FYI
Metzeler’s new ME888 Marathon Ultra, dubbed the Triple Eight (888), is an evolution of the company’s high-mileage ME880, Christopher Wall, Metzler marketing director, told Parts Unlimited sales representatives this week at the company’s annual National Vendor Presentation here. But the tire won’t be available until the first quarter of 2013.

Pricing and specs on the tire aren’t being revealed in Metzeler’s soft launch here at the NVP. “We just want dealers to be aware that it’s coming,” Wall said, noting that "it's the only ultra mileage V-Twin tire with Metzeler peformance and handling."

 

Will it be rated for more mile (I wonder)?

I hope they will make it in a white wall version like the 880.

 

They are calling it a "Utral High Mileage V Twin Tire" , isn't that the point?

 

Any idea if Metzeler is going to make a low profile tire to fit the 19" front wheels? Been wanting to pull the tigger on the 19" Agitator wheel but only tire I've seen is the Dunlop and I dont like to miss match tires.

 

Well I hope Im posting this in the right post, seeing as this is not related to a advertisement. I did contact Metzeler myself about the ME 880 130/60/19, they say they are researching the Dunlop to see if there is a big enough market for the tire to justify the set up and production cost to make the tire, but didn't really give any time frame on it. My reply back to them was if they looked on most the Harley forum online, they would read a see all the complaints about side wall splitting and poor handling issue with the Dunlop and that I would be one of the first to buy the tire if they did release it. So hopefully Metzeler will be releasing the tire soon.

 

Ok, I apologize again for hijacking.

My curiosity was about what the differences are between the ME880 and the new ME888. There is no setup cost with continuing to produce the great tire they already make. I would think that is the comparison they should be reviewing and not comparing to Dunlop.

I assume they would like to get some new customers who currently use other brands, but will they phase out the 880 and lose current customers? Will the 888 be more expensinve than the 880? Will it be worth more money?

 

Stay tuned!

joe

 

Well my last rear tire was a Metz 880, 6000 miles out of it was all i could manage, tire started to feather on the sidetread really bad, tire flattened out real bad, real fast, air pressure was right so dont start that argument, anyways wasnt for me, i just put the new Michilan Commander 2 on mine, they say the milage should be over 20,000 ive only put 30 miles on it so far, but its still holding air, that a good thing

 

They? Who is they? I assume if they say so, it must be true.

 

I like the Metz's, i've been running ME880's for years when i switched to 18" front and read on a bagger. The handling change in just the 18's vs the 16's was substantial. We'll have to see what differences they make with the ME880s.
Tim

 

Can't get more than 6000 miles on the Metz 160/60X18 rear. Went back to Avon Venom's.

 

Just put a second Metz 888 on my wife's bike. Got one on the rear of my Dyna. While they both handle well, it is too early to tell how long they will last and hold up. Only a few $ more that the 880

 

I talked to the Metzeler guys while I was in Laughlin last weekend and they said that the new ME888 was significantly better than the ME880. I asked him what would make me want to switch from Dunlop to Metzeler and he said that the new technology in the tires was the major difference. Wider footprint helps distribute heat better, new construction of tire allows less stress on tread with reinforced side wall for strength and many others that help the tread of the tire last longer.
Once my Dunlops run out of tread I am really thinking of getting these and seeing how well they do. Friend of mine bought the Commander II's and is impressed so far so I would like to see if these will out do those.

 

Are you quoting the advantages vs the Dunlop, or vs the 880? I'm real happy with my 880s, so would be interested in THAT comparison.

joe

 

Love the way they Handle so far! They really grip well in the Twisties.

 

I been running 880s for years, before that it was Avon Venom X
The Dunlops suck in comparison.
Something to think about, I used to live in upstate Ny and would regularly get 10 to 11,000 out of a rear and 16,000 out of a front
I been living in South Carolina for 4 years and I can't get more than 10 or 12,000 out of a front (back about the same). I ride the twisties more than the highways, both in NY and here. I have friends that do nothing but highway miles, does not matter what brand or type of tire they run, they wear out the center tread way before the sides and you have that flat to round effect someone else posted.

 

I just got the new J&P catalog and the 888's are in there. Page 19

 

They been out for a short time now. Got mine about 2 months ago.
I really like them so far.

 

The original question was about why I would want to switch from Dunlop to Metzelers. Since then I have researched into them and this is what I have found to be the difference between the ME880 and the Triple Eight.

