Tire life

23605 Views 96 Replies 33 Participants Last post by Ordinary Biker, 11 d ago

Spud

Discussion Starter · Aug 28, 2012

I would like to create a thread for users to assist in choosing tires. It would be nice to know how many miles you got on the tire before you replaced it, why you replaced it (i.e. puncture, change size, sumo kit, worn out, etc.), brand of tire, size of tire, and what you replaced it with and why. No need to report on partially used tires that you haven't replaced yet as that won't tell the whole story.

I know many people have logged a lot of miles and have changed tires several times. Their tire experience would be a good real life review of what we can expect from the tires we purchase.

Example is as follows:

Tire Replaced - Dunlop E3 Rear 200/50R-18
Mileage when replaced - 13,340
Reason - Tire almost worn out and didn't want to replace during a long road trip
Replaced with - Metzeler Marathon ME88 200/50R-18
Reason for choosing new tire - Excellent traction and wear with Metzelers on
previous bike (1998 Shadow Spirit)

Tire Replaced - Dunlop E3 Front 90/90-21
Mileage when replaced - 13,340
Reason - Tire almost worn out and didn't want to replace during a long road trip
Replaced with - Metzeler Marathon ME88 90/90-21
Reason for choosing new tire - Excellent traction and wear with Metzelers on
previous bike (1998 Shadow Spirit)

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61 - 80 of 97 Posts

Spud

Discussion Starter · #61 · Jul 26, 2019

Upadated Stats:

Back - 200/50R - 18
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
September 28, 2012 - 32,822km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
June 12, 2014 - 50,564km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
March 29, 2016 - 72,730km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
May 30, 2017 - 87,060km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2018 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop Sportmax D423 (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)

Front - 90/90 - 21
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
July 8, 2013 - 44,703km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
May 26, 2015 - 60,720km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 12, 2016 - 82,741km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2018 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop D422F (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)

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Static

· #62 · Oct 8, 2019

Well, finally replaced the Dunlop Elite 3's with some Metz 888's. Only have about 100 miles on it, but couldn't be happier. Riding solo or 2 up, the tire is much more predictable than the E3's and makes it much easier to ride with precision. Taking it down to Biketoberfest in Daytona next week, will report once I have a few hundred miles on em. Makes me love to ride my Fury again.

Reactions: 1

Ordinary Biker

· #63 · Oct 9, 2019

Static said:
Well, finally replaced the Dunlop Elite 3's with some Metz 888's. Only have about 100 miles on it, but couldn't be happier. Riding solo or 2 up, the tire is much more predictable than the E3's and makes it much easier to ride with precision. Taking it down to Biketoberfest in Daytona next week, will report once I have a few hundred miles on em. Makes me love to ride my Fury again.

I've been running the 888 since spring. Love them, a fantastic tire. Someone on here tried to cut and paste something bad about them with no actual direct knowledge. He couldn't have been more ignorant, I am very happy with them.

835

· #64 · Oct 9, 2019

I had 888 on front and rear the tire felt great but it started to leak and when I took it off the inside was falling apart. Air was tearing the tire apart layer by layer.

Static

· #65 · Oct 10, 2019

835 said:
I had 888 on front and rear the tire felt great but it started to leak and when I took it off the inside was falling apart. Air was tearing the tire apart layer by layer.

The rear is from Germany, front is Brazil. I've heard some horror stories. Hoping they have that issue resolved

835

· #66 · Oct 10, 2019

Static said:
The rear is from Germany, front is Brazil. I've heard some horror stories. Hoping they have that issue resolved

The front is where I had my issues. The rear never had any issues.

Vic

· #67 · Oct 11, 2019

835 said:
I had 888 on front and rear the tire felt great but it started to leak and when I took it off the inside was falling apart. Air was tearing the tire apart layer by layer.

I didn't know that, but several years ago I had consistent problems on the front, with bubbles forming from separation. I read somewhere that Metz had gone to a different country of manufacture and having lots of quality issues, so I went back to Avons. I always like both Avons and Metz, but the Metz seemed to last a bit longer, so I favored them until the negative stuff started.

Vic

· #68 · Oct 11, 2019

Vic said:
I didn't know that, but several years ago I had consistent problems on the front, with bubbles forming from separation. I read somewhere that Metz had gone to a different country of manufacture and having lots of quality issues, so I went back to Avons. I always like both Avons and Metz, but the Metz seemed to last a bit longer, so I favored them until the negative stuff started.

