Metzeler ME 880 120/90-18 on stock

[Builder]

Has anyone installed Metzeler ME880 120/90-18 HB and 170/80HB-15 on stock rims? does it fit?

front:
orig size: 110/90 >> 110mm x 90% = 99mm shoulder height
over size: 120/90 >> 120mm x 90% = 108mm shoulder height

9mm taller which seems OK since there is room between the the stock tires and mudguard.


rear:
orig size: 150/90 >> 150mm x 90% = 135mm shoulder height
oversize: 170/80 >> 170mm x 80% = 136mm shoulder height

looks great, 1mm difference won't affect the gear ratio much.

I know Shinko's 120/90 and 170/80 will fit and looks great on "gamorg02"'s bike: http://www.vmaxforum.net/album.php?albumid=107

Does Metzeler ME880 120/90HB-18 and 170/80HB-15 fit on stock rims?

 

[naughtyG]

Re: Metzeler ME 880 120/90-19 on stock

There's one problem here - the stock rear wheel is a 15", not a 17" or 18".

From what I've heard the people fitting ME880 (170/80 x 15) on the rear had to do the washer swap to clear the driveshaft.

And I think I remember someone posting they had to modify their front fender to clear the ME880 120 at the front.

 

[Builder]

Re: Metzeler ME 880 120/90-19 on stock

Yes, I just corrected it, thx. I don't want to do the "washer swap". Has anyone installed those tires?

 

[[email protected]]

Re: Metzeler ME 880 120/90-19 on stock

Yes, I just corrected it, thx. I don't want to do the "washer swap". Has anyone installed those tires?

Check out this thread regarding the washer swap and the 880. http://www.vmaxforum.net/showthread.php?t=7462

There are plenty out there that have put on the ME880 in 170/80 and it fit without swapping the washer over. I have heard from some that they have had zero issues. I have heard from some that when the tire gets worn down pretty low that it will rub the swingarm at that point.

 

[v-max_man]

Re: Metzeler ME 880 120/90-19 on stock

Yes, I did just install ME880 170/80/15 on my 1992 VMax last week. No washer swap was necessary, they fit nicely with about 5mm to spare on the left side. I run ME880 110/90/18 in the front, therefore I can not comment on the 120 size.

 

[lankeeyankee]

Re: Metzeler ME 880 120/90-19 on stock

Most run a 170-80-15 here with no issues.

I have ran as wide as a 180-70-15 but had to swap the washer plus the bikes handling goes worse then what it is already

 

[Builder]

Re: Metzeler ME 880 120/90-19 on stock

Most run a 170-80-15 here with no issues.

I have ran as wide as a 180-70-15 but had to swap the washer plus the bikes handling goes worse then what it is already

So you are say 170-80-15 reduces handling comparing to stock size?

 

[gamorg02]

Re: Metzeler ME 880 120/90-19 on stock

So you are say 170-80-15 reduces handling comparing to stock size?

i think he meant a 180

 

[Builder]

v-max_man, have you noticed any difference in handling with 170/80-15?

 

[Builder]

I corresponded with someone outside of this forum. I want to share his input here:
-------------------------------
"I did not install a 170 on the rear although this is very
popular and many have done it. Some bikes require that the
large flat washer be moved to the opposite side when
installing the larger tire to keep it from rubbing the
swingarm. Every bike is different and you may not have to.
The 120 was fine - steering was heavier and though it was
close, it did not rub the fender.
I now have radials on my Vmax - 110/80ZR18 on stock front
wheel and an Exactrep 17" rear wheel with 170/60ZR17 and
like them much better."

So you are back to 110. Would you recommend 120 tires in front?

"The stock Vmax front rim is only 2.15 inches wide. Though
the 120 physically fit, it was probably compromising the
tire's profile to squeeze it on that small of a rim. I
would say that knowing that, I would not do it [again]. 110 is max
on the stock rim."
------------------------

I hope this thread becomes a one-stop reference for install 170 and 120 tires

 

[Builder]

So my verdict for front is to go for 110 for sure because 120 is meant for at least 2.5" rims and vmax's is 2.15"

For rear 170/80 's minimum rim size is 3.5" (vmax rear), so it can be installed. I am curiouse to know if there is any advantage in 170/80 other than a fatter look?! any tracktion / handling improvments v-max_man??

Based on this article (http://www.sportrider.com/tech/tires/146_0206_tire_size/index.html) wider tire bigger footprint is a popular myth!

Here are some useful info:

Vmax rim sizes are 3.50" and 2.15" according to this site:
http://www.foreven.com/motorcycles/Tyres/YaVMax.htm

and this chart: http://www.hdwheels.com/Product.htm says:

TIRE RIM SIZE (inches)
150/90-15 3.00 - 4.00
170/80-15 3.50 - 5.00

110/90-18 2.15 - 3.00
120/90-18 2.50 - 3.00


I look forward to hear v-max_man's input.

