Metzler 280....verdict still out.

6495 Views 20 Replies 10 Participants Last post by 502WingMan, Jan 15, 2004

Elsboss

Discussion Starter · Dec 5, 2003

I put a post on another board about a experience I had with the new Metzler 280. It was regarding a nail in my tire, it going down to 5 lbs pressure, and my riding on it 55 miles on mountain roads after. I made a statement about it almost being as good as a runflat Goodyear......NOT!

As long as there's a little bit of pressure left, that's true. When it REALLY goes flat, it's a mess. The tire is a bit wide for a rim less than 9" and when it goes totally flat it wants to throw the bead and curl inward and under...both sides. I found myself on the side of the road at night with the 502 sitting straight up and on the rim. No need for the kickstand.

I had also noticed the wear of this tire to be unusual. The center section that was the area that had the footprint on the road was pronounced and bulging from the rounded area that didn't have contact. Almost as if there were belt seperation. It additionally became very square looking.

Marv sent me another one and I'm putting it on this weekend. After doing some tranny and other work I'll be on the road next week. Anxious to see how this 280 does. After hearing the disclaimer from Avon re: the 250 and knowing Metzler doesn't endorse this tire for the Hoss, I'm questioning how good it's ultimately going to be. To bad sure it looks good.

E

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

MBFsupport

· #2 · Dec 5, 2003

Sorry to hear about that Bro. I guess that plug I put in for you failed

I have never heard of one giving out before but stuff happens I guess.

We could have used a little glue on the plug and I know some guys do but I didn't think it was necessary.

Hope you get everything in top shape. We got some more riding to do together

Elsboss

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 5, 2003

Lamont, that plug held just fine. That was not the reason the tire went flat. Got another hole (a big one) and the original mushroom didn't come out til the tire rolled under and got all messed up. The plug was actually still in but barely. Apparently, unless there's a significant amount of air pressure pushing the mushroom against the casing, the only thing that holds it in is the stem inside the puncture. Nonetheless, after we got the tire reseated (while up on a floor jack), I was able to get a mushroom plug in the hole that caused the flat as well as redoing the original. Got me home then up to Gary's garage a total of about 60 miles just fine. Those plugs are dynamite. A regular plug would have never taken care of that second flat I got.

Elliot

hossman

· #4 · Dec 5, 2003

mushroom plug

Hey, someone got a pic of that mushroom plug? Where do you get them?

Hoss

MBFsupport

· #5 · Dec 5, 2003

Re: mushroom plug

hossman said:
Hey, someone got a pic of that mushroom plug? Where do you get them?
Hoss

Here's one place to get them.
http://hondadirectlineusa.com/valkyrie/ ... sp?pid=753

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V-MAN

· #6 · Dec 5, 2003

Elsboss said:
After hearing the disclaimer from Avon re: the 250 and knowing Metzler doesn't endorse this tire for the Hoss, I'm questioning how good it's ultimately going to be. E

Elliot

After the e-mail I received from AVON regarding the 250 I started to look around. I wanted to know exactly what the differences were between the 230/60 15 and the 250/40 18. Both these tires are "H" rated so they are good max 130/210 MPH/KMH. The weight rating on the stock 230 is 1169# and the 250 is 1019# - exactly 150# difference ... speed rating is the SAME :roll:

AVON has not released any spec info on the 300 series ... yet. When they do I plan to compare it to what is available now. I did not even look at the Metzlers because I really like AVON brand tire on my bikes :?

I really am not sure why they recommend one over the other if there is only 150# weight rated difference. I like the FAT look so I will probably keep running the 250 AVON ... unless I can squeeze the 300 in there :shock:

hossman

· #7 · Dec 11, 2003

mushroom plugs

Thanks Lamont for the pics and the address.

Hoss :lol:

Elsboss

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 11, 2003

V-Man,

Doesn't make much sense does it? The weight difference doesn't seem to justify one being ok the other not (Avon 230 vs 250)? In spite of the lack of Avon's endorsement, it doesn't seem to be enough to make one worry about it does it.

Regarding the 300 Avon, I would guess that there will be ample room within the fender for fit. I'm basing that from the room I have with the 280 Metzler. When I used a 280 Sumitomo car tire, there wasn't more than 1/8" clearance. The rounded m/c tire though leaves lots of room. I'll caution anyone that the 280 lowers your bike 3/4". I'm running big exhaust (3 1/2") and was hitting constantly. My fix was going to Aldan and getting longer shocks. Now ok.