The ME888 takes all the great handling qualities of the ME880 and adds 30% more milage due to a few new factors
-New abrasion resistant compound
-Updated carcass structure with a shorter, wider footprint
-revised tread pattern with variable width grooves for improved water drainage
-Wider footprint allows stress to be distributed to more of the tire which allows longer life
-Wider footprint allows friction and heat to be distributed better adding to tire life
-Tread design channels water well but also allows greater contact patch

The newly processed compounds, new structure design and new tread pattern make the ME888 a great tire to go with. In a side by side comparison you can easily see the difference in the tires. The ME888 has a stonger more stout look about it with a lot more of the tire contacting the road. It looks like a tire that will give the Commander II a run for its money.

 

I just switched from Dunlop 402s to the Metz 888 on both front and rear for my 08 FLSTC. After about a 100 mile break in I pushed the tires a bit to get a feel of the ride differences. Rode on dry and wet surfaces. highway and country. meandering curves and fast long stretches. emergency manuevers (I practice them often)

Wet - Even - Metz and Dunlops appeared to handle similarly.

Tracking - Metz were better tires stayed exactly where I put them regardless of road condition. Dunlops tended to fight me and follow imperfections such as tar snakes, dips, cracks. Riding across a steel grate drawbridge on the Dunlops was a sphincter tightening exercise

Curves - Metz - These babies hold the road and give me feeling of confidence. I did not feel like I could out corner them.

Wear - Unknown- The stock Dunlops lasted a long time. Guess Ill track the Metz and compare

 

Metzler 888

I just up-graded to Mtezler 888's from the stock Dunlops on my 2010 FLHTC. I'm running 130/80 17's and 180/65 16's. My dealer stated that these new Metzlers require higher psi than the Dunlops. He stated that I should be running 42/50. That surprised me as I had run 37/40 with the Dunlops. Has anyone had the same response after switching to Metzlers? Anyone know where I may find this requirement from Metzler?
?anyone?
Thanks in advance from a newbie.

 

I just up-graded to Mtezler 888's from the stock Dunlops on my 2010 FLHTC. I'm running 130/80 17's and 180/65 16's. My dealer stated that these new Metzlers require higher psi than the Dunlops. He stated that I should be running 42/50. That surprised me as I had run 37/40 with the Dunlops. Has anyone had the same response after switching to Metzlers? Anyone know where I may find this requirement from Metzler?
?anyone?
Thanks in advance from a newbie.

Yep-running 45-47 psi in mine,and 50 with a passenger.
Not sure where to fine the info, but My Indy told me that is what to run.

 

Thanks for the reply Geno

 

Was looking for tire pressure info for the triple 8 on Metzler,s web site and this is all I found.
Tire Pressure

Always inflate the tire to the correct pressure. Be sure to check cold inflation pressure frequently, i.e. once a week. Although most motorcyclists love to work on their bikes, many seldom remember to check their bikes tire pressures. Correct pressures are critical for safe handling. Over inflation or extreme tire pressure will impair your riding comfort and decrease the size of the contact patch of the tire with the road. Under inflation or too little air pressure will result in poor handling and the bike will be inclined to “wander”. Improper and insufficient tyre pressure will also cause rapid tire wear, an increase in fuel consumption, lower top speed, and provide less control. Remember to check the inflation pressure of your tires weekly. You will find the correct pressure in the operating manual of the motorcycle. Use METZELER’s information only as reference. Attention: When the recommended pressure has been changed for use off the public highway (race track, off-road), it must be reset to the correct value before riding on the street.

 

Thanks Dew,
Now I'm still confused. That was my first thought, to refer to the manual. I stated that to the installer (all they do is tires). He was emphatic that that was well and good for Dunlops, but the new Metzler would require a higher psi. So, at present I will run a higher psi than the manual requires. My thinking is that these "new" high mileage tires were not in production at the time of H.D.'s developement of the manual. Hopefull I'm correct and will get great mileage from these "new" high mileage tires.
Thanks again for your reply.
(maybe I'll see if I can contact a Metzler rep.)

 

I copied and pasted this from the Metzler brochure that the rep e-mailed me in response to my question. The psi requirement is nearly identical to the H.D. manual requirement. Seems mydealer fed me a load of bull.
Happy and safe riding to all.....

RECOMMENDED MOTORCYCLE TIRE PRESSURES BASED ON LOAD
Cruiser/Touring Alpha Numeric Marked Tires (MH90-21, MT90B16, MU85B16)
Front Solo Riding with 2 Riding 2 with extra load
MH90, MT90 36 38 40
Rear Solo Riding with 2 Riding 2 with extra load
MT90, MU85 38 40 40
Cruiser/Touring Tires
Front Solo Riding with 2 Riding 2 with extra load
36-38 38-40 40-42
Rear Solo Riding with 2 Riding 2 with extra load
38-40 40-42 40-42
Rear (Tires marked Solo Riding with 2 Riding 2 with extra load
with a max. psi 50 44-46 46-48 48-50
on the sidewall)

 

Now I'm really confused

 

The tire pressure from the Metz. brochure doesn't cut/paste very well. I'll try to make it clearer.

