So more insight is necessary here. Metzeler originally produced a tire for the original Rocket IIIs called the Marathon ME 880. Then they upped their offering to the Marathon ME 888 Ultra. In my opinion, the ME 888 Ultra was substantially better than the ME 880. Better handle, road feel, longer lasting, more forgiving, etc.. I liked it more than the Avon Cobra (but I know that is subjective so I should just STFU), I get it.).
It seems that the one thing a tire company wants to do is SELL tires. So if you sell a tire that wears out quicker, you SELL more tires. From their website, it seems the Metzeler has discontinued the Marathon ME 888 Ultra and replaced it with (as
@Protonhound suggests) an inferior tire that requires replacing more often, the CruiseTec.
Two things, I would return to wherever it is you bought it from and have a deep discussion about the wear and the cost of the tire you are showing us above. This may be a bad batch? It happens. How your dealer or Metzeler handle it, I have no idea but it might be worth a shot.
On Fortnine.ca, you can still get ME 888 Ultra in every size BUT the front and rear for a Rocket 3. Go figure. I can get the CruiseTec but I'll likely pass on this and jump on another set of ME 888 Ultra (if I can find it) or back to the Avon Cobra (if I can find it too).
@Protonhound I would ask you consider updating the title of your post to Metzeler CRUISETEC - To be avoided (or something like that). If I can find a ME 888 Ultra in a front or rear, I'm grabbing it with both hands. So to steer all Captains away from all Metzeler's woud be a disservice. My two cents...
I do appreciate the insight so I don't repeat the mistake. Thanks.
For reference. The ME 888 Ultra at Fortnine.ca WAS selling for $599 CAD. The CruiseTec in the same size is $390 CAD. Tells you all you need to know (IMDO).