Metzeler vs. Avon

[HD2Rocket3]

The only two choices that I am aware of for the Classic are the Avon Cobra or the Metzeler ME880. After reading all I can find out about it, I have decided that tomorrow I am going to order the Avons, mostly just because I have already tried the Metzelers Seem like a toss-up.

 

[Molinoman]

In defense of the Metzlers...when I sold my bike I had a little over 8,500 miles on them and (to me) I had plenty of tread still on them...but I ride like an "ol lady" so my experience may be different than from a lot of others on the board.

As for your thought of going onto the Avon's, I see nothing wrong with that decision. If anything else you will find out which tire is better and then make future decisions from there.

As for the Avon being "not as good" in the rain...that is the first time I have heard that one. The tire usually blamed for that are OEM Dunlops. During normal riding the Avon should be more that up to the task and when I change tires on my new bike I aim to put Avon's on them to see if I also can tell any difference. Each rider needs to buy the tire that he feels gives "him/her" the best type of service for the riding he/she does.

I do wish there were more choices however for the regular Rocket and R3T. The Honda Gold Wings are in the same predicament.

Dennis

20 dtg KAF
25 dtg Dubai
26 dtg Thunderbird'n time

140 dtg Dubai
141 dtg HOME for good!

 

[snuffcityrider]

I think a lot of the mileage question would depend on how much two up with gear riding you do . I've noticed for me the Avon on the front didn't cup like the Mezt did on my bike. Went on a 4000 mile trip with the Metz on back and the couple riding with us had an Avon on thier Rocket. They seemed to wear about the same. Dave on this site got over 10,000 on his Avons and I can vouch that he dosen't always take it easy on his tires.

 

[HellFire]

I think you'll like the Avons, I've had a Cobra on the front all last season and it's been much better than the Metzler in every category. I noticed right off that it turned easier at low speeds and was much snappier maneuvering at all speeds. The Metz had cupped badly and wore strangely on the sides leaving it triangle shaped. The Avon hasn't shown any signs of uneven wear yet at all. It should work nicely when she goes Darkside in the summer.

I know the Avons are more expensive than Metzler, but so far it's been money well spent and if it lasts as long as I think ... should be less expensive per mile overall.

 

[BigAl52]

I have a Jan 09 Classic thats done 12,500 klms on the original Metzelers, needless to say the rear is about to be replaced.
I've had no problems and in my opinion they are very good in the wet (and God knows we've had enough of that in Queensland in the last few weeks).
In the hand book it says Bridgestones are the other 'approved' tyre but I've not seen any comments on this site regarding them. I'd be interested in peoples' thoughts although I am intending staying with Metzeler at this stage.

 

[BigAl52]

I should have added that I turn 59 this year.........my riding attitude has toned down a little but I'm no *****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[seeya]

my o7 came with Metz new. I ran a CT for 22000 miles and replaced the front with new Metz. My last change was to Avon front and rear and decided that was what I will be running in all furture changes. I really like the avon

 

[HD2Rocket3]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I just ordered the Avons from www.sporttour.com That was the best price I came up with, even with shipping. 150/80 VR17 for $167.95, 240/50 VR 16 for $239.95 and $19.90 shipping for a total of $427.80. Next best was Tires Unlimited for about $435. I didn't find Metzelers for much cheaper anywhere. Now to find someone to mount them, the lowest price I have found for that so far is about $200 unless I take them off the bike myself.

 

[snuffcityrider]

I've taken both off, not that bad of a job.

 

[Spillman]

I dont have a rocket yet but wanted to say that the metzlers have been less than spectacular for me. I had dunlops as origenals on my m109r and got 10k out of the first set. Replaced those with dunny e-3's and got 10k again. Replaced again and got 10k more then got the me880's at 30k on my bike and barely got 3500 and they are splitting down the middle.

They are worn out and I cant find a 240/50vr16 dunny to fit the rocket. Hate to think I am going to have to replace my tires every month now. Thats just plain rediculus.

Maybe someone knows where to find elite 3's or of a longer wear tire that isn't going to have me replacing tires every onth.

Are the avons a better tire? At 280 from motorcycle superstore that over 100 bucks more than the dunny 250/40vr18.

Is that extra cost reflected in a longer/better wearing tire?