The problem for me will be the wheel. I bought Marv's latest 18" wheel which is somewhere around 8 1/2". It may be 1/2" less or more, not sure. Anyhow, the new Metzler 280 sidewalls end up bowing inward quite a bit as that wheel just doesn't seem wide enough. Looks like that tire could take up to an 11" wheel with no problem. It also degrades the look. I also like that beefy fat look and with the sidewalls caved in, it just doesn't have it like I'd like. I also wonder if that had anything to do with the lousy wear I had on the one that just crapped out?

Marv told me as soon as he sells out of these existing wheels, he's going to try having some wider ones made. I hope it's at least 10". That will probably be a good resource for a tire as big as the Avon 300. Anxious to see it. Would also like to see if anyone knows of a mfg. that makes an 18" wheel for motorcycles in the 10" + range.

Elliot

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fasteddie

· #9 · Dec 11, 2003

wide wheels

El - Why wait. If you take your steel or aluminum wheel to a wheel shop ("WHEEL WORKS" in NJ ask for Tim Smith tell him Ed from POWTEK powder coating sent ya) They will make it any width you want and you will not be able to tell where and how is was widened. The street rod and drag guys do it all the time so you know if it holds up to 2000 rear wheel HP no problem on the Boss. I guess in your case the problem would be it's chromes!! Then there are plenty of people who specialize in chroming wheels for $250. The shop you take the wheel to get widened might also provide that service.

Elsboss

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 11, 2003

Ed, that's really ironic you post this. Last night I was taking the old 280 off that wheel I got from Marv and struggling to put the new one on. It's a "struggle" when you use the big screwdriver and foot/knee method rather than a tire changing machine, hee hee . Anyhow, Marv does exactly that with his wheel. It has been cut and widened. It's even inscribed as to when it's done (date) on the inside of the rim. If the cut and widening is in the center section, it may not even effect the chroming. I was looking at it and thinking the same thing. Yep, next tire change (probably 1 month :wink: ), I'll be exploring that one for sure. The only thing that hurts with that one is paying the $1,000 Chopper City gets for the wheel and then having to do more .

Thanks Ed!

Elliot

Kurt Roll

· #11 · Jan 10, 2004

Metzler 280.... Verdict still out.

Guys,
For about $1100 I had a guy make me an 18X10" rear wheel that perfectly matches the front on my 2001. It looks great and rides much better with tha Metzler 280 than that old Avon 15X23. I later mounted the matching Metzler 130X16 front tire, It rides much more like a real motorcycle now than a Winnebago.
Regards,
Kurt

cr8zyday

· #12 · Jan 11, 2004

Hey Kurt,

Who made the 18" rear wheel for you? Was it aluminum? Chrome?
Maybe a few of us that want to convert to the 18" could get a
group discount from the guy?

CarburetorMike

· #13 · Jan 11, 2004

Hi Everyone, That would be great you find someone to make some rims. There are many Z rated car tires in the 16-17" range out there. If this guy can cut any size rim to match the Marriage front wheel, why not a 16 or 17 in what ever width needed. Then after one looks at all the Car tire options he can have one made for it.

We already know the 18" with a low profile car tire doesn't handle very well. So maybe with more sidewall and different tire compounds, a good compromise can be found.

Kurt Roll

· #14 · Jan 11, 2004

cr8zday,
In regards to the 18X10" wheel made for the 280 metzler. I bought it through Bennington Motors in VT(802)442-8383. Kevin is the "parts guy" and was very helpful, even called me a week later to make sure I was happy and everything worked OK. He was however, reluctant to tell me who made the wheel but I'm sure it's no big secret. 3 weeks seems to be standard delivery time.
The wheel is polished aluminum, almost looks like chrome until you get it next to a "real" chrome wheel. The Metzler 280 looks great on it. The sidewalls are straight and the face of the tire has a constant radius curve, much like a "sport bike" tire. There is quit a difference riding a "round tire" compared to a an Avon 230 with it's multi radius profile.
I thought about having the wheel chromed, but I thought I would ride it first, just to make sure everything worked OK. It does and I will. I didn't even ask Kevin, but chrome may be an option. Anyway there are a bunch of places that will chrome a wheel, if that's what you want (check the back of Cycle World etc). My buddy polished his VTX wheels then sent them out to be chromed. $80 a wheel, it's been over a year now, no chips or scratches, looks like a completly different motorcycle.
Regards,
Kurt

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cr8zyday

· #15 · Jan 12, 2004

Kurt..

