Metzler's Marathon 880 Tire

[rlv]

I Have An 06 Lt, Came With Metzler's Marathon 880 Tires.
The Rear End Seems A Little Slick On Wet Streets.
Anybody Else Having This Problem?
Just Curious, And Wondering Which Tire Most Feel Like Being The Best.

[johnrehder]

Metzlers wear longer because they have a harder rubber compound. they are a little slippery than the Bridgestone BT020. The Bridgestones have a better grip but do not typicially wear as long. It's a trade off really. If you ride primarily in fair weather use the Met's, if you ride in all seasons the BT020's might be better for you. The radial BT020 handles better IMHO. Ride Safe.

I Have An 06 Lt, Came With Metzler's Marathon 880 Tires.
The Rear End Seems A Little Slick On Wet Streets.
Anybody Else Having This Problem?
Just Curious, And Wondering Which Tire Most Feel Like Being The Best.

[685ursus]

My bike came from the factory with Bridgestone BT020. I replaced them at 22500km with Met. Marathon 880's. The reason is I was not happy with the odd wear pattern exhibited by the Bridgestones. I understand they are known for this. I have not noticed a big difference in how they adhere to the road. I did notice that the Marathon's make a noise from the rear when I bank left or right. I think it is the rubber tit's on the new tires. I now have 4000km on the Metz. tires and like them so far.
Mike

[ATFLT]

I have the Metzlers on my 99 and like them a lot. I don't ride much in the rain but when I have I haven't had a problem. I haven't run the set as far as they will go but I will most likely go back for another set when they are done.
I like them enough that I have the exact same tire on the rear of both my ST1100's and I have no problem on those bikes as well. I know there are some that say they won't use the Metzlers again as they are too slippery. It just depends on your riding style I guess.

[messenger13]

And for you "newer guys"...I repeat, keep those pressures UP! I use 42psi front, 48psi rear. Check the religiously and check them often (once a week). And check them cold, of course. The Metzeler's will roar sooner or later, and a small percentage of the Bridgestones delaminate if they get too hot on a long trip. I could go on & on, but that's enough for now. Just check that pressure and keep it up there!

[lovetomotor]

My bike came from the factory with Bridgestone BT020. I replaced them at 22500km with Met. Marathon 880's. The reason is I was not happy with the odd wear pattern exhibited by the Bridgestones. I understand they are known for this. I have not noticed a big difference in how they adhere to the road. I did notice that the Marathon's make a noise from the rear when I bank left or right. I think it is the rubber tit's on the new tires. I now have 4000km on the Metz. tires and like them so far.
Mike

Get used to that roar from your rear Metzler. That's just a characteristic of the Metzies that most all have complained about. If you have a pre-05 the 020 radials make the bike handle much better, however some riders have experienced tread separation on the 020's. I might try the avons next time, but I have had such good luck with the 020 radials it's difficult to change.

[paulcbrowne]

As soon as I can, I'm removing the Metzelers and putting on the Bridgestones sitting on my shelf. The Metzelers were quite good at the outset, excellent in pouring rain. They have deteriorated noticeably in 7,000 miles in both wet and curve holding. That may be partly aging since they were put on last summer or maybe also the cold temps. Having experienced the Metzelers at their limit on New Year's Day in an unexpectedly tight, decreasing radius turn I'm going back to the Bridgestones. I guess LTs aren't SUPPOSED to chase sport bikes!

[dshealey]

Metzlers wear longer because they have a harder rubber compound. they are a little slippery than the Bridgestone BT020. The Bridgestones have a better grip but do not typicially wear as long. It's a trade off really. If you ride primarily in fair weather use the Met's, if you ride in all seasons the BT020's might be better for you. The radial BT020 handles better IMHO. Ride Safe.

I am one who would never put 880s on an LT again. One set, and I had several rear slips on wet. MANY sets of Radial BT020s with NO slips. (Well,one that I should have seen coming, but I was tired that day.)

I tried Avons, but did not like the rear. I took the rear off and put a BT020 back on, thus initiating the front Avon/rear BT020 combo. That is pretty good, but I eventually went back to BT020s front and rear. For me, the front Avon was great until about 5,000 miles, when it's softer rubber side tread wore away leaving the harder center standing proud, then the handling went to pot. Had to hold it down in turns. The front BT020, although faster wearing, would wear evenly, and hold it's better handling longer. So, by the time I got a front Avon to the mileage where the BT020 would be worn out, there was still life left in it, but the handling was worse than the BT020 would have been at that point, so I decided the extra mileage really was not all that useable.

