Metzeler Z8 Interacts for a Suzuki GSX1250FA

**Hitcher** · 11th August 2011, 19:02

A first tyre change today. Off with the scruffy old Bridgestone Battlax 021s. On with the brand spanking Metzeler Z8 Interacts.

"So what happened to those Dunlop Roadsmarts you had your heart set on a mere few days ago, Hitcher?"

Well... They're a bit pricey, actually. I should have remembered that from Flagstaff Arizona three years ago. They were pricey there too. Also I've been talking with Bandit riders, and even some Suzuki riders who ride other models, like Hyabusas for example. And, thanks to the power of the Internet, there are many interesting and even informative forums that discuss tyres. The best of those are even beautifully punctuated and spelt.

"Have you taken them for a ride yet, Hitcher?"

Well... Yes I have.

"And..."

I've run about 80km onto them. First impressions on largely dry roads are positive.

I have previously run a couple of sets of Metzeler Z6s. One thing that always impressed me about those was how they didn't clump harshly over catseyes or similar surface projections. The Z8s are the same.

They're also an otherwise quiet tyre. Some tyres like to sing on grooved surfaces, some quite loudly. Not so the Z8s.

Braking? No skitterishness. Mind you, most sports touring tyres I've used have been predictable under hard braking.

Cornering? Well there's the biggest difference with their Battlax predecessors. They're just lovely, particularly their willingness to offer more when asked in tightening curves, or if a rider decides to change line or increase pace in a corner. They don't want to stand up if brakes are applied during cornering. All of those attributes are different to the 021s, very different.

I also like the way a cornering bike rolls around them, smoothly and predictably.

My next tests will be on wet surfaces. Mr MetVUW says I may not have to wait too long for that.

No points out of 10 at this time, but I am well encouraged by what lies ahead.

**riffer** · 11th August 2011, 19:46

Gah!

Spelt (Triticum spelta) is a hexaploid species of wheat.

**riffer** · 11th August 2011, 19:47

I am, however, interested to hear how the Z8s fare. I currently have my favourites - the Conti RoadAttacks on my Bandit, and shall be looking for replacements soon enough...

**SPman** · 11th August 2011, 19:49

Sounds good...I'm close to a new set for the XJR...currently looking at PR3's, but will await your next report with interest. I've always had a good opinion of the Z6, so the Z8 could be a contender.

**Hitcher** · 11th August 2011, 19:59

Originally Posted by riffer

Gah!

Spelt (Triticum spelta) is a hexaploid species of wheat.

And spelled is a wee lie down.

**Hitcher** · 11th August 2011, 20:02

Originally Posted by SPman

currently looking at PR3s

These are pretty sharply priced at the moment. But I guess my thinking was coloured by my PR2 experience and the fact that PR3s look like they've got way too many grooves cut into them. But I will be swayed by science, particularly when the Ashhurst Mob wear theirs out.

**banditrider** · 11th August 2011, 20:13

Originally Posted by Hitcher

These are pretty sharply priced at the moment. But I guess my thinking was coloured by my PR2 experience and the fact that PR3s look like they've got way too many grooves cut into them. But I will be swayed by science, particularly when the Ashhurst Mob wear theirs out.

When I was a Bandit rider I almost always rode on whatever was the latest Metzler (I think I had one set of pirellis somewhere along the way) and always liked them for their wet weather performance and reasonable wear.

After experimenting a bit on the Connie I am very happy with PR2's but now trying the 3's.

My mate on his 1200 Bandit is currently on his second set of PR2's (after wearing Metzlers for a fair chunk of the 75k his done on the bike) and after initially not liking the wet weather performance is now sold on them as he got around 14k from his first set and the pricing is normally pretty good.

Incidentally I've not had any issues on the Connie in the wet with PR2's - that extra weight probably assisting there. I'm getting 11-12k out of them and hoping for good things on the 3's...

**yod** · 11th August 2011, 20:18

Originally Posted by Hitcher

These are pretty sharply priced at the moment. But I guess my thinking was coloured by my PR2 experience and the fact that PR3s look like they've got way too many grooves cut into them. But I will be swayed by science, particularly when the Ashhurst Mob wear theirs out.

How did the PR3s compare with the Z8s pricewise?

I'm a PR2 convert currently but don't have long to go until a new set is necessary.

**Hitcher** · 11th August 2011, 20:27

Originally Posted by yod

How did the PR3s compare with the Z8s pricewise?

You shouldn't spot much difference. Also Michelin's offering a free digital pressure gauge with every set of PR3s sold. While stocks last.

**riffer** · 11th August 2011, 21:12

It will be interesting to see how they wear.

On my GSF1250S the rear tyre has worn to about 2mm from the edge (i'm only commuting but), while the front has worn right to the edge (Conti RoadAttacks).

Totally different to the RF900R which just can't use the last 10mm or so on the front.

Did you get right to the edges of both tyres with the Battlaxes?

**Hitcher** · 11th August 2011, 21:55

Originally Posted by riffer

Did you get right to the edges of both tyres with the Battlaxes?

I wouldn't have pushed the front to that extent, largely because I didn't trust it. The rear was worn to about 3mm from the edge.

**ynot slow** · 12th August 2011, 07:26

All good info,I did 18000km on PR2 and interesting is almost every bandit has tyres other than oem replaced,found the michelin perfect but at last change the budget deemed a cheaper replacement set,so had pirelli diablo in mind to get by for a good price,but thought to try the cheaper full bore and aren't bad,in wet all good,have done 4000km or so and showing good wear,having traded bike in be interested in total mileage they will do on a heavy bike.

**MSTRS:Me** · 12th August 2011, 09:00

Originally Posted by ynot slow

All good info,I did 18000km on PR2 and interesting is almost every bandit has tyres other than oem replaced,found the michelin perfect but at last change the budget deemed a cheaper replacement set,so had pirelli diablo in mind to get by for a good price,but thought to try the cheaper full bore and aren't bad,in wet all good,have done 4000km or so and showing good wear,having traded bike in be interested in total mileage they will do on a heavy bike.

You do know that straight-line riding doesn't count?