I’m on a Challenger now. Rear Cruisetec lasted me 12k, 2 up pulling a trailer for 8k miles. I swapped out with a Dunlop E4 this last winter. I’m at 11k with another 6-8k of tread left. And again 2 up pulling a trailer for over 8k miles The front OEM Cruisetec I replaced at about 13k with another Cruisetec. The original front Cruisetec was cupping pretty bad at 36lbs per owners manual. I run 39lbs on the second one, No cupping and looking to get close to 20k out of it. On the 17RM that I traded in I could squeeze out 18k with the E4. Not a fan of Metzlers. I don’t notice much difference in the the gripping power between the 2 and I’ve ridden in a lot of rain and twisties on both.

 

11,394 miles. Replaced with C-3.

 

Wow, you used up every bit of that tire!

I'm at just over 17k on my Cruztec that were factory installed on my Challenger. I'm just about to the wear bar on the rear. I'm looking to replace it but not sure with what. Seems my experience is not the standard.

I cannot imagine getting 17,000. That is awesome!

 

I was advised to not purchase those tires for the exact reason you said. They are soft. They handle well. But, they won't last long. Also, I never get over 10k on any tire.

 

........ but I will say that they certainly are sticky and add a level of comfort on wet and twisty roads.

^^^^That right there says it all. Metzelers are good, I used to run them, and 7000 miles is a good return in my book. It is immaterial what others have to say as their riding style, preferences and conditions will differ from your own. Greasemonkey above is an example of someone that prefers longevity obviously and Rusty Arse pulls a trailer. There is always a tradeoff longevity against grip, everybody is acutely aware of this. You need to decide what exactly it is you want? That is why I personally always go for Avon Cobras, 6000 miles maximum, and it's shot but I can rely on them 100% to keep the rear end of my bike securely planted when I need it in all seasons.

 

I'm at just over 17k on my Cruztec that were factory installed on my Challenger. I'm just about to the wear bar on the rear. I'm looking to replace it but not sure with what. Seems my experience is not the standard.

 

8500 for both me and Julie

 

The original rear tire that came on my bike was a 180/60/R16 [radial tire],but only lasted 8,000 miles which was totally unacceptable,not to mention,expensive. My replacement tire was a Dunlop American Elite, 180 /65B/16 [bias tire] and lasted over twice that mileage [22-25,000 miles] which was a BIG IMPROVEMENT,not to mention, it cost less money to boot and I didn't ride the bike any differently!! And then, I really haven't noticed any difference in handling,either.

The last bike I owned was a 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 which also came with radial tires,but on BOTH ends,and I was lucky to get 6-7000 miles out of either one of em,which was REALLY UNACCEPTABLE,not to mention,getting REALLY EXPENSIVE,and again,I do my own work! So that bike had to go because, 33 tires over a 6 1/2 year period of time and 125,000 miles, was alittle much!! So I started looking at other bikes for something that tickled my fantasy and ended up trading it towards my 2018 SDH and couldn't be happier.


But don't get me wrong about the Triumph because I really liked that bike too.But because of those short lived radial tires,I started shopping,hence ending up with the Indian!! Had someone made bias tires in that size,or even close to that size,I'd probably still be riding the Tbird today. But then again,you guys wouldn't have had the distinct "PLEASURE" of knowing me either. Dave!!!.

 

I am replacing the Metz on my Challenger tomorrow. Have just under 10K on them. From a handling perspective, they have been good. Not the best in the wet stuff, but not the worst. My biggest gripe, is that even with 39 PSI on the front, they were horribly cupped and made a horrific whining noise when going through corners - even louder than the music.

I am putting Avon Cobra Chromes on. Have them on my other bikes and really like them from a handling perspective and longevity (usually get between 12-14K on the set).

 

Are the Avons load rated for the front tire of the Challenger?. I've been hunting for a different brand of tire, but because of the odd rating number the Challenger has for the front wheel, I haven't been able to get an alternative brand put on my motorcycle.

 

I had barely 5000 miles on mine, before they started cupping. I’d usually get 8-10k on dunlops or Michelins. Won’t be buying Metzlers when I decide to replace.