The Metzeler rear will feather (some erroneously call it "cupping") and it will howl pretty good in turns. Better get used to it. The BT020 front feathers also, but does not get as noisy as the 880. Guess the more compliant radial construction alleviates the noise problem.

The FRONT 880 gets probably the best mileage of any front tire on the LT, but if you want radials, Metzeler has no set. They do have a radial FRONT 880 that is load rated properly, but it is like the Avon with soft side treads and hard center, wears traingular and handles bad when half worn. I tried one with the BT020 rear, much the same result as the front Avon, worse handling after about 5,000 miles.

I actually got better mileage out of the REAR BT020s though, 12-14,000 miles compared to the only rear 880 I used, which was totally toasted at 11,000 miles.

[CWF]

I love the Metz's....course I only ride in the rain if'n I'm caught out in it. Rain is why they invented cages :).

[KBandit]

i love my metzelers. wouldn't think of switching. i ride rain or shine.

p.s., wet roads are slippery for dunlops and avons, too.

[jkersh1]

Another vote for Metz's. 50K miles on 880's. Through rain, shine, mud, snow, desert heat, long miles I have no reason to switch. I am somewhat apathetic and agnostic about tires, oil, light bulbs, etc. If it works satisfactorily, I'm happy and see no reason to change. I appreciate those who want to find the optimum choice for themselves, but I ride till I'm unhappy then look at the options.

[SilverBuffalo]

Metzler or Bridgestone?
Coke or Pepsi?
millions of consumers and just as many opinions.

for me its Pepsi and Metzler and has been for the last 15 years

Im sure there's somebody else who prefers Nehi

[KBandit]

i have always leaned toward jolt cola.

[slmorley]

I just put on a set of Bridgestone radials after going thru two sets of Metzler 880's and must say that I am not impressed by them. I thought they might make the bike feel lighter by turning quicker, but that is not the case.

As far as slipping in the rain, I have never felt that the Metzler's slipped anymore often than anything else I have ridden on. And I ride a lot on wet payment. This is my daily ride to work unless there is ice on the road. Here in the mountains of western North Carolina there's lots of afternoon showers that I ride home in.

The Metzler's do develop a roar even if you keep the air pressures up. I'll decide which tire I'll stay with once I see how many miles the Bridgestones go.

[Russ]

Another vote for Metz's. 50K miles on 880's. Through rain, shine, mud, snow, desert heat, long miles I have no reason to switch. I am somewhat apathetic and agnostic about tires, oil, light bulbs, etc. If it works satisfactorily, I'm happy and see no reason to change.

Pretty much sums up my experience with Metz's I had on both my RT and LT in the past 3 years, when riding at or near the posted speed limits and slowing down whenever riding in the rain.

regards

[rlv]

Thanks Guys For All Of The Answers Above.
Does A Tire Mfg. Make A Radial Tire For The 06 Lt?
If So Who Is It And What Tire.
Does Michilin Make A Tire, And Or A Radial Tire For The 06 Lt?

[tmgs]

I Have An 06 Lt, Came With Metzler's Marathon 880 Tires.
The Rear End Seems A Little Slick On Wet Streets.
Anybody Else Having This Problem?
Just Curious, And Wondering Which Tire Most Feel Like Being The Best.


I run the me880's never considered it a problem in the rain, I actually like them in the rain, and believe me I have rode it in the rain!

114k miles on it now

[nswenson]

I just put on a set of Bridgestone radials after going thru two sets of Metzler 880's and must say that I am not impressed by them. I thought they might make the bike feel lighter by turning quicker, but that is not the case.

As far as slipping in the rain, I have never felt that the Metzler's slipped anymore often than anything else I have ridden on. And I ride a lot on wet payment. This is my daily ride to work unless there is ice on the road. Here in the mountains of western North Carolina there's lots of afternoon showers that I ride home in.

The Metzler's do develop a roar even if you keep the air pressures up. I'll decide which tire I'll stay with once I see how many miles the Bridgestones go.

I have an Avon front with a Bridgestone back and mine rolls very easy into the turns. Once my bike is pitched over it will stay that way with no pressure on the bars. David mentioned that the Avon front loses some performance after 5K miles, but I haven't noticed that in the 8k miles I put on the Avon front. I commute 95 miles every day and drag my pegs daily on a particular onramp. Still feels rock solid for me in the corners.

