC scene, as were Beezers to a somewhat lesser degree.
Enjoy your machine, and ride safely.
ONS~
ps... BTW, the plain Bridge. Exedra (not "Max") came on many R3's originally, and were found to be unsatisfactory due to the high torque application, here. Consequently, Triumph and Bridge. discontinued recommending/using the original Exedra (non-Max)... and I don't think the relationship between the 2 co's. has improved any since. BUT, I personally felt the Exedra Max V-rated is more than suitable for my Touring, and thus far I've been pleased. Also, I do NOT run the h*ll out of my Rocket, torquing the rear tire to the max from every stop (although I suspect the "Max, V-rated" would take it). I just don't ride like that nowadays, so it was a moot point to me anyway. If "safety" really was an issue, as was cited regarding the original Exedra's tenure, one would think Triumph would tell Metzeler to "take a hike", judging from the poor performance of the Marathons. Metz must be almost "giving the d*mn things" to Triumph, just to get rid of 'em. And if, for whatever odd reason, somebody GAVE me a set of new Metz Marathons for the R3T, I'd truly be hesitant to waste the money to have them mounted.