Problems with Metzeler Tires

[OldVet66]

When I first got my GS1000E I put a new set of Metzeler tires on it. After the first season, with next to no mileage on them, due to carb problems, the back tire started cracking all the way around the sidewalls. After a long process Metzeler replaced it. After a winter in the garage, both the front and back tire are doing the same thing again. Has Metzeler's quality gone down, or have these tires been sitting in a distributor's s stock so long they are ready to dry rot immediately? The cracks aren't very deep, but they go all the way around the sidewalls on both sides. I don't have time to jump through their hoops for more replacements. These tires have no signs of wear. What brand should I go after? Possibly a slightly more aggressive compound that wears well. I'm not knee dragging, but coming close.

[Larry D]

You can figure out the date of manufacturing here.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/tire_info.html#A02

[OldVet66]

Thanks for the info. I'll look at the code and get some pictures when I get home from work.

[waterman]

Where did you purchase them from? Which tires specifically? I ran into the same problem with the Avon roadriders on my 650. I wonder if they are from the same retailer, in my case it was Tires Unlimited.

[argonsagas]

DO check the manufacturing dates, as it sounds like the tire is old, even though it appears new and unused.


Tires begin to age as soon as they are made and have a limited life, best before five years, which means that if they are sitting on a dealer's shelf for several years, they are already past prime when you buy them.

Tires also age more quickly if they are stored improperly. Darkness is best, and sunlight will increase aging, but certain airborne chemicals can also affect the process, and those are peculiar to each storage environment. Ozone, for example, will definitely speed deterioration.

[tone]

Any cracks in the sidewall & you should throw the tyres in a skip straight away, i always do this with even uncracked metz tyres regardless of age but thats a personal thing

The only other reason i can think of for a sidewall t crack apart from whats been mentioned above is if its sat on the bike for a long time with the pressure down, they usually seem ok untill you pump them up & strat using them

[OldVet66]

I think I'm done with Metzeler. DOT XE 7A F300 2608 on the front and DOT XE 5V F329 1109, the new replacement on the rear. I don't have more than 900 miles on the front, and maybe 400 on the rear. I would appreciate some recommendations. One tire was made in Brazil, possibly both.

[IanC]

I've always had really good experiences with BattleAxe BT45's

[OldVet66]

Those look like good tires. I suppose the v rated would be the way to go.