I had the SE 180 and liked the way it handled...seemed to wear out quickly for me though. I wasn't happy with the stock front though.

I had Metzler ME880s on my last bike and really liked them, so I decided to give up the fat tire look of the 180 and just buy a matching set since I needed a front tire also. Just to note...the METZ uses higher air pressures than the Dunlops..sthere is a thread on it.

My brother and I went out for a ride yesterday so I took the opportunity to snap a couple pics of the 180 and 170 side by side. You can tell a difference when you see them together, but the 170 does not look "skinny".

I love the way the bike handles now and riding to work at night is more of a pleasure...I can now focus on watching for deer instead of road cracks and tar snakes! Anyone who rides at night can attest to the fact that you can't let your guard down too much.

Anyway...here's some pics. I should have lined the bikes up a little closer, but you can still see the difference.

 

Thanks for posting. That 180 still looks just massive.

 

+1

The 170 looks good but I will continue to pay the high price for the SE 180

 

What front are you running? I hated the Dunlop, which lead me to go with the Metzs all around.

These Metzs are so much better handling that I don't think I will go back to the 180. I have less than $300 into both tires. I know I paid $105 for the front shipped to my door, but can't remember how much the rear was...around $150 I think.

My brother's 180 was still in good shape, but he needed a new front so he just went with another stocker.

 

I have the matching SE front tire

Just put new ones on mine all around

 

Much better than the stocker I suppose? Have you had the front long enough to get an idea of the type of mileage you get out of it?

How does it do with the cracks and stuff? My stock one was down-right scary when having to cross a couple places where the crack is just at a slight angle...almost have to ride in it for a little as opposed to just crossing it if you know what I mean.

Some of my problem with the stocker was that it wore badly and I had to run higher pressure to keep it from low speed wobbling...sure didn't help handling.

 

This is my 2nd SE front and it is much better than the stock front. I got a weird wear pattern on the first SE front tire when I did my Iron butt ride. They think the pressure got low and with the heat from running that long caused it so I replaced it with around 10K miles on it. This one should last longer.

Bike feels much better on cracks and uneven pavement but not sure how much comes from the SE tire and how much is from being more comfortable on the bike. When I got the bike I hadnt ridden in 12 years.

 

On long rides I usually add 3 or 4 lbs of pressure as it keeps tire temps in check. This will add many miles to any tires you choose.

 

Nice choice. I like the Metzlers also but love the 180 width so I went to an 18 x 5.5 rear and run the Metzlers in 180/55.

 

I went to Metz at 2300 miles on my 2005, i got just over 8k on the rear before i replaced them.


I put the OE Dunlop back on the rear and the GT 501 up front (which looks like the SE tire btw) handles great.

Im on the fence about the Metz 880s, probably wouldnt buy them again. For one, the run too skinny for my tastes. and


2: I didnt like the compound of the 880s, i would sacrifice some mileage for control.