CHECK YOUR METZLER TIRES (BRAZIL)
1. They are producing almost twice the number of tires as they were 4 years ago, and they have almost the same amount of failures as they did 4 years ago, not the same per centage, the same number. They say this is due to upgrading their production facilities, equipment, etc.
2. They have pretty much the same number of failures from Germany as they do Brazil, so just cause your tire says Brazil on it, DO NOT be alarmed.
3. The MAJORITY of failures Metz sees is directly due to under inflation. Metz's take about 10% more inflation than due dunlops, and ALOT of shops and consumers have tires that are under inflated, which makes your tire heat up extremely quick, and causes the side wall problem.
4. Metz is by their own account, and Drag confirms, very good about taking care of the tires, even when it's not their fault.
5. They have seen failures (more than you would think) from rear tires being mounted on the front, and front's bein mounted on the rear, which leads to a severe torque and overweight situation.
6. They have a toll free number for questions, 800-747-3554 at the prompt press 2, if you do not get someone leave a voice mail, someone will call you back.
Hope this helps, I run Metz tires and belive in them 100%, I just bought an 07 tahoe and it has the tire pressure sensing technology, and I am suprised how much my tire pressure varies, I do not know how accurate it is, but I belive the trend, lower or higher is accurate.
Buy a GOOD gauge and check your tires, if yu have problems, call the Metz number, they will take care of you, and want to hear if you have problems, as well as Drag does.
Bart
Like I said in my earlier post.... I run my rear 880 @ 50~52psi cold.
In addition to the higher pressures than we are "accustomed to", you should also pay attention to the load ratings. They vary from size to size. In fact a 150/x/18has a 40~50 lb LOWER load rating than a 140/x/18.
I know fat tires may look cool, but the one pictured in the 1st post in this thread doesn't look too cool to me! I have the 140 on the back of mine..... but that's just me.
While I totally agree with what you are saying, the Metzler Rep told my Indy dealer to run the 140 with a MINIMUM of 50 lbs of pressure on a bagger. If you are running at 40 (std for stock dunlops) in a Metz you are not running near enough air pressure.
There is no way I'm running 50psi in a standard tire.
*edit*
I stand corrected. Metzeler publishes considerably higher pressures. Seems crazy to me, but hey... whatever.
They must use one HELL of a thicker carcass and a MUCH stronger bead design. Still kinda scary.
as I said in my first reply to this thread.....the pics posted of the tire that failed looked EXACTLY like a classic under-inflation (low pressure failure) catastrophic heat failure, and nothing at all to do with how the tire was constructed......but that was just my snap diagnosis from looking at a pic over the net......what the hell do I know????
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Bottom line, don't panic, regularly check air pressure and make sure to have the correct load rating for your bike and all is good.