Sorry, I quoted the wrong message... should've been Static's message:
Static said:
The rear is from Germany, front is Brazil. I've heard some horror stories. Hoping they have that issue resolved

Static

· #69 · Oct 20, 2019

Just got back from a trip to and from Jacksonville Fl to Daytona beach and back. Roughly 200 mile trip. Way down was dry, way back was rain the whole way. Tires did great, honestly im thrilled. Bike had a 40lb tail bag on it as well as my girlfriend and myself. I feel like the Metz 888 is a huge improvement over the Dunlop E3's. Definately has better grip, tracking and predictability IMO

Reactions: 2

Roosa316

· #70 · Jan 6, 2020

Anybody tried a Bridgestone Battlax? I got my fury used so I'm not certain if the tires are original but I replaced the rear e3 with a Battlax like 6000 miles ago. Oklahoma roads aren't great but rain or shine single or double it rides smooth. Only times I felt less grip was riding when under 30 degree temps. I'm mostly ignorant here as it's my first bike & I'm 1.5 years in. My front tires dry rotted so I'm trying to figure out what to replace that e3 with.

Reactions: 2

Furi15

· #71 · Jun 30, 2020

Has anyone had the factory Dunlop (front) dry rot within 2 years?

krashDH

· #72 · Jun 30, 2020

Furi15 said:
Has anyone had the factory Dunlop (front) dry rot within 2 years?

I'm on my second set of factory tires and I haven't had any dry rot at all out of either set. Not to say I haven't heard of them doing it, but not for me.
When these are toast I'll probably go the Avon route.

Reactions: 1

Ordinary Biker

· #73 · Jun 30, 2020

Mine came with Metzlers, on my second set. I really like these tires.

Reactions: 2

Spud

Discussion Starter · #74 · Jun 15, 2021 (Edited)

Upadated Stats:

Back - 200/50R - 18
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
September 28, 2012 - 32,822km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
June 12, 2014 - 50,564km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
March 29, 2016 - 72,730km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
May 30, 2017 - 87,060km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2019 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop Sportmax D423 (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)

Front - 90/90 - 21
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
July 8, 2013 - 44,703km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
May 26, 2015 - 60,720km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 12, 2016 - 82,741km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2019 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop D422F (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)
June 15, 2021 - 15,585km - replaced Dunlop D422F with Metzeler ME888 Marathon

(OEM Dunlop D422F on the 2017 Fury did not last as long as the OEM Dunlop E3 or Metzeler ME880 did on the front of my 2010 Fury. Decided to try the ME888 on the front this time. The Dunlop Sportmax D423 on the rear still has lots of life. We'll see how far it goes and may also try a Metzeler ME888 there when the Dunlop is done.)

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macxpert

· #75 · Jun 15, 2021

Spud said:
Upadated Stats:

Back - 200/50R - 18
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
September 28, 2012 - 32,822km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
June 12, 2014 - 50,564km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
March 29, 2016 - 72,730km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
May 30, 2017 - 87,060km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2018 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop Sportmax D423 (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)

Front - 90/90 - 21
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
July 8, 2013 - 44,703km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
May 26, 2015 - 60,720km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 12, 2016 - 82,741km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2018 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop D422F (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)
June 15, 2021 - 15,585km - replaced Dunlop D422F with Metzeler ME888 Marathon

(OEM Dunlop D422F on the 2017 Fury did not last as long as the OEM Dunlop E3 or Metzeler ME880 did on the front of my 2010 Fury. Decided to try the ME888 on the front this time. The Dunlop Sportmax D423 on the rear still has lots of life. We'll see how far it goes and may also try a Metzeler ME888 there when the Dunlop is done.)

Thanks for the update. How do you manage to get so many kilometres on your bike each year when you're snowed under for much of the year?

I've ridden around BC in "Summer" and it rained a lot of the time, plus it was cold, too cold for me. Then again people from Sydney think we have entered the second ice age each winter when it gets down to 6C over night. At 10C we are crying like babies that it's too cold........

Reactions: 2

Spud

Discussion Starter · #76 · Jun 15, 2021

macxpert said:
Thanks for the update. How do you manage to get so many kilometres on your bike each year when you're snowed under for much of the year?

I've ridden around BC in "Summer" and it rained a lot of the time, plus it was cold, too cold for me. Then again people from Sydney think we have entered the second ice age each winter when it gets down to 6C over night. At 10C we are crying like babies that it's too cold........

It is a short season but I do one multi day 5 to 6K km trip each year to a new destination. My wife takes a flight and meets me and we spend a week or so. Then she flies back and I ride back. I was supposed to go to Anchorage. AK in 2020 but Covid put a stop to that with border closures! So that remains on the bucket list as does the the Great Ocean Road

. Then I get another 5K or so in miscellaneous day trips and riding to work. It gets cold but we have 30 plus Celsius this week!🔥

Hope you're doing well?