Did you send him your current wheel to make the new one
by?

V-MAN

· #16 · Jan 12, 2004

Kurt Roll said:
cr8zday,
In regards to the 18X10" wheel made for the 280 metzler. I bought it through Bennington Motors in VT(802)442-8383. Kevin is the "parts guy" and was very helpful, even called me a week later to make sure I was happy and everything worked OK. He was however, reluctant to tell me who made the wheel but I'm sure it's no big secret. 3 weeks seems to be standard delivery time.
Regards,
Kurt

Kurt

Are you sure this wheel is 10"? The reason I ask is I bought my bike from Bennington. I spoke to Mike (the owner) for a long time in regards to the rear wheel and I also spoke to Ryan (head mechanic) @ Bennington. I bought Mike's bike ... lots of upgrades already done. The ONLY rear wheel that is offered is 9.5" - that is what I have. I have not had my wheel off for tire change so I have not measured it personaly BUT I figure they should know the width and they told me 9.5" :? How recent did you purchase this 10" wheel - maybe they have made a change? BTW when I bought the bike they gave me the option of the 250 Avon or 280 Metz ... I went with 250 because I like Avon ... waiting for their 300 series now but figured I will have to have wheel widened first to use it ... maybe not if in fact my wheel is 10"

Kurt Roll

· #17 · Jan 12, 2004

Hey V-Man,
You may be right about the 91/2" wheel. I just measured it and it came out to be "about" 10" total width (it's hard to measure exactly with that big-ass tire in the way) . The bead area, or tire width could be no more than 91/4- 9/12. The tire looks to fit properly, much like a wide/ low profile version of my old Hayabusa.
I did not have to send in my old wheel to have this made. It is an exact copy of the front wheel in every detail (except polished a little better). This leads me to suspect that the new wheel was made by same suplier that made the original.
Question: Does anyone know of a motel available in Daytona for Bike Week, Like a BH hang out?
Regards,
Kurt

V-MAN

· #18 · Jan 12, 2004

Kurt Roll said:
Hey V-Man,
You may be right about the 91/2" wheel. I just measured it and it came out to be "about" 10" total width (it's hard to measure exactly with that big-ass tire in the way) . The bead area, or tire width could be no more than 91/4- 9/12. The tire looks to fit properly, much like a wide/ low profile version of my old Hayabusa.
I did not have to send in my old wheel to have this made. It is an exact copy of the front wheel in every detail (except polished a little better). This leads me to suspect that the new wheel was made by same suplier that made the original.
Question: Does anyone know of a motel available in Daytona for Bike Week, Like a BH hang out?
Regards,
Kurt

Kurt

I was hoping maybe Bennington had gone with a larger wheel. From the description Elliot made regarding his wheel and a 280 Metz I am a little reluctant to try the new 300 AVON until I get more width.

About a BH Hangout - The Highlander on Ridgwood was FULL of BH's in October. Lots of BH dealers set up shop along Ridgewood too. Sorry can't help you with motel info though ... not sure where everyone stays.

mark russell

· #19 · Jan 15, 2004

rear wheel

i bought a hart racing 3 piece aluminum wheel on ebay for 200.00 brand new. it is a 18x10 true wheel size. my 280 fits it perfectly. i will take the rim apart and make my own custom center section for it now that i know the tire fits right. i bought a 3 axis cnc mill so i can make my own wheels. this is for the King v i am building. a 10" rim is perfect. also check out Walz hardcore cycles for wide 18" rims. he is in Germany and sells rims up to 12" wide. very pricey though.

V-MAN

· #20 · Jan 15, 2004

Re: rear wheel

mark russell said:
i bought a hart racing 3 piece aluminum wheel on ebay for 200.00 brand new. it is a 18x10 true wheel size. my 280 fits it perfectly. i will take the rim apart and make my own custom center section for it now that i know the tire fits right. i bought a 3 axis cnc mill so i can make my own wheels. this is for the King v i am building. a 10" rim is perfect. also check out Walz hardcore cycles for wide 18" rims. he is in Germany and sells rims up to 12" wide. very pricey though.

Mark

Your own CNC ... sweet! Any pictures of the King V your putting together?

I checked out Walz Cycles http://www.walz-hardcore-cycles.com/englisch/ VERY cool bikes! I like the looks of B/W for all the pictures too. Looks like they plan to be in Daytona for BikeWeek ... (Loyd Cadillac on Beach ST)

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