Metzeler 880 corporate irresponsibility sends me to darkside

[jonsmyth]

Screw the corporate overlords. If they will not take reponsibility for disintegrating tires, and my possible death, or the death of any rider, they can go to hell.

 

Do car tires work on first gens? I'm ready.

 

If someone starts a class action lawsuit, I'm all over it.

[tsigwing]

Screw the corporate overlords. If they will not take reponsibility for disintegrating tires, and my possible death, or the death of any rider, they can go to hell.

 

Do car tires work on first gens? I'm ready.

 

If someone starts a class action lawsuit, I'm all over it.

Will it work? Of course. Can you find the right size? That's the question.

[MiCarl]

The marks on your tire is not what a typical failure looks like.

 

The problem people have been having is the tread separating from the carcas. As far as I know nobody riding 1 up has had a rear ME880 fail.

 

When I bought my 89 it had new condition ME880s on it, and I loved them (except for a little rumble when cornering).

 

My rear tread started to separate after a 360 mile ride, two up heavy in pretty warm weather. The last 100 miles were at 70-75mph. I had been watching it because of the problems others have had, and it had been fine at the start of the trip.

 

Now, what I do not know is how the previous owner might have abused it. Based on some of the things I found he'd done I think it is probable they had been abused (run too low pressure). Both tires were losing air until I dismounted and cleaned up the bead surface on the wheels.

 

The tire has a load index of 77H. This means it's rated to carry 908 lbs at 130mph at the maximum inflation pressure (50psi). I figure two up we're in the neighborhood of 900 lbs. on the rear tire. We were at 50psi inflation. We didn't go near 130 mph, problem is the 130 mph test is on a machine for 10 minutes or so. Not real world for extended time. Still, IMHO the tire should hold up at it's max load indefinitely at 70-75mph.

 

I suspect we're fairly typical in our loading. My best guess is that at least some ME880s are not up to extended run times of 70-75 at max load.

 

As all this implies, my decision was to keep the tire fully inflated and watch it carefully. I waited to replace it until I had a problem.

 

My best guess is that if you're riding one up and not shopping in the big and tall store (and you're not tall) you'll probably be fine for the tread life. You need to keep an eye on it though.

 

For what it's worth I've been told by the area Avon rep that all premium tires (Avon, Metzeler, Pirelli etc.) require a higher inflation pressure than the stock tires.

[OldBear]

Before ya go to the darkside I'd make just one point. I just read an article in MCN this month by an attorney concerning car tires on bikes. His point, and I suspect a valid one, is that insurance companies basically look for excuses NOT to pay a claim. Per the attorney, the fact that a vehicle is "modified with tires not designed for the type of vehicle on which they are installed could result in your insurance folks leaving you hanging if you crash. The rationale being that "by installing a tire not designed for the vehicle you've significantly altered the handling characteristics of the vehicle and that was a cause in the accident".

 

Not wanting to slam anyone here...Ya pays your money and ya takes your chances. Personally, it's not something I'm willing to try until I see the go fast guys on the track use 'em, but that's just me. This insurance thing though....that may be worth looking into. You may want to check with the Darkside guys and see if anybody's had a problem:think:. And yeah, if you think I'm skeptical about insurance, you're correct!

[BuddyRich]

Bill had a rear me880 fail a couple of years age. He was one up and on a second gen.

[Black Owl]

In my business, we have occassion to perform forensic failure causation examinations of wrecked motorcycles. One of the first things we look at are the tires for condition/wear patterns, and to determine if the tires on the unit are appropriate for the bike. Having a car tire on the bike would definately be an issue of concern.

 

But, as has been stated, we each make our own choices and we live with the consequences of those choices.

 

[Sheradan]

MOST tire failures, autos included, are caused by improper inflation. Sometimes that is caused by puncture.

[Jerry W]

I have not moved to the darkside YET, but I did check with my insurance company and they do not have a problem with a car tire on a motorcycle. Different insurance companies may have different policies, just like different strokes for different folks.

[Venturous Randy]

Screw the corporate overlords. If they will not take reponsibility for disintegrating tires, and my possible death, or the death of any rider, they can go to hell.

 

Do car tires work on first gens? I'm ready.

 

If someone starts a class action lawsuit, I'm all over it.

 

On a 1st gen, there are several good alternatives to Metzler. I like the slow speed handling of the Avons and like the overall handling of the Dunlap Elite III's. You should consider one of these. I had Metzler 880's and did not have a problem, but when I went to the Avons from the Metzlers, it was like a totally different bike.

RandyA

[wizard]

Oldbear makes an interesting point. What tire is designed for the Venture? A Bridgestone, or a Dunlop 404? And if I recall correctly, it seems that most of us overload our trunks, saddlebags, and exceed the recommended safe speed while riding with the trunk on the bike. What about all of the aftermarket items we add to the bike. Were these items designed for the Venture? I'm thinking now that maybe I should not carry insurance. If they can use any of these items to deny a claim, its a waste of my money to have the insurance in the first place.

[naturbar]

I have not moved to the darkside YET, but I did check with my insurance company and they do not have a problem with a car tire on a motorcycle. Different insurance companies may have different policies, just like different strokes for different folks.

 

better get it in writing if you intend to go to the darkside

[Freebird]

I hate to say it but I sure do agree. I would get it in writing. It would be very rare for your agent to come out and do an appraisal on a wrecked bike. They are going to send a trained adjuster and he or she may very well have a different opinion than the agent that you spoke with.

[BigBoyinMS]

The insurance question is a legitimate concern but many of us have asked the question of the insurance companys and in every case been told that the only thing they would look for is a DOT approved tire. A few of us have even gotten it in writing. That being said, if they wanted to they could still bring it up that it's the "wrong tire for the application". Personally, I would rather ride safer by having the best tire so I'll be keeping the Kumho.

And to answer the fitment question... I don't believe that anyone has found a CT in a size to fit the 1st Gens. One more plus for having a 2nd Gen!

[Sideoftheroad]

They are going to send a trained adjuster and he or she may very well have a different opinion than the agent that you spoke with.

 

They do it in the health insurance biz too. Lame example, but I think you will get the point. Doctor will give someone tylenol as heart attack prevention. If you have a heart/stroke policy that pays for medication, willing to bet insurance co. won't pay because tylenol is not specifically designed for heart attack prevention.

 

Overall gotta read the policy language. That is what's in writing. If you don't have it in writing, get a policy amendment to include car tires on your scoot.