Reactions: 3

macxpert

· #77 · Jun 15, 2021

Spud said:
It is a short season but I do one multi day 5 to 6K km trip each year to a new destination. My wife takes a flight and meets me and we spend a week or so. Then she flies back and I ride back. I was supposed to go to Anchorage. AK in 2020 but Covid put a stop to that with border closures! So that remains on the bucket list as does the the Great Ocean Road . Then I get another 5K or so in miscellaneous day trips and riding to work. It gets cold but we have 30 plus Celsius this week!🔥

Hope you're doing well?

Those trips sound great!
We're doing well, but it's cold today at 9C. Thanks to Covid I have been working from home for well over a year and loving it. No crappy commute and traffic jams. Looking forward to being able to travel again though. Enjoy your next trip!
Cheers

Reactions: 1

Spud

Discussion Starter · #78 · Jul 21, 2021

Updated Stats:

Back - 200/50R - 18
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
September 28, 2012 - 32,822km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
June 12, 2014 - 50,564km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
March 29, 2016 - 72,730km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
May 30, 2017 - 87,060km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2019 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop Sportmax D423 (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)
July 20, 2021 - 20,936km - replaced Dunlop Sportmax D423 with Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra

(I think I could have put another 2,000km on the Dunlop but I picked up a screw so I matched the rear to the front. The stock Dunlop D423 would be a good choice as its life was equal or better then the Dunlop E3 on the 2010 Fury.

Front - 90/90 - 21
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
July 8, 2013 - 44,703km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
May 26, 2015 - 60,720km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 12, 2016 - 82,741km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2019 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop D422F (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)
June 15, 2021 - 15,585km - replaced Dunlop D422F with Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra

(OEM Dunlop D422F on the front of the 2017 Fury did not last as long as the OEM Dunlop E3 or Metzeler ME880 did on my 2010 Fury. I now have 5,351km on the ME888 so we'll see if it can match the Dunlop E3 or ME880 in which case it will be my new go to tire.

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Spud

Discussion Starter · #79 · 11 mo ago

Updated Stats July 9, 2022
New information italicized for ease of review and commentary added to bottom.

Back - 200/50R - 18
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
September 28, 2012 - 32,822km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
June 12, 2014 - 50,564km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
March 29, 2016 - 72,730km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
May 30, 2017 - 87,060km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2019 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop Sportmax D423 (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)
July 20, 2021 - 20,936km - replaced Dunlop Sportmax D423 with Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra
July 8, 2022 - 37,117km - replaced Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra with undersized Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra (180/55-18)

Front - 90/90 - 21
April 27, 2012 - 21,469km - replaced OEM with Metzeler ME880
July 8, 2013 - 44,703km - replaced Metzeler ME880 with Dunlop E3
May 26, 2015 - 60,720km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 12, 2016 - 82,741km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
August 2, 2018 - 107,134km - replaced Dunlop E3 with another Dunlop E3
July 8, 2019 - 0km - replaced Dunlop E3 with Dunlop D422F (previous tire still fine, new one attached to a new 2017 Fury)
June 15, 2021 - 15,585km - replaced Dunlop D422F with Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra

Commentary:
On my way back from Alaska the rear tire had worn to where there were no tread wear indicators left to see at 16,181km / 10,054miles. I called many shops along the way and could not find one with a 200 series in stock let alone willing to schedule me in. The shop that was willing to install a tire on a Friday 1 hour before closing only had a 180.

While at the shop I cut through the rubber of the old tire and when the tread is completely worn off, the remaining rubber to the metal cord is approximately the thickness of a quarter (this was the Metzeler ME888, other tires may differ and I do not recommend going any further than when the tread wear indicators are touched. Life is too short to take risks and I believe it is also illegal to run past that)

The front tire is at the tread wear bars and will get me home where I have new tires waiting to be installed. I think I will replace the 180 as well when I get home. While the width difference is not very noticeable, us Fury owners want wider not narrower tires!

With all of the tires I have used to date, for the front, the best tire I have had both for performance and longevity is the Metzeler ME888 Ultra with the Dunlop E3, Dunlop E4 and Metzeler ME880 all decent alternatives. For the rear, the best tire for me has been the Dunlop E3 followed by the Dunlop E4, Metzeler ME888 and last and I do not recommend at all is the Metzeler ME880 which had approximately 2/3s the life of the other tires.

I'll update when I get home and replace the front.
Safe travels!!

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macxpert

· #80 · 11 mo ago

@Spud Thanks for your updates and thoughtful comments. From memory the Metzeler 880s have been discontinued in favour of the 888s. I have yet to wear out my 880s but I'll probably go for the 888s when I replace my tyres, unless I can find something that handles Sydney roads better. The factory Dunlops were good but they hated grooved and uneven roads compared to the Metzelers.

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