this is my ME 800 21 inch on my 03 sporty. 3K miles!!! 2nd one that did this. Metzler rep says this is normal and not an issue????WTF!!!??

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/...ps19248d65.jpg

 

A friend had 2 chunks missing out of his rear Metzler and it had plenty of tread life left. I saw it for myself.

 

I've seen my last set of Dunlop 402's do the same thing with the cracking between the tread. So it's not something that just happens to the Metzeler line.
Each tire company offers different grades of tires and for someone to judge an entire line is not correct.
I have run most all brands of tires over my riding life that started in 1963 except for the cheap ones made in Korea.
I just finished mounting a new set of Metzeler 888's which is a new tire for touring bikes. I will give you a report after they have some miles.
Here in Louisiana we are not short of rain days and I have better traction and control with the Metzeler line of tires. Later Fairshake

 

I heard from a member here that there was a issue with the ones from Brazil splitting. I don't know how to tell the differance, but so far I like my Metzelers a lot more than the Dunlops I removed. Great traction and no more crack chasing.

 

I believe it says right on the sidewall where it's made. I'll have to double check mine tomorrow.

I'm on my third set of Metzler's and so far no issues.

But, a couple of years ago I was riding behind a buddy when little bits of rubber started bouncing off my helmet. We were passing a line of 18 wheelers at 75 mph. Fortunately I was able to get up next to him and frantically wave him to the shoulder. This is what his Metzler (4000 miles on it) looked like.He was able to stop safely, without dumping the bike.

 

Just got back from a 400 mile ride. Most interstate at 70-75 mph riding two up. There are 5 big chunks out of my rear Metzler 880. I'm running 48 pounds of pressure. Scares the crap out of me. I bought the front and back at the same time, but I'm ditching the front too. Not taking that chance.

 

This is a very old thread, but Metzeler is phasing out the ME 880 and bringing in the ME 888, which will be the exclusive tire and totally replacing the 880.