Good News on Metzler Z6s

[turbodave_98]

My 06 AE just turned 10.3 K miles today and I put on a set of Pirelli Diablo tires f&r. The good news IMHO, is that the OEM Metzler Z6s still had about another 1k on them. The rear actually had more tread remaining than the front tire. I had noticed that my steering had become a little heavy and after putting on the new rubber, I am sure it was the wear on the front, but there was no cupping that I could see. My riding for the 10.3K was about an equal combo of town, twisty mountains and slabs. I ride it aggressively for an "Ole Foggie Rider" but do not abuse it with jackrabbit starts, nor carry any pillions!!

I have used Z6s on my 05 FJR(2 sets) and my Honda ST 1100 and I really like them on both bikes. The reason for changing to Diablos is to see if they are superior to Z6s plus I got them at a very low price and they were new.

thought some of you folks would like to know this, so have at it...

 

[Indian Scout]

My 06 AE just turned 10.3 K miles today and I put on a set of Pirelli Diablo tires f&r. The good news IMHO, is that the OEM Metzler Z6s still had about another 1k on them. The rear actually had more tread remaining than the front tire. I had noticed that my steering had become a little heavy and after putting on the new rubber, I am sure it was the wear on the front, but there was no cupping that I could see. My riding for the 10.3K was about an equal combo of town, twisty mountains and slabs. I ride it aggressively for an "Ole Foggie Rider" but do not abuse it with jackrabbit starts, nor carry any pillions!!I have used Z6s on my 05 FJR(2 sets) and my Honda ST 1100 and I really like them on both bikes. The reason for changing to Diablos is to see if they are superior to Z6s plus I got them at a very low price and they were new.

thought some of you folks would like to know this, so have at it...

I was hoping my FJR would come with Z6's but it came with Bridgestones. Don't know how they will work as I only have a little over 600 miles on them and haven't rode in the rain yet.

I have had 3 set of Z6's on my BMW 1150RT and got at least 13,000 out of each set. No cupping at all and they are great in the rain. :clapping:

 

[SkooterG]

Just say "NO" to Metz Z6s!

 

[skyway]

I was hoping my FJR would come with Z6's but it came with Bridgestones. Don't know how they will work as I only have a little over 600 miles on them and haven't rode in the rain yet.

If you want the front Bridgestone to last any length of time, make sure it has around 40 psi or it will cup badly and fast.

 

[turbodave_98]

Just say "NO" to Metz Z6s!

To each his own Greg! IMNSHO, One of the great things about the USA is that we have freedom to make choices.

 

[skyway]

Just say "NO" to Metz Z6s!

To each his own Greg! IMNSHO, One of the great things about the USA is that we have freedom to make choices.

I think I remember reading somewhere that the Z6 has now been changed and hopefully will prevent any tread seperation. But some of the photo's floating around sure make me a more than a little nervous about this tire.

 

[Mike-H]

Just say "NO" to Metz Z6s!

To each his own Greg! IMNSHO, One of the great things about the USA is that we have freedom to make choices.

Here in Canada too turbodave (freedom of choice thing)....I've never had a problem with metz's, but am trying the Pirelli because they bought Metz...the only difference is I'm putting a diablo on the front & a diablo strata E on the rear....(I've heard that the parent company usually keeps their latest & greatest formulas for their own products & use the older formulas on their acquisition companies (Metz).... we all know that Skooter as of late has spent more time lying down on his bike then riding on it's tires (& as he has gotten older he has become close minded unlike turbodave).....still admire the playa though...for his iron butt mentality....despite his prejudices....

 

[03silverbullet]

My 06 AE just turned 10.3 K miles today and I put on a set of Pirelli Diablo tires f&r. The good news IMHO, is that the OEM Metzler Z6s still had about another 1k on them. The rear actually had more tread remaining than the front tire. I had noticed that my steering had become a little heavy and after putting on the new rubber, I am sure it was the wear on the front, but there was no cupping that I could see. My riding for the 10.3K was about an equal combo of town, twisty mountains and slabs. I ride it aggressively for an "Ole Foggie Rider" but do not abuse it with jackrabbit starts, nor carry any pillions!!I have used Z6s on my 05 FJR(2 sets) and my Honda ST 1100 and I really like them on both bikes. The reason for changing to Diablos is to see if they are superior to Z6s plus I got them at a very low price and they were new.

thought some of you folks would like to know this, so have at it...

The Diablo should be about the same as the Z6 however, I found the Diablo's to last longer.

Check out the Michelin Pilot Road 2 Thread

 

[Indian Scout]

I was hoping my FJR would come with Z6's but it came with Bridgestones. Don't know how they will work as I only have a little over 600 miles on them and haven't rode in the rain yet.

If you want the front Bridgestone to last any length of time, make sure it has around 40 psi or it will cup badly and fast.

Thanks Skyway for the heads up. Thats the problem I had with the Dunlop's that came OEM on my BMW, cupped real bad in a short time.

I will try to carry about 41 lbs in the front, however I am bad about checking tire presure.. Will probably order a Hydration Kit one of these days.

 

[painman]

Where the heck is TWN when you need him? Durn kids....PM. <><

 

[FJRocket]

My AE had uder 10K when I threw away the OEM Metz. At about 8K I thought I could eek a couple more grand out of them. Then I nearly crashed twice. Everyone wears at different rates, of course. But when it looks like the tire still has good tred, but the front end won't hold a damp curve at the speed limit, that's NOT good.

YMMV, but IMO, when you get to the point that you THINK you can get more miles out of a Z6, throw them away. As has been mentioned before, these tires seem to do fairly well until somewhat close to the ends of their lives. Then they go to ****. Dump 'em before they dump you!

 

[HaulinAshe]

Have there been any external signs of the tread separation on the Z6s? Or, does it only show up at a tire change or blow out?

 

[Luke]

The Z6's handled great but the last bit of life in them is deceiving and goes away quickly! They lasted 4500 miles. At 4200 miles I thought they had enough tread for the weekend ride but had to replace the rear while out of town.

Probably had sumpin to do with my right wrist though.

BTW, the steel belt was barely visible at a couple of places in the center of the tread when it was replaced.

 

[bmwhd]

Here's an idea for a drinking game: For every photo of a failed Z6 you can find, I'll match it with a failed (separated) BT020 photo. First one to run out of pics buys the round.

 

[keithaba]

Here's an idea for a drinking game: For every photo of a failed Z6 you can find, I'll match it with a failed (separated) BT020 photo. First one to run out of pics buys the round.

Ready, Set..... Go

Crap I have no photos.... Oh well, lets go get drunk! :yahoo:

 

[Scab]

Here's an idea for a drinking game: For every photo of a failed Z6 you can find, I'll match it with a failed (separated) BT020 photo. First one to run out of pics buys the round.

For real? You have documented BT020 seperations? Was this on an FJR? Curious.

 

[twowheelnut]

Where the heck is TWN when you need him? Durn kids....PM. <><

Outta shear respect for TD, I shall refrain from my usual diatribe regarding this tire. But, for the life of me, I don't know why an image of a big pile of steaming elephant **** keeps popping up. :dntknw:

 

[Inlaw1]

Glad I ditched the Z6's. The Stones are much more predictable. Turn in is a lot more fun than with the Metzlers. Don't think I'll get anymore mileage out of the Stones, getting about 4700 out of the rear Metz, but I'll take confidence over mileage any day (on a sporting machine).