RECOMMENDED MOTORCYCLE TIRE PRESSURES BASED ON LOAD

Cruiser/Touring Alpha Numeric Marked Tires (MH90-21, MT90B16, MU85B16)
Front: Solo Riding = 36 psi, 2 up = 38 psi, and 2 up w/ luggage = 40 psi
So the first number is for solo, the second is for 2 up, and the third is for 2 up w/ load
Rear: 38, 40, & 40

Cruiser/Touring Tires (w/ mm size markings)
Front: 36-38, 38-40, & 40-42
Rear: 38-40, 40-42, & 40-42

Rear Tires marked "reinforced" or "50 psi max" on sidewall
Rear: 44-46, 46-48, & 48-50

 

I will see how long mine last as well. We will compare notes later down the road!

 

Just went from an Avon Venom to a Metzler ME888 on the front of the Heritage. First thing I noticed is that the ME888 is noticeably wider/bigger than the Venom. After the first good ride I'm impressed. The original Dunlop was terrible about following cracks and such. The Venom was much better. The ME888 is even better. Steering is much more stable than even the Venom. Nothing but the largest expansion joints are even noticeable. So far I'm sold on the ME888.

 

ME 880 is Crap

Hello, I hope all of you are well. I need to rant a moment. I purchase two Metzeler ME 880's (front and rear) for my 2008 Ultra Classic. Now I really like them and I really liked the ride and they were sticky. Well I purchased these in October 2012 and I've only put 6000 miles on them. Saturday February 22 2014 as I walked up to the bike to remove the cover I noticed something odd concerning the rear tire. The tread looked uneven so I got down on the ground to look at the tire. Several areas of the tire tread were peeling away from the tire. I purchased these from Motorcycle superstore and for the most part I have had great service from them but when I called them they said they could do nothing. I called Metzeler customer service and they said they were surprised that MSS wouldn't make it good. The rep said to call back and mention his name and tell them to make it good. I did, they didn't. I bought a new Michelin Commander II which has been shipped but I have read many good reviews. My word of caution to you folks, read reviews and don't buy Metzeler ME 880 tires.

 

Hello, I hope all of you are well. I need to rant a moment. I purchase two Metzeler ME 880's (front and rear) for my 2008 Ultra Classic. Now I really like them and I really liked the ride and they were sticky. Well I purchased these in October 2012 and I've only put 6000 miles on them. Saturday February 22 2014 as I walked up to the bike to remove the cover I noticed something odd concerning the rear tire. The tread looked uneven so I got down on the ground to look at the tire. Several areas of the tire tread were peeling away from the tire. I purchased these from Motorcycle superstore and for the most part I have had great service from them but when I called them they said they could do nothing. I called Metzeler customer service and they said they were surprised that MSS wouldn't make it good. The rep said to call back and mention his name and tell them to make it good. I did, they didn't. I bought a new Michelin Commander II which has been shipped but I have read many good reviews. My word of caution to you folks, read reviews and don't buy Metzeler ME 880 tires.

I realize that this is a thread for ME888's but I will jump on the ME880 bandwagon anyway.
There are others besides this thread...
http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/w...els-tires-brakes-suspension/300122-metzeler-me-880-tread-separation-anyone.html

I am curious where and when that tire was manufactured? The tire in the picture below was made in Brazil the 07 week of 2012. It had 7,287 miles when the tread started separating on me.
I also contacted Metzeler and also got the answer of "Your tire retailer should make it right". My local independent shop sold me a set of ME888's at cost. So far so good but I am a bit leery now.

 

Look on the side of the tire and see if they were made in Brazil. Not a good tire, only the German made ones work well.

 

Now I'm getting confused. My understanding was that the 888 was "designed" in Germany, and not necessarily produced or manufactured there. Could someone please help me with more information?
I want quality when it comes to tires, which means the tire manufacturer's QC has to be spot on.

 

I can only guess that some of the posters are only reading the last posting before jumping on board. The OP was about comparing the older Metzeler 880's and the new 888's. Tire threads are just like oil threads, everyone has a favorite and it's the best. You can't compare what you and I have found with tires. They have too many variables to be a fair testing. The type of bike, one or two up, road surface ridden on, short or long trips, road layout, the list goes on. I used the Metzeler 880's on my FX bikes with good results and just mounted a set of the Metzeler 888's on my 2004 RK. So far they are a great riding tire. I will have to disagree with the Canadian poster about the wet riding outcome. We are both from French Speaking area's but maybe our rains are different as my experience has been just the opposite of his. My Metzeler's 888 tires work in the rain and I felt they would hold just fine with no worry. They do require a higher air pressure than the old 880 tires. Good riding Fairshake