Bob,
I have experience with both the 020 and the 880.
First - you are probably running too low of a starting cold tire
pressure - you should get a lot more than 3000 miles on the 020. You
should run higher than recommended in owners manual, especially if you
are running at sustained speeds for any significant time (more than
couple hours) like at least 42-45 in the rear and 40-42 in front.
Overheating the tire because of too low a tire pressure is biggest cause
of premature tire wear.
On the 020 I was getting 10,000 miles on the front and 8,000 from the
rear. Really like how they feel and handle - very confidence inspiring.
I went to the ME880's (the new radials, front and back) for the Alaska
rally as I knew I would need more than 8000 miles if I was to do the
whole rally on one set of tires. The front did last - 10,500 miles
although worn smooth on left side (I guess did more left hand sweepers
than right) with tread still left in center and no cupping. The rear
didn't make it - only 8,000 miles and got cut by a rock on the Cassiar
Hwy in BC, which I had to plug and eventually replace with a Harley
Dunlop tire in Smithers, BC. I think partly because I ran first two days
of rally (and hottest area - Mexico, Az & Nv) at what I found was a
lower tire pressure (38 psi) than I intended (45 psi).
I am going to try another set for the Col Thin air TT next month and
see, with higher yet pressures. Over all, felt and handled as good as
the Bridgestones.
My buddy on a ST1100 runs the bias versions and has been getting better
than 12,000 miles from them. The bias versions will get you better
mileage.
--
Dave Biasotti // Fremont, CA
------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 00:15:19 EDT
From: "Bob J." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: was FJR engine/now tires.
John or any of the other LD riders;
What has been anyones experience with the Metzler 880? I have a
set of
Bridgestones 020 and have only gotten about 2500 to 3000 miles on them
and
they need to be replaced. I am thinking about the 880 as a replacement
for
more mileage. Can anyone give me any feedback on mileage and stick?
Bob
