Metzeler Tires

[Draggon Rider]

I bought the FJR a year ago, used, I have no idea as to how many miles are on these tires.

They are Metzeler Roadtec Z6, there isn't any tread in the center of the tire only on the sides.

My concern is how do I know when to replace the tires?

I checked the Metzeler web site but didn't get any usable information about tread wear.

The treads on the sides of the tire show no wear but the center is starting to show a flat area.

I'm planning a weekend get away in May and wonder if I should replace the tires before then.

Any suggestion?

 

[AethonFJR]

IMHO…..with no tread in the center, NOW is the time to change tires………

There are lots of links about tires on the forum. Scan through FJR Motorcycle Forums/Never Ending Pointless Threads

 

[RadioHowie]

how do I know when to replace the tires?

This SHOULD be a short thread. You answered your own question.

When

there isn't any tread in the center of the tire only on the sides.

 

[Draggon Rider]

IMHO…..with no tread in the center,

That is the way it was designed.

 

[Fastfar]

Trash the Z6's now, and try the M3 Sportecs...only set of Z6's I tried worn out rear tire center first, down to the cords...M3's are sticky, nice profile and gave me an honest 5K on the set.

 

[saread]

I pulled 10.5 K out of my last Z6 and it never let me down. There are wear bars in the tread, you have to really look to see them, but they are there. When they show, change the tire now. Not a week from now...now. Z6's are notorious for showing the cords in short order after they are done. Look for the wear bars. If you go for another Z6, make sure it's the one for the Feej. I believe it's the "C" model for the rear and the "G" model for the front. If you have a Z6 on the rear, be sure to have one on the front. They are designed to work together in the rain - that's how they get away with eliminating the tread in the center of the rear tire.

 

[SkooterG]

Metzelers SUCK.

 

[C&C]

And if they are the orignials, they could be comimg up on five years old, and should be changed regardless.

 

[NYPete]

Here's a link that tells you how to read the wear bars on a Z6

Z6 Wearbars

NYPete

 

[scubatech]

That is a good informative post Pete, Thanks.

 

[fjrob1300]

Well now I put 9 thousand miles on my last set of Z6s. I really thought they were a great tire. They took me on my monthlong Florida trip and to NAFO and back from Ontario Canada. I will buy again.

My 2c

 

[rfespinosa]

I have had about 4 sets of Z6's and I find them to be very good tires, I will continue to buy them. The post by NYPete has the info needed to read the tread wear. Good job Pete.

Ron

 

[bikesniffer]

Metzelers SUCK.

+1

 

[petey]

Metzelers SUCK.

BIG TIME! :angry:

 

[kolonial72]

Ah, at last, some timely, well-thought-out, logical arguments against Metzlers. <_<

Thanks for heling the original poster with your wisdom!

 

[RadioHowie]

Ah, at last, some timely, well-thought-out, logical arguments against Metzlers. <_<
Thanks for heling the original poster with your wisdom!

Trust me, irony AIN'T yer strong suit.

If someone like SkooterG, who has over 140,000 miles ON AN FJR speaks about what is good, or not good, for an FJR, you oughta listen.

As to helping the original poster, not counting your weak sauce attempt at sarcasm:

7 out of 14 of the posts in this thread indicate the Z6 is a less than optimal choice for the FJR.

2 1/2 of 14 are positive about the Z6.

5 of the 14 suggest dumping the tire because of wear or age.

What more needs to be added?

 

[Change]

Whoa. Nice stats.

I have had Z6's on the bike since I bought it new 15,000 miles ago. I see no tread wear indicators, and they still are sticky.

And no, they never had tread in the middle.

My experience will lead me to buy them again when the current set goes the way of all things.

 

[kolonial72]

Whoa. Nice stats.
I have had Z6's on the bike since I bought it new 15,000 miles ago. I see no tread wear indicators, and they still are sticky.

And no, they never had tread in the middle.

My experience will lead me to buy them again when the current set goes the way of all things.

+1.

Sorry if I ruffled some feathers...okay, no I'm not, I enjoy ruffling feathers. Occasionally, that is.

I only got 11.5k out of my Z6's. I had never seen the wear bar info that Pete posted. Thanks, Pete. From what I read on that site, I changed the tires out a bit early. Ah well, live and learn.

Let's see if I can get 14k out of my second set of unwise, P.O.S. Z6's!

 

[OkieBikerDude]

I would like to know what experience(s) caused some of you to form a negitive opinion about Metzeler Roadtec Z6's. I installed Metzeler's after the original Bridgestones gave up at the 6k mark and plan to stay with them. On other bikes I've had Dunlops and Michelins. Metzelers have been the best for my riding style.

Just interested in hearing from veteran (old) riders.

OBD