Metzler Tyres?

[dougbm]

What is the opinion of Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact tyre?
I currently have Pirelli Diablo Stradas but they have worn fairly badly with significant scolloping and the handling is not confidence inspiring. I am not getting the grip or feel needed. Our roads here in New Zealand can be quite coarse and narrow and lumpy. I used Metzler ME Z4's on my Thunderbird Sport in Australia and they were good but have been criticised as making the bike heavy and slow to steer (it was a bit). A mate with a Trident says to avoid Pirelli's as they 'fall apart' and go with Metzler.
The Z6 is apparently sportier than the Z4 but is it the best choice?
I, naturally want the best of both worlds. Decent tyre life (8,000 to 10,000 km) and good grip (wet and dry) and handling and of course affordability. I am not a full on sport rider but if I have confidence in the tyre will have a good go. Currently I don't have the confidence in my tyres to do so.
ps my Trident 900 is putting out 95hp at the rear wheel.

[sailfish]

The Metzeler Z6 tires are my favorite, I'm about to order my 4th set. I have not run the Interact version but I can tell you about the "plain" Z6. I've taken the Z6 tires as far as 8,000 miles although the last set was done at 6,500 miles. After 2 sets of the Z6 I tried the Diablo Stradas on the advise of a friend. They were no better (or no worse) and didn't last as long, 5,900 miles. Some don't like the looks of the Z6 but I don't mind it, it's an easy turning profile with a good contact patch on the side. I would call the front neutral in turning characteristics. They're the only tires that I've drug the side stand on. Go ahead and mount a 180 on the rear if you wish, I could not tell any difference between a 170 and a 180 in bike handling.

Perhaps you've already found the Metzeler Moto info: http://www.metzelermoto.com/en_IT/br...20features.pdf

[KiwiGeoff]

Hi DougBm,

I've been using Z6s for the past two years on my S3 and rate them very highly. They are probably average interms of mileage but very good in the wet and on our rougher chip. I also used them on a previous BMW R1100rs and found the grip and handling superior to Pilot roads which wore very flat across the rear. The Z6s have a more rounded profile to begin with. There was a test comparison I think on the last thread re tyres which you may find useful.

Cheers KiwiGeoff

[dougbm]

Everyone for your responses.
Cheers
Doug

[Vox T]

I've used Conti Road Attacks this year. Much better than the original Michelins.

[dougbm]

Originally Posted by Vox T

I've used Conti Road Attacks this year. Much better than the original Michelins.

Better in what way? Grip, handling, mileage, price?
Cheers
Doug

[KitNYC]

Next go-round, I plan to try Pilot Road 2s in place of the Road Attacks I've been running for the last year or so. The Road Attack rear I had before my current one squared off horribly and absolutely killed my confidence for a couple months; hoping the PR2s will hold up a little better.

Cheers,
-Kit

[Vox T]

Originally Posted by dougbm

Better in what way? Grip, handling, mileage, price?
Cheers
Doug

Well, considering my tires were 14 years old I can't offer an apples to apples comparison. Road Attacks are reasonably priced for a "premium" tire.

[Buckwheat]

Originally Posted by KitNYC

Next go-round, I plan to try Pilot Road 2s ..... hoping the PR2s will hold up a little better.

Cheers,
-Kit

Ditto.