 

For $352 a set....fricken fantastic rubber. 8,000-9000 usually. Great in all weather conditions. Really have to check & maintain pressure on these or they are prone to cupping. I have heard the Commander 3's are decent too. I'll stay with the Cruisetec's !

 

You paid $352 for front and rear Cruistec tires? Where?

 

well like Davdtac1 said... these things are damn expensive to be playing around trying to find the right tire (been there, done that)... my Chieftain came with Dunlops and the only thing I've changed is on the rear I run a E-4... I get 20K out of the American Elite on the front and about 11-13 with the E-4 on the back.. these are the best mileage I've ever had with motorcycle tires and I just don't think I can do any better and damn sure don't want to do worse... having said that the first run factory tires (just like car tires) do not have the same tread depth as the replacement would of the same brand same model.. so it would be interesting to hear what the second set made out to be

 

I’ve got almost 11K on my Challenger with the original Cruisetecs. I might be biased since I didn’t like them from the start. Felt like they were not gripping well on dry pavement, however, in the wet, never seemed to be a problem. Could be my sport bike mentality, but the front is cupped. Found it hard to find the correct size, especially Dunlop, so found a set of ME888’s that will go on soon. Dunlops always on my Harley and have around 10K on those and they are still fresh and no cupping.

 

My choice I know but I don’t gripe at the price I pay for new boots! Go BIG pay BIG but $275 USD at today’s exchange rate for my rear tire and $150 front ain’t too bad in the overall scheme of things. Then again they are made just up the road!

 

What are you guys running for pressures?? My bike calls for 36 F and 41 R,which is what I was running in the original tires,but no soap.Now with these new Dunlops, [bias tires on both ends] ] I'm still running those same pressures,but what a difference in mileage,not to mention,my riding habbits have not changed. ????????????????????????????????????????

 

40/40 on the Challenger

 

 

I sent these photos to Metzler asking what happened here
No answer or responce
Tires have 17,000 kms
Four big cracks
I would like to know what would cause this??

 

....I would like to know what would cause this??

Speculation here but where were they made? The inferior quality of Metzelers made in Brazil are quite well renowned and documented on the forums. If I lived on Your Side of the Pond I wouldn't touch Metzelers made south of the border. After the best part of 10,000 miles, I doubt if there's much recourse either. Just move on to another brand.

 

Never ran the Metzeler tires before. My 18 RM came with the E3 and I got 18500 on the rear tire with a little left, but had to change for 6000 mile trip. I have been running Commander 2 after replacing and getting close to 20K for the rear and almost 30K for the front. I now have a 20RM with 39K and just put the 3rd rear tire on, Commander 2 . Best riding and milage tire that I have found.

 

There are some phenomenal mileage returns on tires here I can't even begin to imagine what sort of roads these mileages are being achieved on and what sort of riding style is being applied. If they are as I may surmise, I would seriously consider going 'darkside' and doubling my return as grip is certainly not a primary factor.

 

WOW!!! Now the tire shown looks to be a great tire.lol I'll just betcha it's a Metzler!! How many miles did you travel before discovering
this problem??? You're G**dam lucky you didn't go down!! I think I'll run right out and buy a set!! lol lol lol I'll just betcha running tires like that would make the wife real happy!!

 

Have an appointment on the 20th for a new rear on the 21 Roadmaster. Down to the wear bars at 12,600

 

This is 7100 miles. Probably could have squeaked a little more out of it, but it was time. Looks like it wore unevenly and found right side set over 1/8" forward of the left side index mark setting which was still factory set.

 

Whoa, did ya’ spend some time in a burn out pit @ Sturgis? lol. The index marks might get you close but it’s all about getting the belt running true.

 

Haha, nope. No burnouts. Mostly twisty winding roads in the mountains and very little highway. They wore pretty round, just wore out to quick in my book. You can actually see a line on the tires right at the inner end of the grooves where the limit is for leaning my RM. First thing that hits in the corners is the slip-ons and that is not cool when it does. Lucky I kept it upright.

 

Aren't these radial tires great?? I use to have that problem too,but no more!!! Of course,there are many that disagree with my resolve,but,everyone has their own opinion and life goes on!!

 

Metzler ME888 Marathon Ultra White Walls 32,000 Ks on my Scout, great grip.