Nate

[meese]

Both Bridgestone and Avon make radial tires that are sized and load rated for the LT. I prefer the BT020 radial rear, and Avon radial front for the best handling and traction, wet or dry. I do push the LT, and one slip and fall costs more than a whole bunch of tires, so saving a few bucks or getting a few more miles doesn't seem worth it if I have to lose performance.

For lots more info on tires, check out the Tires (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=66) forum under the Accessories, Gadgets, and Gear (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=35) section.

The bottom line is you gotta find what works best for your riding style and budget.

[stefan]

I just can't wait to get my new Michelins mounted :rolleyes: and the snow to go away.

Stefan

[oknplm]

I see the Bridgestone Radial mentioned in this thread. BMW is no longer using the Bridgestone Radial after 2005. Bridgestone makes a Bias Belted BT020 that BMW puts on it's LT now or at least after 2005. Designated with a B in the tire size label. I have attached a document that shows this change. I was at the dealer today on another issue and asked the parts person if they carry this tire. He said they did till I specifically asked if it was a Bias Belt, not a Radial. He did not know that BMW had made the change and did not carry the Bias Belted BT020. I actually had to show him on a new LT on their showroom floor that it was a Bias Belted. It was clearly stated on the tire. I have alway been a Metzler fan and was concerned about the Bridgestones that were on my new 2005 due to alleged problems of separation etc when I first bought the LT. I did a little research and found that BMW along with Bridgestone made the change but only a few seem to know it. So far I am really impressed with the tire as it is quiet, smooth running and sticks to the pavement like glue compared against the Metzler. This is the first set of Bridgstones I have owned and I plan on replacing them with the same BT020 Bias. That is why I was asking the dealer if he carried them or would I have to special order them. Makes you wonder how many 05 owners get replacement Radial's when OEM clearly states Bias. Here is the document that I am referring to:

[meese]

I have a set of the BT020 Bias tires on now. As expected, they are midway between the ME880 tires and the BT020 Radials in handling, traction, and longevity. I like the increased mileage over the BT020 bias tires and the increased traction over the ME880s, but I really like the way the bike feels with a BT020 Radial rear and an Avon Radial front, so that's what I'm going back to once these are toast.

[rlv]

I just can't wait to get my new Michelins mounted :rolleyes: and the snow to go away.

Stefan
Stefan,
Are your Michelins radials or bias tires, and what year is your bike that you are installing them on.
How about the grip on wet roads and in the turns on wet roads.

[kip]

i kind of like that roar that the metzlers do in turns....
ive got the metzlers
just replaced old metzlers with new metzlers
i ride in all weather and try to use some common sense related to roads being slicker wet than dry

that my take on that....for whatever its worth :)

kip 99 LT
jefferson, ga

[dshealey]

------i ride in all weather and try to use some common sense related to roads being slicker wet than dry
kip 99 LT
jefferson, ga
You seem to be making an unfounded assumption that those of us who do not like the wet grip of the rear Metzeler are hooligan riders who do not know the difference between wet roads and dry ones. That is not the case at all.

I had a pretty bad wet pavement (tar snakes) accident in the 1960s on a BSA, and have been very aware of wet every since, even in cars. I ride very conservatively on wet compared to dry (I am not a peg scraper on dry roads either). I still had several heart stopping rear slip outs on wet pavement with the 880s, riding conservatively and on normal day to day riding, not pushing it in any way. That was on only one set of 880s, 11,000 miles. I since put 100,000 miles on radial tires, mostly BT020s, with only one wet slip, riding the same type of roads, and even a little harder since my confidence in the tires improved radically over the first couple sets. The one slip I had was passing up a hill in the rain, hit the lane marker, and had a scary slip. The 020 caught pretty hard as soon as it hit the pavement after the marker and I fishtailed a couple times (luckily did not high side), then was OK. I am positive that if I had been on a rear 880 it would not have caught as readily and I would likely have gone down.

