Well,

It's about time for another rear tire and this time I'm gonna play Ditch the Dunlop......I'm gonna try a Metzler ME 880......the fitment guide calls for a 160/70 VB17 but they also sell a 170/60 VR 17 radial.

160/70 VB 17 6.18" wide--25.75 tall
170/60 VR 17 6.65" wide--25.16 tall

the bias tire is bias, weighs 5 pounds more and runs about $45-55 dollars more than the radial. The guy at Metzler (the factory) says the radial "was not tested" for my bike and therefore, there could be "handling issues". The radial is not on the fitment list only because it wasn't tested...theymake a propietary tire for the Wide Glide and also for a BMW with the same situation............

Anybody running the ME 880 170/60 17 Radial on a Wide Glide and anybody know about any "handling issues" ??? This is for an '06 Wide Glide and the front tire is still "stock".......I know there are at least a Gazillion tire posts on here and I read through too many already so I'm looking for fresh info........

I also looked up some suppliers and so far I have:

Tires unlimited
Motorcycle Pro Shop
Sport Tour
Motorcycle Superstore
and
Dennis Kirk

If you have any history with this tire or can think of any more good suppliers and have the time, please post them.....thank you....thank you very much.........

 

Im running the 170/60 radial on mine.I bought the 170 because it is basically the same width as the OEM 160 dunlop (little bit wider...maybe 1/8")and im not looking for a tire wider than OEM. Great tire, handles well and looks good too.

 

got my metzlers from motorcycle super store.
they were the cheapest
i run a diff. size than what you are inquiring about, but the metzler was a big improvement for handling

 

I am about ready for tires too and was considering Metzlers or Avon Venoms.
&nbsp\\;
I hear the Metzlers are harder and last longer and the Venoms are softer and grip better. Can anyone confirm?
I think I will choose grip over long lasting.
&nbsp\\;
Thanks

 

my $.02 the Metz are Softer and wear faster but are stickier then the Dunflops.&nbsp\\; for me its Metz and soon
&nbsp\\;
FYI I hear Tires are about to go up in price big time.

 

I was thinking about doing the same thing on my '07 Lowrider - swap the 160/70 Dunlop for the 170/60 Metz 880.&nbsp\\; Please let me know how it works out for you.

 

I just put on today a 170 metz in the rear and a 110 metz in the front on my Street Bob riding home was the best Damn ride I had ever had I felt like I could corner and lean WAYY over with out falling over!!!![sm=biker2.gif]

 

&nbsp\\; I have not tried Metzeler but I strongly suggest that you always check&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp \\; www.chaparral-racing.com&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; for any tire prices. The one you are considering is $174.85 on thier site.

 

mettys freakin rock...buy some

 

They stick great but boy do they wear out quick.
Half the distance you will get from a dunflop.