Switched to me880's on my 07

[Phugedaboudet]

My stock Bridgestone tires were worn scary-bad on the front in less than 5800 miles. The rear was showing the wear bars for a couple of weeks too. These tires see commute daily over San Jose's roads and highways (tar snakes, grooved pavement for 5 mile sections, etc). I don't drag the pegs (clipped em a few times) and have never taken it for a track day.

The yahoo FJR group I'm in recommended the Me880s as a suitably sticky and longer wearing replacement, but the rear tire is not available in the 180/55 size but in a 170/60. Group members who actually do trackdays said they didn't notice an appreciable difference in traction with the narrower width, and reported much better mileage (over 8K in harder riding).

So Sunday, my buddy leads me on a 170 mile lower Bay area excursion, which brought us thru Norris Canyon area and along Calaveras Road-some of the tightest curved roads I've ever swung the FJR around.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calaveras_Road

Tires functioned without a hitch and I found that handling felt "lighter"-it was easier to transition from one lean to another with the narrower back tire, and cornering felt more confident with the stiffer sidewalls. Caught the footpegs a few times and scuffed all the way up to the chicken stripes, the tires didn't scare me once.

The stiffer sidewall makes the ride on highways at speed noticeably rougher-I had my rear shock set to the 2 up setting, but had my bags off in case of accident. For longer rides I'll need to switch it back I think.

So now the only remaining test is longevity. If they give me 8K then I'll be perfectly satisfied.

BTW, was it any of you on the 08 FJR (Black) headed south (towards downtown) on I-280 Sunday afternoon? I was the guy following the maniac on the bright yellow and black XJ going the opposite direction at less than legal speeds

 

[Roy Epperson]

The yahoo FJR group I'm in recommended the Me880s as a suitably sticky and longer wearing replacement, but the rear tire is not available in the 180/55 size but in a 170/60. Group members who actually do trackdays said they didn't notice an appreciable difference in traction with the narrower width, and reported much better mileage (over 8K in harder riding).
So Sunday, my buddy leads me on a 170 mile lower Bay area excursion, which brought us thru Norris Canyon area and along Calaveras Road-some of the tightest curved roads I've ever swung the FJR around.

What's the URL to the Yahoo Group? I'm in Foster City.

I loved that road on my Roadstar can't wait to try it with my new '07 FJR once I get comfortable with it!

 

[dcarver]

My stock Bridgestone tires were worn scary-bad on the front in less than 5800 miles. The rear was showing the wear bars for a couple of weeks too. These tires see commute daily over San Jose's roads and highways (tar snakes, grooved pavement for 5 mile sections, etc). I don't drag the pegs (clipped em a few times) and have never taken it for a track day.
The yahoo FJR group I'm in recommended the Me880s as a suitably sticky and longer wearing replacement, but the rear tire is not available in the 180/55 size but in a 170/60. Group members who actually do trackdays said they didn't notice an appreciable difference in traction with the narrower width, and reported much better mileage (over 8K in harder riding).

So Sunday, my buddy leads me on a 170 mile lower Bay area excursion, which brought us thru Norris Canyon area and along Calaveras Road-some of the tightest curved roads I've ever swung the FJR around.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calaveras_Road

Tires functioned without a hitch and I found that handling felt "lighter"-it was easier to transition from one lean to another with the narrower back tire, and cornering felt more confident with the stiffer sidewalls. Caught the footpegs a few times and scuffed all the way up to the chicken stripes, the tires didn't scare me once.

The stiffer sidewall makes the ride on highways at speed noticeably rougher-I had my rear shock set to the 2 up setting, but had my bags off in case of accident. For longer rides I'll need to switch it back I think.

So now the only remaining test is longevity. If they give me 8K then I'll be perfectly satisfied.

BTW, was it any of you on the 08 FJR (Black) headed south (towards downtown) on I-280 Sunday afternoon? I was the guy following the maniac on the bright yellow and black XJ going the opposite direction at less than legal speeds

How are they lasting?

 

[luvtoride]

I am guessing that they probably lasted a long time as long as he didn't slide off the road first. From what I understand, this is probably not a good pick for the canyon carving bunch... The compound being pretty hard & all. They're probably fine on flatness.

I understand that a user should be especially weary of these in colder weather.

 

[Khunajawdge]

The yahoo FJR group I'm in recommended the Me880s as a suitably sticky and longer wearing replacement, but the rear tire is not available in the 180/55 size but in a 170/60. Group members who actually do trackdays said they didn't notice an appreciable difference in traction with the narrower width, and reported much better mileage (over 8K in harder riding).

I have gone through 3 of these Metzeler ME 880's in the size above, and am currently on #4. I get almost 6500 per rear tire. They beat the competition ie. Bridgestones and Avons hands down. Me Likes em' ALOT!

The new Michelin Pilot Road II's look interesting though!

 

[HaulinAshe]

Just in case you care what I had to say about the ME880.

Haulin Ashe Report on ME880

One thing we've determined for sure. ME880s of just two years ago are not the same tire as today. The compound appears to be getting harder/exhibiting less grip, so the result is an ever-decreasing wet traction and allergic reaction to colder temps.

Please beware of that tire below 50F and in the rain. It's a good 80% rear. Personally, I would not ever run one on the front.

Just my $.02

 

[AIRHEAD#124]

Just replaced ME880 Front & Rear; 2nd set. Front & Rear last appox 6500mi; I like the wear out of the SET at the same time & they handle just Fine in the Calif. Sun

Life's Good Enjoy