MEZ 4's Added to the Bandit this weekend

[Shack]

Hello all,

I was wondering of anyone has ever useed Metzeler tires... I did some research and found a good all around tire for the Bandit was a MEZ4. The size for the rear is 180/55/17. They seem to be ok...look cool. I had previously ran Dunlop sportmax but only got 2500 miles so I will try these... Ride On!!!

Shack

[Mike Hart]

Shack, I'm running Michelin Pilot Sports on my Bandit, they seem great, will report mileage when it is time to replace them. I have over 2500 on them so far

I've heard the Z4 is a good tire too, let us know what kind of mileage you get.

[sixtysix]

I know everyone thinks they suck, but I am still running the B'stones. The peg scraping in NC proved to me the are a good long lasting tire. The BT020 rear is fantastic on both the Triumph and Bandit, I really liked the BT54 front but the BT020 front is a piece of crap (due to scallops) I put a BT010 on the front of the Bandit instead. Really have not had a chance to form an opinion, winter just ended here a week or so ago and it has been raining ever since. BT020 should last 5-6K on rear and 010 front should be good for same (BT54 rear went 8K on Triumph and 6K on Bandit and was too squared off by previous owner)

Mike, When I get out there I know you will show me the error of my ways so make sure the local bike shop is crammed with Bandit sized rubber so we experiment a little, You are buying right??

[Shack]

Tires

Hey guys... I also considered the tires you both mentioned...I ran the 207's Dunlops for 2500 miles they were toast...I am trying the MEZ4's so far so good...but O can break the tiree loose...Never happened with the 207's....but I have done some mods...I have modified the stock exhaust and what a difference that has made...main jets and shims are next....I am sure I have more HP than before.....I am pleased with the tires so far... I hope you both get some nicer weather...mid to high 80's plus here...looking for some relief.....thanks for your replies.....

Shack:

[James L]

modified stock exhaust?

Hi Shack, group...
Please do tell what you've done to the stock exhaust!
As for tires, I just replaced my stock front with a BT54F (6000 miles), and the rear BT54R looks like it's got plenty o miles left on it. Like Gary, I've got no complaints with these bridgestones.
Of course my bandit's still bone stock... for now at least...

[Shack]

exhaust mod

Yep...old fashion do it your self...on the Maximin-Suzuki web site do a search for stock can mod...I have completed the first stage of removing the can from mid-pipe and drilling and cutting the screen...also removed the three end cap bolts and removed the portion of metal that restricts the flow....I now have more sound and power...believe it or not it starts better and warms up quicker... I am going to shim the needles and drill out the A/F caps and also add bigger main jets....I love the Bandits power but always detested the sound until now....good luck.

Shack

[Mike Hart]

Originally posted by sixtysix
Mike, When I get out there I know you will show me the error of my ways so make sure the local bike shop is crammed with Bandit sized rubber so we experiment a little, You are buying right??

hardy har har - no doubt you will be doing wheelies all around me, which might explain your high front tire mileage I have heard the newer B-stones are better than the BT54's that came stock. I didn't like those tires - I did get 6k out of them, but I felt they didn't behave well on wet pavement or loose gravel on roadway.