If I were to buy a new LT that came from the factory with 880s on it, as part of the purchase agreement I would have them change to radials before I rode it home. Even if it were an '05, I would still put the pre-05 BT020 radials on. I value wet grip absolutely FIRST in requirements, handling second, mileage a VERY distant third. Mileage can save a few bucks, wet grip can save my skin. I value the skin far more than the few bucks. :D

[CWF]

If I were to buy a new LT that came from the factory with 880s on it, as part of the purchase agreement I would have them change to radials before I rode it home. Even if it were an '05, I would still put the pre-05 BT020 radials on. I value wet grip absolutely FIRST in requirements, handling second, mileage a VERY distant third. Mileage can save a few bucks, wet grip can save my skin. I value the skin far more than the few bucks. :D


I think most of us value our skin too...it's just many of us don't agree that the Metz's handle that badly in wet weather.

Of course I've never laid a bike down either so I may not know what I'm talking about.....I don't have Crash-savvy!!! :)

[meese]

You gotta go with whatever you're comfortable with. Some of us just aren't comfortable on ME880s, and some run them just fine. It's a personal choice, though everyone sharing their opinions and experiences can help give a general indication of the differences between tires.

[jkersh1]

The one slip I had was passing up a hill in the rain, hit the lane marker, and had a scary slip. The 020 caught pretty hard as soon as it hit the pavement after the marker and I fishtailed a couple times (luckily did not high side), then was OK. I am positive that if I had been on a rear 880 it would not have caught as readily and I would likely have gone down.. :D


David, I know I should just let this drop as I don’t want to get into a pissing contest here, nor to detract from your analysis. But it's this or be outside doing yard work.

Your posts over the years have been very helpful to me in many aspects of my ownership and maintenance of the LT, and I have great respect for your opinions and conclusions. But, in your slip incident I’d theorize the cause of the fishtailing you experienced was caused by the greater grip of the 020’s themselves when, as you say, “the 020 caught pretty hard as soon as it hit the pavement”. Much as a bike will snap back if you lock the rear brake, slide, and then release the rear brake. Results in a walk on the high side. The reacquisition of grip whether due to a suddenly unlocked wheel or sticky tire compound still yields a thrill ride when the rear tire tries to catch up with the front. Now I have had the LT fishtail when on sloppy, muddy, clay road surfaces but I attribute it to the crappy traction available on the road and not the tires. A little juice straightened things right out. Were tires a factor? Sure, but knobbies for an LT?

As I mentioned earlier I’m not out to change anyone’s mind about tires. I really don’t care, as it boils down to what each rider feels comfortable and confident with. It’s like riding on a patched tire. I don’t feel comfortable doing it and the price of a new tire is worth it. Others will patch and ride ‘til the cords show and not give it a second thought.

Until we test both or all tires, repeatedly, under identical conditions, rider, road, etc. we don’t really know, objectively, what tire works or would have worked “better”. Any volunteers?

[rlv]

Hey Guys,
I Really Did Not Intend To Start Any Arguments About These Tires, But I Will Tell You That I Have Rode Motorcycles For Years And Have Never Had A Bike Slip Out On Me When I Was Being A Good Courtious, Cautious Rider. It Has Done It To Me 2 Times In About 2 Months. Im Serious, These Tires Have Unnerved Me. There Is Something Wrong, Over Inflated, Underflated, Or Just A Slick Tire In Wet Conditions That Does Not Need To Be On A Motorcycle.
Rlv

[meese]

Having been through 6 sets of tires on my '02 LT and four sets on my '99 gives me a pretty good indication of which tires work best for me, in the conditions that I ride. That's the real truth here.

If you're happy with what you're running, so be it. If you're looking for something different, then read all the advice, and go with hat works best for you. Simple enough.

[tmgs]

Having been through 6 sets of tires on my '02 LT and four sets on my '99 gives me a pretty good indication of which tires work best for me, in the conditions that I ride. That's the real truth here.

If you're happy with what you're running, so be it. If you're looking for something different, then read all the advice, and go with hat works best for you. Simple enough.

CLINK! well said,

so run the ME880's <grin>

Get your stuff?

Tom

[dshealey]

David, I know I should just let this drop as I don’t want to get into a pissing contest here, nor to detract from your analysis.

No contest here! I only state my experiences to show that there are great differences in tires for different riders. What suits one will not suit all. No one person can tell any other person what tire (or oil, or spark plug, etc.) will be best for them. Everyone has to test for themselves, and make the decision based on what makes them happiest.

---------But, in your slip incident I’d theorize the cause of the fishtailing you experienced was caused by the greater grip of the 020’s themselves when, as you say, “the 020 caught pretty hard as soon as it hit the pavement”.

