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Message started by gerald.hughes on 09/14/10 at 12:46:31

Title: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by gerald.hughes on 09/14/10 at 12:46:31

I have run Dunlop tires on my Savage from the first tire change.  Out of curiosity, I just had a set of Metzler ME 880s put on.  I haven't even buffed off the tires yet, only about 30 miles on them, but I can already notice a significant difference between the two, at least for me.  The Metzlers deliver a lot rougher ride.  I feel all of the road bumps more with the Metzlers than I do with the Dunlops.  Almost makes me want to change shocks, or go to a sprung seat.  I can only assume that it is because the sidewall on the Metzler is a lot stiffer than the sidewall on the Dunlop.  

Any other riders had the same experience?

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by bill67 on 09/14/10 at 12:56:04

Its good to see a honest opinion Lot of people change something and say its better whether it is or not,My one brother is one that has always did that.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by ralfyguy on 09/14/10 at 13:00:41

Are you sure you ran them both on the same tire pressure? And besides, you can adjust the shocks to be softer.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Serowbot on 09/14/10 at 13:04:28


787376762C2D1A0 wrote:
Its good to see a honest opinion Lot of people change something and say its better whether it is or not,My one brother is one that has always did that.

In that case,... these signals are invisible... :-?...

http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh406/planetbolts/turn%20signals/1924_CA_1.jpg

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by bill67 on 09/14/10 at 13:10:09

What signals

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Paladin. on 09/14/10 at 13:38:19


7B796E7D70783274697B74796F1C0 wrote:
I have run Dunlop tires ... Metzler ME 880s put on.  ... I can already notice a significant ...  a lot rougher ride. ...

Hmmmm....

Had Dunlop 404's on the front, Dunlops and then ChinShin whatevers on the rear, switched to ME880s...  http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/002609.html since July 2008 and 6,000+ miles.  I noticed immediately, was thinking it was twitchy.  By a week I realized that it was being more responsive.  I LIKE 'em.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by youzguyz on 09/14/10 at 16:27:32

When I switched from D404s to ME880s, I almost hopped the curb on the first corner..  MUCH more responsive!  (Of course,  new tires as compared to a worn out tires...)
Anyway, once I switched to Metzler, I never tried another tire.  As such, I can not tell you if it rides "rougher" or not.  I run 40lbs front and back (as per the Metzler recommendation for the LS650).  I like the handling, I love the mileage (19,500 rear, around 23,500 front).


Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by thumperclone on 09/14/10 at 17:58:01

me thinks its your abilty
once the grease is worn off imo there isnt  a better tire (tyre) than the 880 metzs...jmo

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by 12Bravo on 09/14/10 at 18:57:30

I have only used the OEM tires and then switched to Metzler tires. I have noticed that the Metzlers like to be inflated to 40PSI. I tried airing them up to 36PSI to improve the ride but the rear tier gets squirrelly at that pressure, so I keep them at 40PSI. I have 10,000 miles on the rear and about 6,0000 miles on the front. It looks like I will get a lot more out of the rear tire.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by wingsout on 09/15/10 at 14:12:02

I rode a set of Dunlop 404's thru the desert in a blinding downpour with a 30 mph crosswind and did not even slip one inch. ( This was from work to home at night when I was living in AZ about 2 years ago on my S40). I also had 404's on my Nomad and it was a lot smoother riding than when I had the Metzlers on it. One more thing---I noticed I had small spider web cracks in my front hub on my 05 S40---check your hubs!!!

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Serowbot on 09/15/10 at 15:11:29


4F51565F4B574D4C380 wrote:
One more thing---I noticed I had small spider web cracks in my front hub on my 05 S40---check your hubs!!!


That's scary!... :-?...

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by ralfyguy on 09/15/10 at 18:59:18

You sure it's cracks and not just imperfections in the casting? Never seen a hub blow to pieces yet.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Boofer on 09/15/10 at 19:55:45

Gerald, I replaced my rear tire with a K555 dunlop and noticed only a little difference between it and the IRC. I replaced the front with a Metz and thought my fillings would fall out on the way home. After a week or so I started enjoying the grip from the Metz. Either it got broken in or I got used to it. Going with Metezeler on the rear next time if I can afford it.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by JohnBoy on 09/15/10 at 20:23:51

Guys I'm driving with a broken neck and a couple of metal bars to hold things together. I am getting close to replacing the skins and I 'NEED' a softer ride.  Your average pot hole means an instant migraine. My Kawasakis and Goldwings ran with Dunlop Elites, but those were 700lb bikes.
For those who have tried 'both' the Dunlop and Metzs what is your opinion.
I have already upgraded to Progressive 440 shocks.


Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Wake51 on 09/15/10 at 20:42:06

I'm in search of my first set of tires so this thread perked my curiosity.

