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Metzeler Marathon ME880 Motorcycle Tires
September 12, 2008
| Editor Ratings * | |||
| Quality |
|
10 | |
| Style |
|
10 | |
| Comfort |
|
10 | |
| Convenience |
|
10 | |
| Price |
|
10 | |
| Value |
|
10 | |
| Overall | 10.0 | ||
| Spectacular | |||
| A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. | |||
| *Out of a possible 10 points | |||
|
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After installing a new set of Marathon ME 880s on my Harley-Davidson Ultra, the last thing I expected, was that I would begin noticing a difference in ride and handling from the start. After all, recommended “run-in” or break-in was 100 to 150 miles to allow the tire/rim assembly to adjust properly, and most of all “to let the compound find his optimum working conditions.” In my estimation, conservative riding; i.e., less than 60 mph, slow cornering and easy starts and stops surely, would not give any indication of the virtues of the ME 880s. Wrong!
Metzeler is a German motorcycle tire manufacturer focused on quality and performance. The company was founded in Munich more than a century ago. As early as 1892, Metzeler played an important role in tire development for bicycles, motorcycles and motor-car industries, Since then, its focus has always been on the highest quality standards and accuracy in tire manufacturing.
In 1979, Metzeler changed its company focus and started producing only motorcycle tires. In the years following, Metzeler innovations such as the cross ply tire with a Kevlar belt, Silica-tread compound, zero degree rear and front tire, and the Marathon ME 880 were introduced.
The Marathon ME 880s, referenced in this review, were provided and installed by Thunderbird Motorcycles, 9709, W. 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. For retail and Metzeler tire consultation, call 303-463-9399 and ask of Marty. Insert a brief statement of Thunderbird Motorcycles vision relative to retail of Metzeler tires.
First impression
As stated earlier, I didn’t really expect to feel or experience anything different due to cautious riding during the break-in period.
Within a few miles from Thunderbird Motorcycles, clearly something was different. I stayed within the recommended riding parameters for the first 150 miles, and then I went to the highway with my normal attitude. Normal attitude means to go on any paved roads, approach curves within recommended speeds, experience anything the surface offered including tar snakes and moisture, and traverse bumps, railroad crossings, uneven surfaces, grooves, gravel, and hazards, etc.
Lateral imperfections in the road surface were markedly smooth. The motorcycle felt very stable and responsive. Agility was remarkable. Control while starting, negotiating turns, and stopping made the Ultra feel like a much lighter motorcycle.
The responsive ME 880s generate confidence in a safe, reliable, and enjoyable ride.
The ME880s now have 3000+ miles on them and there has not been a hint of instability or lack of performance. Grooved surface influence is almost nonexistent. Negotiating the spectrum of surface variations, imperfections, and road hazards is not a concern because of the ME880 superior grip and handling characteristics.
Features Overview:
Front – 130/90-16 TL 67H ME880 Air Pressure @ 42 lbs
- Front tires feature rounded tread profile for smooth, neutral steering
Rear – MU 85 B16 77H ME 880 Air Pressure @ 40 lbs–up to 44 lbs
- Rear tires feature flatter tread profile and larger contact patch for better traction and mileage
Front and Rear
- H-rated for up to 130 mph
- Made for the higher loads and handling characteristics of cruiser and touring bikes
- Tube/tubeless
- Computer-designed tread pattern with offset groove alignment for uniform wear characteristics, low noise
- Tread pattern provides excellent water displacement ability, and stability over rain grooves and under hard braking
- Soft compound for high grip allowing to exploit great torque output with total control
- Machine-specific carcass construction for exceptional riding comfort and stability at all speeds, even under heavy load
Operation/Application
Metzeler’s mission is to constantly develop state-of-the-art technological products aimed to satisfy riders' needs and expectations.
From the introduction of new materials to the development of innovative tread designs and compounds, the German manufacturer’s intent is to be on the leading edge of technical innovation and superior quality and performance of its tires.
- Inflation pressure – Metzeler recommended cold pressure for the ME880 front at 42 lbs. and rear at 40 lbs. Tire pressure should be checked weekly, during temperature swings and when riding with a passenger.
Under-inflation may cause overheating, instability, and eventually explosion. The Cycle Matters article entitled: “What started out as the "dream" motorcycle vacation ended as a life altering experience,” offers a motorcycle rider’s insight on the potential problems caused by under-inflation.
