Metzler Z8

[clocklaw]

Understand, I'm not sure what Ross Kean did to his in 3k miles from the looks of that pic. My mistake, just realized that tire belonged to clocklaw.

I rode the heck out of it....almost every mile 2-up and every mile at proper pressure (40 to 42 psi)....I did my best to spend more time on the sides than in the middle. Keep in mind, that my 2-up might be more like 3-up for some of you lightweights, but I can't imagine that I would have gotten 5,000 more miles out of it if I was rolling at 200lbs lighter....and even if I did, that should translate into 10,000 on the Angels.

Possible that the most interesting information that I have received since contacting Metzeler is that they are a Pirelli company....so it is quite possible that the Z8 and the Angel are more alike than we realize. :huh:

 

[TC'sFJR]

Understand, I'm not sure what Ross Kean did to his in 3k miles from the looks of that pic. My mistake, just realized that tire belonged to clocklaw.

I rode the heck out of it....almost every mile 2-up and every mile at proper pressure (40 to 42 psi)....I did my best to spend more time on the sides than in the middle. Keep in mind, that my 2-up might be more like 3-up for some of you lightweights, but I can't imagine that I would have gotten 5,000 more miles out of it if I was rolling at 200lbs lighter....and even if I did, that should translate into 10,000 on the Angels.

Possible that the most interesting information that I have received since contacting Metzeler is that they are a Pirelli company....so it is quite possible that the Z8 and the Angel are more alike than we realize. :huh:

I would say that you certainly did! I didn't know that Metzler was a Pirelli company either. I had a set of Angels before too, they were the stickiest tires I've had on this bike, but I only got a little over 4k on them. I only ride solo, and only weigh 165 lbs., but I still don't know how your tire got like that in 3k!!!

 

[Spud]

Are you guys using the "C" spec rear?

A website selling them says "180/55ZR17 "C" is designed for heavy sport-touring bikes"

 

[LAF]

Are you guys using the "C" spec rear?

A website selling them says "180/55ZR17 "C" is designed for heavy sport-touring bikes"

Mine was a c. I spend it on the PR2 and any tire I put on the FJR. Not sure if it does any good on wear indication which was my only bitch on the tire.

 

[pcarnut]

I'll add some feedback too.

Just got back from a ride to Banff/Jasper from Sacramento. Total round trip was about 3800 miles. Started with new Z8s front and rear. Nice handling tire at first. About half way through the ride the front started cupping and then giving a ride that felt like it was out of balance. The vibration was a pain but what was worse was, as we got up to the Banff area, the temps dropped and we hit rain for a couple of days. These were the scariest tires I think I've ever ridden in cold/wet weather. I felt lucky to get to the hotel that night. Very high pucker factor. Only positive note to add is that at 3800 miles the rear is wearing better than the Angel I had on there previously, and still has decent tread, I think. I have a Road Smart II I'll be trying on the front here shortly. I will not be buying Z8s again.

 

[TC'sFJR]

I'll add some feedback too.

Just got back from a ride to Banff/Jasper from Sacramento. Total round trip was about 3800 miles. Started with new Z8s front and rear. Nice handling tire at first. About half way through the ride the front started cupping and then giving a ride that felt like it was out of balance. The vibration was a pain but what was worse was, as we got up to the Banff area, the temps dropped and we hit rain for a couple of days. These were the scariest tires I think I've ever ridden in cold/wet weather. I felt lucky to get to the hotel that night. Very high pucker factor. Only positive note to add is that at 3800 miles the rear is wearing better than the Angel I had on there previously, and still has decent tread, I think. I have a Road Smart II I'll be trying on the front here shortly. I will not be buying Z8s again.

To each his own, I have 3200 miles on my second set of Z8's, and barely see any wear yet.

 

[pcarnut]

To each his own, I have 3200 miles on my second set of Z8's, and barely see any wear yet.

Wear on the rear has been fine, at nearly 4k miles I expect I'll get 6-7k, about the same as the prior Angel. Front tire and wet weather were the issues. Mounted a Road Smart II yesterday and a short ride didn't impress but I'll give it some time. Seemed to turn in slower and need slight counter-pressure to hold a line but that may also be due to the wear on the rear or maybe Metzlers and Road Smarts just don't play nicely together.

 

[LAF]

Again I say The Z* is a very nice tire in handling, grip and ride.

Never had any issues in cold or wet with grip.

The issue is end of life is on you with NO Warning. That is my only issue with the tire. I wore mine out running 5000 miles with 150 + lbs of gear at some extended high speed runs over a sustained period of time. Out west 80=90 plus to stay alive.

I hate to see the trashing of the tire when it is a great tire when it has life in it, just knowing how much life is the issue.

If you read the forum you will see that is their rap not being able to tell wear. Other then that part, it is a great tire. If no trips are planned it is a great commuting tire and around close to home running. Not a tire to run cross country on unless you run them often enough to know what you get out of them mileage wise.