I was leaning towards the Metzlers. Can anyone shoot some part numbers my way? And any recommendations of where to buy tires from?

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Paladin. on 09/15/10 at 20:57:57


5E68626C3C38090 wrote:
I'm in search of my first set of tires so this thread perked my curiosity.

I was leaning towards the Metzlers. Can anyone shoot some part numbers my way? And any recommendations of where to buy tires from?


http://www.denniskirk.com/

Part# 540229
Part# 540233
Part# 535379
Part# 54143
Part# 535198
Part# 535195

Two Tires, Two Tubes, Two Rim Strips.

Order Date: 6/21/02008
Order Total:   $240.96

Dennis Kirk has their stock on web -- if they say it's in the back it will be shipped out within ...  what ever, but it's quick.  Even better, if it ain't in stock they tell you, not weeks later when they say it is in back order.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Boofer on 09/15/10 at 21:01:28

I think the way you ride determines the tire you should get. Also weather can be a factor. Sorry I can only tell you what I like, but I have Degenerative Disk Disease so I understand. I hit a manhole cover that was low in the new asphalt and jammed my neck and lower back 2 days ago. Still hurting today.

I buy from local shops. (Not big dealerships) I research prices from 2-3 internet sites + shipping, and go to my dealer and ask a price. So far, he has been cheaper on a windshield, 2 tires, tubes, filters or at least not over by a couple of bucks. And I never show him the internet price. No sense in trying to intimidate someone who is a fellow rider and could become a good friend. JMO

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by verslagen1 on 09/15/10 at 22:13:57


496C6B6D416C7A030 wrote:
Guys I'm driving with a broken neck and a couple of metal bars to hold things together. I am getting close to replacing the skins and I 'NEED' a softer ride.  Your average pot hole means an instant migraine. My Kawasakis and Goldwings ran with Dunlop Elites, but those were 700lb bikes.
For those who have tried 'both' the Dunlop and Metzs what is your opinion.
I have already upgraded to Progressive 440 shocks.


Go with the d404's and run the lower pressure.
when i first got the 440's which are on a light preload, i could ride across manhole covers and not notice them.  then i found out my tires were low, 20 something.

you might wear out the tires early, and they might not corner as best they can, but they'll be soft.

and you might concider a sprung seat as an added measure.

when i had the stock or the 412's, there's one particular bump that jerks my neck.  so i hear what you are saying.  if i tensed my jaw, it wouldn't do it.  now i've forgotten just what i did the 440's are way better.  another thing, look for a light weight helmet.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by bill67 on 09/16/10 at 04:48:20

66 Route Pirelli tires are smooth riding and you don't feel the rain grooves,Plus really handle the curves

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by youzguyz on 09/16/10 at 09:51:02


767D78782223140 wrote:
66 Route Pirelli tires are smooth riding and you don't fill the rain grooves,Plus really handle the curves


I'm getting a "spare" Savage and I think I will give the Route 66 tires a try on that ride.  It will be my commuter bike mostly (and my weekend ride when my Metzler bike is down for parts or maintenance).  Had to get a spare..  lost most of the Labor Day weekend to a bad front bearing!!

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by TheFid on 09/16/10 at 11:02:11

I've just ordered a set of Continental tyres for my bike. Has anyone any experiance using these?.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Wake51 on 09/16/10 at 22:31:34

Thanks Paladin.

I thought one of the wheels was tubeless?

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by Paladin. on 09/17/10 at 09:45:10

Our wheels have holes, about 36 of them.  Wheelworks do a seal thing for spokes tires, but our wheels are too shallow in the center area for the spokes.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by verslagen1 on 09/17/10 at 11:21:52

nope, neither of the wheels is tubeless unless you got a set of these...
http://verslagen.savageriders.com/WheelMod/DSCN0237-small.jpg

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by ralfyguy on 09/17/10 at 15:27:37

This picture confuses me. Is the rotor on the right side and the caliper on the left???

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by verslagen1 on 09/17/10 at 17:23:01


33202D2738263438410 wrote:
This picture confuses me. Is the rotor on the right side and the caliper on the left???

it was my 1st trial fit of the wheel on the bike.
the gs650 disk is twice as thick as the savage and larger in diameter.
ended up modifying a gs450 disk which is the same thickness and just needed the OD cut down.
the stock spacers work but work better if you cut them down a little.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by ralfyguy on 09/18/10 at 06:36:54

Oh I see now. That's also why the tread of the tire is backwards.

Title: Re: Metzler versus Dunlop
Post by wingsout on 09/24/10 at 06:51:41

Definately cracks---they kept getting bigger and the vibration increased. That ride was scary--hope I don't get caught in one of those again.

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