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[Hoist!]

I've been reading all the comments here lately on the Metzler ME880 recommended tire pressures. What I took from those discussions is that youze all seem to think you should follow Metzler's MAX tire pressure indicated on the tire's sidewalls. So I thought I'd try that on Cybil!

Well I'm OK with that in the front. Recommended for my bike is 36-38 in the front. The ME880 shows a max cold pressure of 42 psig. OK, no biggie. I'll give that a try.

But I've got some concerns about the rear. Now these ME880 are Radial Ply tires. Don't know if they're using the same pressures as their Bias Ply tires. But the sidewall on the rear (170/60 R 17) says 50 psi MAX pressure!!!

I'm sure it's correct for MAX psi, but should I really be running this thing at 50 psig?!!! Never ran pressure that high in anything but a bicycle before! Is 50 psi OK, or does anyone have any other thoughts on this? Thanks gang!

Hoist!

[FLSTFI Dave]

If I remember rigth the pressure for the ME880 on my fatboy is 45 psi.

When I switched to Metzler I was shocked at the higher pressures, but that is what I have used, and have been thru three rears with no trouble.

Shoot my pick up uses 80 psi in the tires, and my boat trailer uses 55psi and the RV is 65 psi.

[GregKhougaz]

Hoist,

I ran a 160 Metzler on my 2004 RG with 18" Renegade rims.  Had the high speed wobble (65 mph plus) for quite some time running 40 - 42 lbs air.  HD and tire dealers could not figure out the problem.  Finally it occurred to me to recheck the sidewall of the tire and saw the max psi was 50 lbs.  Pumped up the tire to 50lbs.  That fixed the problem.  Ran great after that. 

BTW, the tires on my Kendon trailer take 60 lbs....   Go 50!

[grc]

Metzler doesn't make it very easy to determine exactly what you should run, since they first tell you to always go by the motorcycle's inflation specs, then they throw out their own specs, then they list certain sizes that go by a third set of specs.  Good luck.

When in doubt, use the higher numbers.  Over inflation, as long as it isn't over the max molded into the sidewall, is less of a safety problem than under inflation, which can overheat and destroy the one thing holding you up off that abrasive roadway.

Jerry

[Diamondback]

 

[Black Diamond]

Howie

If been running 38 psi front / 40 psi rear. No high speed wobble or any other problems to date. They still don't stick quite as well as the Dunlops tho. JMHO!

If I get her back for the MV trip, I'll try 40F / 45R and see if it makes any difference.


Jerry

Thanks for the Metzler chart. Got it bookmarked!

JW

[Boatman]

FWIW, On my 05 with 880's I run 42F and 48R..  Even with the elevated pressures over the Dunlops, the Metzeler's ride/handle better.

I believe the 880's needing more pressures is because the dunlop sidewalls are stiffer.  Pick up a Dunlop and then a Metzeler, the Dunlop is the heavier tire.

[Hoist!]

Thanks for the info gang. Jerry put up an interesting chart here. For the ME880 Radial in my size, it indicates 42, same as stock. Hmmmm...... What to do now?!!! 42 F&R? Or go higher in the rear?

Hoist!

[2ndCVO]

Had  mezzler 880 on my old FXWDG 2 ran 48 in the rear 44 in the front best tires l ever rode

[kurtlange]

What to do now?!!! 42 F&R? Or go higher in the rear?

Hoist!

i'd run higher in the rear. i run 42 on a 140/18 f and 48 [solo]-50 [2up/loaded] on a 140/16 r. stickys like glue.  [04 eglide]

[Mr D]

FWIW.... Always run max setting cold.... F&R
I was discussing with a Metzeler rep. in Sturgis this year and that is all he runs in his Metz tires.
PERIOD he said.....

Most tire life and best handling characteristics as well.

[Pod]

Long shot here if anyone reads this before 6/18/10.  40-42 Front 130/90H-16  and 48-50 Rear 140/90HB-16?