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Newb tire question Metzeler ME880 vs. ME888 front and rear.

18K views 15 replies 10 participants last post by  the_mav 
#1 ·
This is my first time to EVER buy tires for any motorcycle, let alone my 1300C. I have been looking at the Metzeler ME880 for both front and rear. They have the stock sizes that match up 170/80-15 for rear and 110/90-19 for front. The ME880 is Bias-Ply and the ME888 is Radial. I would like to go with the newer ME888 but they only have a 100/90-19 size for the front instead of the 110/90-19. What is the difference (performance, handling, wear) if any between the 110 and the 100? Any advice?
 
#2 ·
If you want the rear 888 get it. I'm running the 888 rear and 880 front. The 888 is too new to get accurate mileage reports

sent from a stone tablet and a chisel
 
#9 ·
Tire Size Results
Specification Sidewall. Radius. Diameter. Circumference. Revolutions. Speedometer. Odometer. Difference
SpecificationSidewallRadiusDiameterCircumferenceRevolutionsSpeedometerOdometerDifference
100/90-193.5"13.0"26.1"82.0"773/mi60MPH10000miN/A
110/90-193.9"13.4"26.8"84.2"753/mi58MPH9736mi2.7%

Based on the above info the difference is very, very, small; therefore there would be no significant difference in handling and so on. I went with the Michelin Commander II and went with another size front tire as well since they do not make the recommended size tire either and I have noticed no difference whatsoever.
 
#10 ·
Thanks Abn1SG. This was what I was looking for. I think I am going to give the 888's a shot. Currently "out of the country" :gah: and missing my bike. I will be doing a trip from NM to FWB when I get back (1.5 year TDY). Need new rubber for the trip. I will be reporting my results and findings when I get some. Thanks again for the info.
 
#11 ·
I don't know the difference between the two tires, but I run the Metzeler 880 and going on 16,000 miles and looks almost new. I run the front tire at 36 PSIG cold and after running for 15-20 minutes temperature stablizes at 39 PSIG.

Pic of tire a couple of weeks ago..
 
#12 ·
Although is almost 6 years since the last post on this topic, I just wanted to have your opinion regarding ME888 on a 1300S, I found both sizes available ME888 Marathon Ultra 140/80-17 TL 69H M/C and ME888 Marathon Ultra 170/80B15 TL 77H M/C. I still have on my bike ME880 that went very well, kept them always on 40psi, drove the bike not very aggressive, 2 persons+luggage... but they are getting older and definitely should be changed.
Should I go for 888 or keep the old 880? Price difference is not so much. Anyone with a fresh experience on a 1300 with ME888s? Thank you in advance for your inputs.
 
#13 ·
I have 888's f&r on my '08 R. I previously also had a 880 on the front. The 888's work well. Much better than the OE Dunlops. I don't think you'll notice any difference vs 880 other than the wear is supposed to be better.

My rear tire has about 12K miles (probably good for another 5k+) and my front is fairly new 1.5K miles.
 
#15 ·
Like Dean, I've experienced both 880 and 888 on the front. Only have 2500 miles on the 888, but I feel like it's going to wear better than the 880. If you can find an 880, it's going to be old stock as the 888 is it's replacement.
I'd go with the ME-888 if you're seriously thinking Metzler.
:patriot:
 
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