Need tire input. Nomad Norm

[NomadNorm]

Well, I just made a command decision. And I am going to try the Metzeler ME880 series. The Metzeler company recommended a rear size of 180/70-16 and I can keep the same 150/80-16 for the front. The rear is going to cost $215, I get a discount from the dealer for another couple of months. I will order the front to make a matching set next month after the holiday's. I just don't think that 8K is acceptable for a touring cruiser and I do ride responsibly. Only the very center of the OEM Bridgestone is worn and outside of that the rest of the tire looks new. I would think the hard rubber should be in the center with the soft on the outside for the curves, and I did do some great twisting roads in the mountains of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia.
Anybody else out there who has tried another tire size or brand?

Thanks,

Nomad Norm.

[mrider]

Originally Posted by NomadNorm

Well, I just made a command decision. And I am going to try the Metzeler ME880 series. The Metzeler company recommended a rear size of 180/70-16 and I can keep the same 150/80-16 for the front. The rear is going to cost $215, I get a discount from the dealer for another couple of months. I will order the front to make a matching set next month after the holiday's. I just don't think that 8K is acceptable for a touring cruiser and I do ride responsibly. Only the very center of the OEM Bridgestone is worn and outside of that the rest of the tire looks new. I would think the hard rubber should be in the center with the soft on the outside for the curves, and I did do some great twisting roads in the mountains of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia.
Anybody else out there who has tried another tire size or brand?

Thanks,

Nomad Norm.

I've got the same tire sizes you said in metz. and like them over the Bridgestones. Put about 10k on the Bridgestones front & rear, wore out also. I run with 40lbs. of air pressure, all is well so far. Good luck,,

[Lobocop]

I liked the Conti Tour on my 2001 Nad. I put two of them on it and got 12K out of one and 11.5 out of another. I did move over to the Metzler, but sold the Nad before it needed another rear tire the mileage on the Metz is unknown.

[BOURBON BOY]

Is the Metz rear a radial? I've heard that they say to run a radial on the rear and a bias on the front. Let us know how the new tire works--I'll be needing one sometime next year. BB

[anrfknm]

the two Metzeler ME880s i ran on my bike avg'd. 11842.5 while the bridgestone s-11s avg'd 13802 miles.

[anrfknm]

the bridgestones do everything i want. they're very sporty, but aren't quite as sticky as the Metzelers

[NomadNorm]

The rear size, 180/70R-16 is a radial and on the Metzeler fitment guide they reccommed a 130/90-16 which is a Bias belt. So are they saying its OK to run two differant construction types on a motorcycle? They also make a 150/80R-16 Radial for the front and that is probably the one I am going to run.

Any inputs?

[2WheelFun]

The second set of tires I put on the 1500 were Michelin Commanders and the rear needed changing at 11,500 miles. They handle very well and have a softer ride.

[NomadNorm]

Just for input, I think that Metzeler has made a mistake with the recommendation for the Bias belt on the front with a radial on the rear. I think they are getting the 1600 Classic and the 1600 Nomad confused. So, I am trying to call them to clear this up and hopefully they will return the call. They do publish that they do make a 150/80R-16 for the front and that would work well with the 180/70R-16 for the rear. They have the 150 size for front and rear and I believe you have to make sure it has the correct designation on the sidewall of "F" at the end of the model number to make sure it is for the front.

Nomad Norm.

[BOURBON BOY]

More than likely my next tires also, let us know what you find out Norm, and even how Metz is to deal with. BB