03 LT SX - Metz rear tyre question

[Seagull]

My 03 LT needs a new rear tyre as the current one has worn down, more so on the right side which is puzzling ???

The current tyre is :-

Metz ME 160/70 B17 MC 79V

I've found an online supplier who is quite a bit cheaper than what I'd expect to pay here in the UK, BUT the tyre details aren't quite the same.

They show :-

160/70 B 17 XL TL 79V ME 880 MARATHON M/C

What do you reckon ?

Website here. http://www.mynetmoto.com/motorradreifen.cfm/ActiveTab/shopping/ActiveLink/1/Search/2/motorcycle/128/motorcycle_ccm_group/7/motorcycle_model/4169/StartRow/0/motorradreifen.html

[wkclark]

Hi Seagull,
I've contacted Metzler directly by telephone in the past and found them to be EXTREMELY helpful.
Rather than chance an issue with the load rating of the cheaper tire you've found, you may wish to give them a call. Here's a link to their site (http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/contact/phone/index.htm):
YOu may also find the fitment info you're after right on the site, without needing to make the call.
Good hunting!
Keir

[meese]

That looks like the right tire for the LT. The two main concerns are size (160/70 Bias 17" is correct) and weight rating (79V is correct). It's the weight rating that limits tire choices for the LT.

As for wear, we see the same here in the Colonies :) except more wear on the left side. It has to do with which side of the road that gets driven on. Actually, it's the fact that you lot spend more time in longer right turns while we send more time in longer left turns.

Be aware that tires bought off the 'net may be cheaper, but you'll still have to get them mounted which adds cost. If you can pull the wheel yourself and take it to a local shop that should save a lot. Or if you know a friend with a tire changer that will save even more.

I've been changing my own tires for quite a while. At least I know I'll take the time to do it right plus it means I can change them on my schedule, and not rely on some dealer or tire shop.

[rattler50]

Seagull, I believe your wear on the right side is from driving on the wrong side of the road......JMHO......... :)

[Seagull]

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.
I bought my front tyre from the company in the link back in April, it arrived just in time for our trip to Holland.... phew ! I think I saved around £30 by doing it that way and having it fitted by a non franchise company. :)

Of course, we drive on the correct side of the road over here. :D

[vernvernvern]

Howdy,

I learned at CCR '07 that if EVERY rear tire wears on the same side instead of the middle, your bike is most likely out of alignment. :(

Not which side of the road you ride on nor lots of turns. That's a myth that some jokester started. LOL

I'm told that re-aligning the bike is a real PAIN! It's cheaper and easier to just buy new tires.

Buy the way, I found the correct rear ME880 Marathon Tire at ridenow.com for $164 plus $9.95 shipping. It took them over 10 working days to get it shipped to me though. It is a new tire (14th week of '07 manufacturing date)! Cheapest I've found so far this fall.

Have a good day!
Vern

[cws]

Buy the way, I found the correct rear ME880 Marathon Tire at ridenow.com for $164 plus $9.95 shipping. a good day!
Vern
Damn, wish we could get those sort of deals here. Just booked mine in to get a new rear Metz next week at local dealer... Au$352 (ride in/ride out), and at our current exchange rate of around US90c to the Aussie, that makes it pretty expensive, like everything else on the bike down-under. Just thankful she's so sweet to ride!

[billybiker]

I always get my tyres from our local ATS, the prices are very keen and of course he fits them. If you have a Metz front, stick with the same rear. As far as I'm aware there are only 2 tyres suitable for the LT in the UK, the Metz one and the Bridgestone one. New bikes are fitted with either of these. I've tried both and would say you will get more wear from the Metz, but they tend to wear a bit unevenly, particularly on the front, where they cup and make funny noises on corners. The Metz in the wet can be very scary! The Bridgestone wears quicker but certainly grips better in the wet.

[rattler50]

The Metzeler on the front of my bike has around 16K on it. It's just starting to cup a little. I have a Bridgestone ordered to match the rear. I thought I'd give them a shot and see what happens......... :)