Amir

 

[gamorg02]

So my verdict for front is to go for 110 for sure because 120 is meant for at least 2.5" rims and vmax's is 2.15"

For rear 170/80 's minimum rim size is 3.5" (vmax rear), so it can be installed. I am curiouse to know if there is any advantage in 170/80 other than a fatter look?! any tracktion / handling improvments v-max_man??

Based on this article (http://www.sportrider.com/tech/tires/146_0206_tire_size/index.html) wider tire bigger footprint is a popular myth!

Here are some useful info:

Vmax rim sizes are 3.50" and 2.15" according to this site:
http://www.foreven.com/motorcycles/Tyres/YaVMax.htm

and this chart: http://www.hdwheels.com/Product.htm says:

TIRE RIM SIZE (inches)
150/90-15 3.00 - 4.00
170/80-15 3.50 - 5.00

110/90-18 2.15 - 3.00
120/90-18 2.50 - 3.00


I look forward to hear v-max_man's input.

Amir

sounds about right... i'd say there's more a difference in shinko's grippy-ness than dunlop over anything..

 

[naughtyG]

sounds about right... i'd say there's more a difference in shinko's grippy-ness than dunlop over anything..

And I will concur. I don't think the rear 170 made any difference at all other than cosmetic. I'm also happy to stick with 110 at the front, I think that's more critical when it comes to handling.

 

[gamorg02]

And I will concur. I don't think the rear 170 made any difference at all other than cosmetic. I'm also happy to stick with 110 at the front, I think that's more critical when it comes to handling.

i honestly LOVE the look of my 120 shinko up front and its better than the dunlop(even a 110) at handling!

 

[Builder]

check this out:
http://vmax.lvlhead.com/tips/metzeler.htm

 

[v-max_man]

I have not been riding the OEM tires (Dunlop K525) since the first set had to be replaced, back in the early 90?s. For many years, I was able to get the Dunlop K591 in a suitable size for the rear (160/80/15), if I remember correctly. Since Dunlop gave up that size a few years back, and I just wore out the last of those tires I was able to get some time ago, I chose the Metzler ME880 (170/80/15), as recommended by some V-Max owners. I was a little concerned about the necessity of the famous washer swap, but as I found out, the tire fit without any problems. I did, however, remove the rear disk to facilitate the installation. Interestingly, the width of this 170 Metzler is pretty much identical to the 160 Dunlop?
First riding impressions with the Metzler ME880 front (110/90/18) and rear (170/80/15) are very satisfactory, although I have only put about 200 miles on them so far. They run smoothly, traction does not seem to be an issue and they corner very easily, as much as I dare at this point with new tires. The tendency of headshake during deceleration is reduced compared to the Dunlop, but this may just be due to the little wear of the new front tire. Time will tell. The only drawback to keep in mind is the H speed rating, up to 130 MPH, vs. the 149 MPH for the V rated OEM tire. But since the fun of riding a V-Max is not at high speed, it does not bother me. I would be interested in any feedbacks of other V-Max owners that have been using the Metzler tires for some time.

 

[gamorg02]

I have not been riding the OEM tires (Dunlop K525) since the first set had to be replaced, back in the early 90?s. For many years, I was able to get the Dunlop K591 in a suitable size for the rear (160/80/15), if I remember correctly. Since Dunlop gave up that size a few years back, and I just wore out the last of those tires I was able to get some time ago, I chose the Metzler ME880 (170/80/15), as recommended by some V-Max owners. I was a little concerned about the necessity of the famous washer swap, but as I found out, the tire fit without any problems. I did, however, remove the rear disk to facilitate the installation. Interestingly, the width of this 170 Metzler is pretty much identical to the 160 Dunlop?
First riding impressions with the Metzler ME880 front (110/90/18) and rear (170/80/15) are very satisfactory, although I have only put about 200 miles on them so far. They run smoothly, traction does not seem to be an issue and they corner very easily, as much as I dare at this point with new tires. The tendency of headshake during deceleration is reduced compared to the Dunlop, but this may just be due to the little wear of the new front tire. Time will tell. The only drawback to keep in mind is the H speed rating, up to 130 MPH, vs. the 149 MPH for the V rated OEM tire. But since the fun of riding a V-Max is not at high speed, it does not bother me. I would be interested in any feedbacks of other V-Max owners that have been using the Metzler tires for some time.

very excellent write up man!

 

[grimmie]

I have the ME 880's on my 2000 Max. I have the 120 up front and the 170 in the rear, both on stock rims with no mods. I have about 4000 miles on them. The front still looks new. The rear looks almost new - no burnouts. I really like the way they ride and handle. I bought the bike last spring and it had a wore-out stock Bridestone up front and an almost wore-out stock Dunlop on the rear. I didn't push the limits on those tires so I really can't give an honest opinion if the Metz are any better. I do like the Metz. The bike looks great and they handle great IMO.