Metzeler meZ2

[GNEPIG]

.. while checking the chain tension on service writer Daves new 06 Triumph T100 Bonneville today, i happened to notice what size/make tire was on the back of said bike. my first thought was "Hey this tire would fit on the back of my 1100 standard". it is a very nice looking tire and Dave said it handles pretty darn good!
.. so i thought i would post the numbers here just in case someone was looking for a new set of tires for their standard.
as this bike grows in popularity, maybe more tire manufacturers will make more of this size tire to choose from again.
this is how they came on his bike as a set
..for the rear:
Metzeler meZ2 130/ 80/ R17 steel radial
..for the front:
Metzeler Lasertec 100/ 90/ 19
i hope this helps someone out, i'm going to try a set on one of mine eventually

[TopCatGr58]

?Mixed Radials and Bias Ply?

Hey Gene,

First, I remember warnings about NOT mixing Radials and Bias Ply, and this guys bike has done that, radial rear, bias front!?

The Dunlop site stated that in special Chopper/custom designs where fat rear and thin fronts, that they allow Radial Rear with Bias fronts.

Metzler's site doesn't even list OUR BIKES in their fitment guides, they only go back to 83, they list 84FJ1100 and suggest BIAS!

Here's a few quotes from both Dunlop and Metzler regarding Radial tires on older bikes:

Dunlop:
Can I change my tires from bias ply to radial or vice versa?

Bias and radial tires have significantly different dynamic properties. They deflect differently, create different cornering forces, have different damping characteristics, as well as other differences. In order for radial tires to be introduced into the two-wheel market, it was necessary to change certain characteristics of the motorcycle. The introduction of the radial tire led to such things as modified frames, new steering geometries and suspensions. Therefore, it is recommended that a motorcycle be used with the type of tire construction that it came with originally. If a change is to be made, then it should only be done if the motorcycle or tire manufacturer has approved the change. Above all, do not mix bias ply and radial tires on the same motorcycle unless it is with the approval of the motorcycle or tire manufacturer.

Metzler:
Can my older bike run Metzeler radial tires? It came from the factory with bias tires.
Many motorcycles from the late 80s and early 90s have rims wide enough for radial tires. Go to the Metzeler brochure area for the most current fitment suggestions and look for your bike. Be very careful, not every bike has the correct rims, nor have been approved by Metzeler for radial tires!

[pggg]

You can mix a front ply with rear radial on your road bike no probs. It's even better than having two crossplys. Wonder if Z-rated or similar are available for an XS11 front? I was told radials start at 150 and above with no front radials below 120.

[GNEPIG]

crow

.. ok, MY BAD!, i got a little excited, at first glance the rear rim on Daves new Triumph didnt look any wider than ours. yesturday i busted out a ruler and measured them side by side. the rear rim on the Triumph IS a whole 1/2 inch wider than the rim on my Special[have'nt measured the rim on the standard yet]. this and the fact that the new retro Triumphs frame might not be as flexy as ours might be a good reason to not try this tire on our bikes [might be a really good tire for the dragstrip though].
..apparently the rules are changing, because daves new Triumph did come from the factory with the bias/radial setup. i have ridden this bike and it handles real good, that was part of the reason i was so quick to start this post