Metzler Z8s anyone?

[Scruffygit]

Has anyone used the Metzler Z8 and got opinions they would like to share?

If they have been fitted to a Blackbird even better because the Avons currently fitted to mine don't have much life left in them.

Thanks.

[Andy67]

Has anyone used the Metzler Z8 and got opinions they would like to share?

If they have been fitted to a Blackbird even better because the Avons currently fitted to mine don't have much life left in them.

Thanks.

Got one on the rear of the K bike which is pretty brutal on tyres. Im getting another one.

[Hitcher]

I ran a set of Z8s on my GSX1250FA. Not bad wear-wise, compared with some other sets this bike has eated. Not the sharpest steering tyre but few obvious bad habits. A friend's wife has a set on her SVF650 and loves them.

[Andy67]

I ran a set of Z8s on my GSX1250FA. Not bad wear-wise, compared with some other sets this bike has eated. Not the sharpest steering tyre but few obvious bad habits. A friend's wife has a set on her SVF650 and loves them.

interested in bad habits mate, ive noticed none, wet dry cold warm day night or otherwise......im 3/4 done at 4500 kms which is significantly better than "others", that said PR3 is getting good rep from my mates

[Madness]

I've had one on the back of the ZX12 for about 4,000 K's and it's wearing well. It's broken traction a couple of times in the hills but it's a predictable tyre and so far hasn't been scary like the Pirelli Angels were a few sets ago. I'll buy another rear probably and continue to run an M5 on the front, just for the mixed pair haters.

[Andy67]

I've had one on the back of the ZX12 for about 4,000 K's and it's wearing well. It's broken traction a couple of times in the hills but it's a predictable tyre and so far hasn't been scary like the Pirelli Angels were a few sets ago. I'll buy another rear probably and continue to run an M5 on the front, just for the mixed pair haters.

its like we are twins bro, thats what i run, best combo yet.....popular mix with busa too

[Scruffygit]

I've had one on the back of the ZX12 for about 4,000 K's and it's wearing well. It's broken traction a couple of times in the hills but it's a predictable tyre and so far hasn't been scary like the Pirelli Angels were a few sets ago. I'll buy another rear probably and continue to run an M5 on the front, just for the mixed pair haters.

I was wondering about that combo. I currently run a Storm Ultra on the rear and a Viper Sport on the front, a combo that has been approved by Avon. The sportier front makes the old girl a bit sharper and has a similar wear rate to the rear.

[Madness]

The Z8 comes in 190/55, a pre-requisite when purchasing tyres for the 12. The sharper profile of the rear works fine with a 120/70 front and yes, similar wear rate as long as a 2:1 rear to front ratio is what you consider similar.

[Andy67]

I was wondering about that combo. I currently run a Storm Ultra on the rear and a Viper Sport on the front, a combo that has been approved by Avon. The sportier front makes the old girl a bit sharper and has a similar wear rate to the rear.

i ran M5s front and back fo a bit (2 sets) great tyres just the rears didnt last past 5kms. honestly havent noticed the difference in handling since i swapped to z8 rear, profile to the naked eye looks idntical, tread pattern even is hard to differentiate.

[Scruffygit]

The Z8 comes in 190/55, a pre-requisite when purchasing tyres for the 12. The sharper profile of the rear works fine with a 120/70 front and yes, similar wear rate as long as a 2:1 rear to front ratio is what you consider similar.

No such problems with tyre sizes fortunately. Wear rate was more in the order of 2:1.7, really annoying.

Just had a look at the Metzler web site and the M5 is approved for the ZX12 and the K1200 but not the Blackbird. Could just be a case of not having tested one on the 'Bird so will drop them an e-mail.

[Scruffygit]

i ran M5s front and back fo a bit (2 sets) great tyres just the rears didnt last past 5kms.

Not good. The Storm rear lasts 6k miles before it even starts squaring off. Having said that I'm not a track god with a lead wrist so I'm quite conservative in my riding.

[Cloggy]

First set of tyres I have owned where the front hasn't triangulated. Got 8k on them now. The rear needs replacing soon, might get another 1k out of it.
A lot of these kays have been done riding two up (our combined weight is over 180kg), on a heavy-ish bike and with side cases and top box loaded.
So from that respect I am quite happy with the mileage. I have the "C" version tyre on the rear designed for heavier bikes and loads.
I would like to replace with another set of Z8's. I like the fact these tyres are not dual compound and therefore haven't got the softer rubber on the edges which wore out prematurely on the previous set of tyres.

[Andy67]

First set of tyres I have owned where the front hasn't triangulated. Got 8k on them now. The rear needs replacing soon, might get another 1k out of it.
A lot of these kays have been done riding two up (our combined weight is over 180kg), on a heavy-ish bike and with side cases and top box loaded.
So from that respect I am quite happy with the mileage. I have the "C" version tyre on the rear designed for heavier bikes and loads.
I would like to replace with another set of Z8's. I like the fact these tyres are not dual compound and therefore haven't got the softer rubber on the edges which wore out prematurely on the previous set of tyres.

Good Ks good to know

[Andy67]

No such problems with tyre sizes fortunately. Wear rate was more in the order of 2:1.7, really annoying.

Just had a look at the Metzler web site and the M5 is approved for the ZX12 and the K1200 but not the Blackbird. Could just be a case of not having tested one on the 'Bird so will drop them an e-mail.

They will be fine for the bird

[spanner spinner]

I have got these fitted to my bird, good predicatable tyre very netural steering as you would expect from a sport touring tyre good wear so far haven't worn they out yet only fitted a couple thousand ks ago. Suit the birds suspension setup well.