Metzeler MEZ4 review

[Hailwood]

Well just had to replace the Pirelli Scorpion Syncs on the Buell and looked around before settling on the MEZ4.

Have just come back from the Buell national rally on the weekend and covered just under 1000kms from Wellington to Karamea on West coast and back.

The roads were a mixture of dry Wairau Valley to wet Buller Gorge complete with green moss lines so a good range of conditions.

The bike was sure footed in all situations (It is a Buell Ulysses after all) but the tyres were great. No movement on any surface inclusing the moss lines and also the random pea gravel located through the Buller Gorge always on the line through a corner.

Only 1000kms in but I like them a lot...will report back as tyres wear on.

Size Front 120/70/17 Rear 180/55/17 purchased from TSS in Lower Hutt for under $500 for the set...good value as well

[MSTRS:Me]

Didn't know they were still making that tyre. I had them on a GSXR1100...went ok, then replaced them with Z6s...preferred those.

[merv]

Be interesting to see how they last for you as I found them a disappointing tyre on my VFR as per these threads:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=64273

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...913#post483913

[pritch]

Didn't know they were still making that tyre. I had them on a GSXR1100...went ok, then replaced them with Z6s...preferred those.

I was happy with the Z6s so didn't feel the need to try the MEZ4 when it was re-issued. Still not sure what Metzeler were up to with that.

[Mishy]

Still not sure what Metzeler were up to with that.

In a word, Price
Same goes for the original Pilot Road

[James Deuce]

Intrigued to see the positive comments about the Z4's and Z6's. Mind you I like Continental Motions so I can't really talk I guess.

[cowboyz]

YMMV or should that be YMWV?

Put Z4 on the 9 a while back. I have run conti race/road attack, pirelli supers/stradas/diablos michy PR/ PR2 /2CT and the Z4 was the most uncomfortable, 'loose' ride out of all of them.. It the wet it was downright dangerous. Took Mrs C on a wander for a bit and even taking it really easy with her on the back the back tyre stepped out twice. At $400 a set ya cant complain about the price though.

[Owl]

YMMV or should that be YMWV?

Put Z4 on the 9 a while back. I have run conti race/road attack, pirelli supers/stradas/diablos michy PR/ PR2 /2CT and the Z4 was the most uncomfortable, 'loose' ride out of all of them.. It the wet it was downright dangerous. Took Mrs C on a wander for a bit and even taking it really easy with her on the back the back tyre stepped out twice. At $400 a set ya cant complain about the price though.

Oh joy! I think the new Bonne comes fitted with Z4's. Sounds like they were a replacement for the hideous Z2 of the 90's (slippery when wet).

[Mishy]

the Z4 was the most uncomfortable, 'loose' ride out of all of them.. It the wet it was downright dangerous. .

Yeah, they are one of the older designs that simply don't have any zero degree belting, which has a lot to do with stability.
I cut one to bits (along with a heap of other modles) for a look a while ago, and compared to modern tyres it looks like they left something out !