Absolutely! That was my point. I think that if I had been using a Metzeler rear at the time, it would not have caught as readily, and instead of a couple quick fishtails I probably would have lowsided.

The incident happened to me in the middle of my 10/10ths ride, I think it was in Missouri, had been in rain all morning, finally got a chance to get around a slow car I had been behind for several miles, gunned it, started around, and "WHOA!!!!. Realized very quickly what had happened, and got my heart slowed back down about 10 minutes later. :D :D

As I mentioned earlier I’m not out to change anyone’s mind about tires. I really don’t care, as it boils down to what each rider feels comfortable and confident with. It’s like riding on a patched tire. I don’t feel comfortable doing it and the price of a new tire is worth it. Others will patch and ride ‘til the cords show and not give it a second thought.

Until we test both or all tires, repeatedly, under identical conditions, rider, road, etc. we don’t really know, objectively, what tire works or would have worked “better”. Any volunteers?

Exactly! As I have said many times, I cannot test tires for you, you cannot test tires for me. I have already put a LOT of miles on many sets of tires "testing" them for my uses, and found the BT020s to be the best overall for ME.

Many people have done much the same, and found that (insert brand or combo here) is best for them. I take issue ONLY with the people who have only run one brand of tire and since they have not fallen down yet, or they get great mileage, call it a great tire. How do they know? If one does not try for themselves, they will never know which is really "best" for them.

Everyone running Metzelers and saying that they have never had a slip, GREAT. But it only takes one slip in the right conditions to make you wonder if another type of tire MAY have prevented it.

[tmgs]

But it only takes one slip in the right conditions to make you wonder if another type of tire MAY have prevented it.

30 years of riding all over, mostly in the SE and most of them in FLorida where rain creates a new meaning.

I'd have to agree with your statement above. I don't think there are many tires I have not run at one time or another I ride hard and I ride hard in the rain, Ask Mike patch <grin>

My fear is them tar snakes they get hot and very slippery had a close call out west one time with me880 and one time in NC with the b-stoned tires. and I will never put another set of dumpalots on my LT or any HD again.

It's a toss up IMHO for my riding style, so I take my experiences and make the best decision for what I use be it tires, oil, spark plugs, glue, or whatever <g>.

That said overall the me 880 does great IMHO. it does good in hard rain it channels the water off really well, I've not had a hydro plane issue with them at high speed, they last as well as can be expected for a tire that grips well.

I've never had a tire slip on dry pavement with them even in hard curves.

Can I make them spin? yes. the lt has enough power to make any tire spin.

Have I had them slip? yes, I've hit a white line in a curve and I'm talking about I was flying.

Have I had it spin on wet, yes I have. I was hard on the throttle no tire would have griped.

I say this because of my years of experience riding. You can make any tire spin or slip in the rain, it's all about throttle control and knowing the limitations of whatever tire or motorcycle you are riding.

Pavement conditions play a large role as well, no one makes a tire that will do _great_ on all pavement conditions in any type of weather.

The point is, well for the new folks to riding (cause ya can't teach old dogs new tricks <g>)

Learn the limitations of you, your motorcycle, your tires, brakes, throttle control through all the rpm ranges every aspect of riding and you will be fine.

Here is some advice. Take your bike to large parking lot when it is dry out practice hard stops leaning, hard throttling get good at it. Then go to parking lot wet someday while it's raining practice over again then, remember no matter what you learn it all changes if a tad of oil is on the highway, or guts from a animal or a little bit of sand you didn't see.

Add water to that and it changes everything more.

Also during a light rain it can be more dangerous. it usually just makes the small amount of oil mix with water and turns the road into a ice skating rink <g> the rain hasn't washed the oil off the road yet.

JMHO
Tom

[stefan]

Stefan,
Are your Michelins radials or bias tires, and what year is your bike that you are installing them on.
How about the grip on wet roads and in the turns on wet roads.

Hi,

They are the Michelin Macadam 50 & 50E and I have not used them myself yet, although others have with very good results. Much better results than I have ever had with Bridgestones and Metzlers. Not sure if they are sold on the US market.

My bike is a 2001 and they should fit all years, as far as I know.

Check http://two-wheels.michelin.com (http://two-wheels.michelin.com/) and select your language in the top right corner and you get all the information you may want about the tires.

Stefan

[meese]

I used the Macadam tires on my '99 LT in Wales. As I remember they handled great and stuck well, but the rear only lasted 3,500 miles.