Metzeler Roadtec Interact Z6's in '08 FJR?

[Steve Wetterling]

I have 5K on my '08 FJR. Ripped through my Bridgestone B021's quicker than I would have guessed, though thinking of trying the Metzeler Roadtec Interact Z6's.

Any feedback from those that have done so is appreciated.

Apologies for not searching the forums for prior threads....

thx,

steve

 

[Ignacio]

Try the Best of NEPRT.

 

[sullivan]

My front 021 made it to maybe 6000m before needing replacement in the middle of 09 CFR. Have 9700 on rear and not due just yet.

 

[El Cajone]

I bought my new '07 FJR last year and now count myself fortunate that it came installed with Z6's as OEM. I put 12000 miles on these tires last year in all kinds of weather and road conditions. For about 80% of those miles the bike was loaded with 100 - 125 lbs. of camping gear and I weigh about 230 myself. The front tire definitely needs to be replaced; the tread is worn out and there is some cupping but the carcass/structure is still intact. I could probably go another 500 or 1000 mi. on the rear tire but I'll replace both at the same time when I put the bike back on the road in March.

Whenever I tune into this thread, I'm always amazed reading the posts where guys are braggin' about getting 4000 or 5000 or 6000 mi on a set of Bridgestones, Avons, Dunlops whatever. That's not even close to the Z6s and according to some of the reviews I've read, I'm not the only one getting both great mileage and performance from these tires. In fact, I've been meaning to put up a post with some pics called "Metzler's Don't Get No Respect" and I'll do it as soon as I get a bit of time.

The Z6 Interact is a new tire that replaces the Z6. Metzler promotes it as an "evolution of perfection", an oxymoron if there ever was one. Putting the marketing ******** aside, apparently they've tweaked the steel belt and rubber compound and I just hope they've made the tire better. You probably won't find too many riders who've had a chance to give it a long term tryout though.

These new Z6s will be my replacement tire. I'm not even looking at anything else.

 

[SLK50]

OK, I'll bite. I waited patiently for 9300 miles for my Z6s to wear out and finally gave up.

Feedback was non-existent, the front end had a nervous twitch from day one and handling

after about 5000 miles was so heavy it could be likened to driving a garbage truck.

In comparison, BT021s exploited virtues of the FJR that someone my age should have

considered less than prudent. Their life expectancy, however, could be measured with

a stopwatch.

I'm currently riding on PR2s and they seem like the best compromise: after about 5000 miles

handling hasn't deteriorated appreciably ( though slightly heavier ) and they seem capable

of lasting a couple of thousand more miles. We'll see.

For me, at least for now, PR2s look to be the best option.

I hope the new Interact Z6s are indeed an improvement over the old.

 

[650cent]

I'm planning on giving them a try after my trip to San Diego at the end of March. For some reason I am a sucker for big words and marketing ******** :fool:

Bill

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

I was very pleased with the performance and wear from the Metzeler Z6's that I have ridden on. Admittedly, I no longer ride like Ben Spies (or Wes Cooley, from my younger days).

My OEM Z6's lasted over 10k miles.

The second set lasted 8500, including a puncture in the rear tire (sticky string repair worked fine).

I bought Michelin PR2's most recently when their price was within 3 or four dollars of another set of Z6's. Time will tell how they hold up, but those who've had them seem to like them.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Here's a Motorcycle USA brief ride review dated 2/26/09. I may try a set if there is a great deal at some point.

Interact Z6 review

 

[Fred W]

Try the Best of NEPRT.

Not covered (yet)

The Interact is a new version of the Z6. Looks good if you can elieve the hype. A few first hand experiences would be even better. I'd consider them, but right now they are priced way too high.