Over-inflation may be uncomfortable and impact handling characteristics.
- Metzeler advises against exceeding load capacity and speed rating (see above).
- Fitting the Marathon ME880 on the correct rim width is important for handling characteristics and stability. Fitting a tire to a too narrow or wide rim changes the tire profile and gives a negative effect to the overall tire performance.
- Always use Metzeler tires of the same construction on both on front and rear. Do not mix brands.
- When mounting tires, assure that arrow points in direction of rotation. Clean and lubricate bead with tire mounting lubricant or soapy water. To set bead: remove valve stem core and inflate tire. Inflate to 40 psi. Reinstall valve stem core and inflate to recommended riding pressure. Check bead control lines for proper seating. If the beads do not seat, deflate and repeat above procedure. Always use a valve cap with rubber sealing.
- Always balance the tire after mounting onto the rim.
- Always use a valve cap with a rubber seal.
Value
For my purposes, the Metzeler ME880 Marathon Tires provide performance and dependability that instills confidence when touring on a large motorcycle at up to high speeds, on all roadway surfaces, and in all environmental conditions,
Properly installed, inflated, and maintained tires may be the most critical feature of motorcycling safely. For this reason alone, I want the best tire on my motorcycle.
The cost of a set of ME880 Marathon Tires ($135.19 for a front tire and $128,99 for a rear tire), is very reasonable given the handling and stability characteristics described above.
Final Thoughts
In the opinion of the "Motorrad" readers, Metzeler is number one in "motorcycle tires." More than 35.000 readers of Europe's leading motorcycle magazine "Motorrad" took part in the election of favorite brands in the motorcycle sector regarding customer satisfaction. Metzeler was able to win the tire category with a 63.5 % share of votes.
The tires referenced in this review have 6000+ miles. In the coming months, we anticipate adding another 4,000 to 5,000 miles on this set of tires. Check back here for an update on miles driven and overall satisfaction with the Metzler ME880 Marathon tires.
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Product Review Comments
9/12/2008 2:42 PM
Here is an update on the original set of tires subjected to review by Cycle Matters editors as presented in this article. The tires are Metzler ME880 Marathon models MU 85 B 16 M/C 77 H (rear) and 130/07 - 16 M/C 67 H (front).
I changed the rear tire at 10,000 miles in preparation for a anticipated 10,000 mile trip. However, the experts at Thunderbird Motorcycles, Wheatridge, CO agreed with me that I could get at least 2000 miles of additional wear from the tire. The replacement tire - same model - now has 10,900 miles and wear stands as 4/32.
The front tire has 20,000 + plus miles and will be changed at 22,000 miles.
So, I am very satisfied with the number of miles provided by these tires under a fully loaded H-D Ultra with two up.
Just a reminder that Cycle Matters has no vested interested in any particular brand or model of tire.
Here is an update on the original set of tires subjected to review by Cycle Matters editors as presented in this article. The tires are Metzler ME880 Marathon models MU 85 B 16 M/C 77 H (rear) and 130/07 - 16 M/C 67 H (front).
I changed the rear tire at 10,000 miles in preparation for a anticipated 10,000 mile trip. However, the experts at Thunderbird Motorcycles, Wheatridge, CO agreed with me that I could get at least 2000 miles of additional wear from the tire. The replacement tire - same model - now has 10,900 miles and wear stands as 4/32.
The front tire has 20,000 + plus miles and will be changed at 22,000 miles.
So, I am very satisfied with the number of miles provided by these tires under a fully loaded H-D Ultra with two up.
Just a reminder that Cycle Matters has no vested interested in any particular brand or model of tire.
7/3/2008 2:55 PM
I two switched from Dunlop to Metzlers. I ride a 2007 road king with 103 inch engine, About 70% of my miles are two up. I now have just short of 5000 miles on the set and the rear tire is showing noticable wear. Infact my guess is another 2000 miles and I'll require a change. If I can get 7000 out of the tires it will represent nearly a 30% short fall from the Dunlops.
For my money I'll go back.
I two switched from Dunlop to Metzlers. I ride a 2007 road king with 103 inch engine, About 70% of my miles are two up. I now have just short of 5000 miles on the set and the rear tire is showing noticable wear. Infact my guess is another 2000 miles and I'll require a change. If I can get 7000 out of the tires it will represent nearly a 30% short fall from the Dunlops.
For my money I'll go back.
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