ME880's - Harley Forum

admin · #1 05-24-2007, 04:27 PM

I've got the Metzeler ME880's on the bike right now and the rear is getting close to worn out. I'll need a new one before the road trip I'm planning in Sept. The front looks good to go for the rest of the season. My question is: how many miles have ya'll gotten outta the 880's? And should I just get another rear only or swap both the front and rear? I got about 12k miles on the stock tires and now the 880 rear is about done at 7k miles....maybe a couple thousand left. Any other recommendations on rubber? These 880's have been great and I'd buy 'em again, unless ya'll have some other good choices. Thanks..... BigBen

Posted by: bigben on Jun 23, 06 9:47:21 am

admin · #2 05-24-2007, 04:28 PM

The 880's are my favorite tires... I've run sooo many brands over the years that were just fine,, then I used to switch back 'n forth with 880's and Avon, but now just 880's...
I use the H rated cuz they're easier to burn-out but they still grip more than you'll ever use dropping into a corner,, I always bottom out before any slippage... Oil, sand or gravel will overcome even Z rated...
Bottom line to me is they grip good, and the most comfy...
Mileage dosen't matter to me, however I know I get more than 7,000, probably about 12K... Are you sure you're aligned perfect and keep up air..?? I've never had a prob runnin old with new,, that'll be up to you, just be sure you bring home any "pretty good" tires instead of leaving them at shop,,,, spares baby....

Posted by: frisco-rigid on Jun 23, 06 6:05:22 pm

admin · #3 05-24-2007, 04:28 PM

The air pressure they show you in their brochure is 38lbs front 44lbs rear. What you have to remember is these are minimum pressures. I run 40 front 46 rear on my superglide. Just for everyones info, Avon is now owned by Cooper Tire.

Posted by: mtyevo on Jun 23, 06 8:30:32 pm

admin · #4 05-24-2007, 04:28 PM

Have 2000fxdwg. I'm on my second set of ME880 have gotten 10k on back still tread on the front, but I change both anyway.Have a 150 on the back didn't need to do any alterations perfect fit. Dunlops won't. Much better handeling expecially in the twisties.

Posted by: Tipper on Jun 24, 06 9:13:06 am

admin · #5 05-24-2007, 04:29 PM

mtyevo... Why the higher pressure? What do you get out of it? I've just always run the recommended pressure/check it frequently, and have never had a problem. I'll pump it up on a loaded down road trip, but have always gone with what the manual says for normal riding. I haven't gotten a lot outta my current rear 'cause I know I ride it pretty hard. It's on the wear bars now with just over 7k. Just in time for our local rally next month where there will be a burn out pit.... I'll finish it off over there!

Posted by: bigben on Jun 24, 06 5:36:41 pm

admin · #6 05-24-2007, 04:29 PM

You have to remember what Metzeler gives you are minimum pressures{ your starting point}.Alot of it depends on whether you're riding solo or two up, your weight,your passengers weight and whether or not you're loaded down. Adjusting tire pressure will improve riding comfort,handling and tire wear. Don't base your tire pressure on the Harley manual because these are for the oem tires. You should be able to get better than 7k on your tires unless of course your frying the skins all the time. It's really whatever works for you. Now that you've owned a pair you can adjust accordingly. The me880's are the best tires i've ever used!

Posted by: mtyevo on Jun 24, 06 6:18:28 pm

admin · #7 05-24-2007, 04:30 PM

Remember this, the MAX pressure is printed on the sidewall...
Even though my sickles are fairly light, I stay close to MAX in front, handling feels better to me,, but of course, being rigid, I stay about 10-15% light in rear...

Burn-out pits,, ride hard,,yeah baby,, a man after my own heart...

Hey mty my man, you've had some great info lately,, right-on baby...

Posted by: frisco-rigid on Jun 25, 06 1:20:22 am