Metzler Question

["Tom Brown" <tbrown@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ken:

>This morning I had a flat on my RT's rear tire.

I had a rash of rear tire flats on my Z4s and quit using them.  Flats went
away.   Don't ask me why, but I'm not the only one who feels that rear Z4s
are more prone to puncture than other tires.

>Been using Metzeler Z4
tires front and rear for years and have been satisfied.

I find them expensive, with a hard ride.   They work great when new but are
miserable when the rears start to square off.   Very good for riding fast in
the hills, though and work in all kinds of weather.  Not good for hot
weather straight line riding because of the squaring off issue.

I switched to Bridgestone 020 and got higher mileage, as good wet weather
and very nearly as good grip in the twisties.   The Metzs turn in a little
better, but you can get the 020s to do what you want, just not as readily.
Not quite as much feel as the Metzs, but lots of other advantages....like an
extra 3 to 4000 miles per set.and about $70 less per set.  Only disadvantage
with 020s is that the front tire has this strange tread that cups easily.
It's a minor cupping that doesn't affect handling, but makes a noise when
you tip the bike into turns.   The rear 020 seems to work better after
squaring off that the Z4 and it doesn't seem to puncture as easily.

>In the last year
or so Metzeler came out with a new Z6 tire line. Have been trying to get
some info on the new Z6.

I have a set on my R1150RT.  I love them.   They're lighter weight, work
well in cold and wet and are very confidence inspiring.  I've yet to find
fault with them.   The front tire seems to make a lot of noise, but I'm not
sure about being the tire itself or my new windshield reflecting the sound
into my helmet.  Changed both around the same time.   I have only about 2K
on these tires, but they are still working just great.   They cost the same
as Z4s, unfortunately.


>Went to Metzeler Web Site and can't come up
with anything. Can't even find a phone number for Metzeler USA as I'd
like to speak to a tech person. I was able to come up with some info
from one of the on line tire vendors that had a insert saying that the
Z4 was a steel belted radial. The blurb on the Z6 mentioned that it was
a radial but made no mention of being steel belted.

Don't know about the website or the steel belts, but I like the new tire.  I
first heard about it in Motorcycle Consumer News.  They loved it.  That's
why I tried it on my bike.   I think they're great.

>I've checked some of the tire vendors in the cycle magazines and I see
listings for the Z4 but not the Z6.

Just call and ask.  They are available now.      SW tire has them.   My
friend just got two sets for his RS.

>Have any of you list members used the new Z6 tires or can anyone answer
any or the above questions including a phone number for Metzeler
????????

Don't call Metzler.  These are great tires.  A real step up from Z4 in my
opinion and don't have the cupping issue of the 020.

>Anyone care to offer a suggestion on another brand that will work well
with a front Z4.

You could try an 020 rear, but it would probably be better to order a Z6
rear.  If you don't like the handling, order a Z6 front to match.  I
guarantee you'll like the Z6s.

- -TB

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