Hey everyone this is my first new topic post. Anyway, i just installed the Metzler 200mm rear tire on my '01 Vavulsa, and i wanted to throw my two cents out. Here goes:
I found this tire for $192 shipped (this is the cheapest i found it, for anyones refrence i found it at sporttour.com). Most other places wanted $200-$300 at my local steeler, so right off the bat the metzler was more expensive which for cheapskates like me is an immediate drawback, but i figured 170mm to 200mm, worth the extra $$. (The stock dunlop was around $100 for a 170mm.)
Okay so thats the money issues. Now, my friend has a VTX1800 with a Metzler 200mm which is a FAT tire (what you'd expect the 200 to look like)!! so thats what im expecting (a rounded car tire) what i get is a "200mm" tire which is .5" wider then the stock dunlop 170mm (measured outside to outside of the tread including curve on both tires). Needless to say i was a bit peaved i payed twice as much for .5" Im a mechanic and work on cars, planes, and bikes, so i know that different manufacturers have different measurments which is retarded. But i saw a Metzler 200 on the VTX so you'd think they'd be the same width... not so...
That covers the sizing. As far as the ride quality and my feelings on the tire thus far (100 miles on it so far) I must say i really am pleased with the handeling and comfort characteristics of this tire. (could be because the old tire was worn almost flat) The handeling really is great. Its well improved over the dunlop many times over.
After all was said and done if you have the money and just want the tire to say 200mm, then get the Metzler it is a great pricey tire. If you are on a budget and want to get the most bang for your buck and dont mind that the same sized tire minus 1/2" says 170 instead of 200 then i would deffinately go with the dunlop.
Alright thats my opinion, i hope it helps someone in deciding what tire to replace there worn one with. Feel free to comment if you disagree or want to add anything, or tell me to make shorter posts.
I found this tire for $192 shipped (this is the cheapest i found it, for anyones refrence i found it at sporttour.com). Most other places wanted $200-$300 at my local steeler, so right off the bat the metzler was more expensive which for cheapskates like me is an immediate drawback, but i figured 170mm to 200mm, worth the extra $$. (The stock dunlop was around $100 for a 170mm.)
Okay so thats the money issues. Now, my friend has a VTX1800 with a Metzler 200mm which is a FAT tire (what you'd expect the 200 to look like)!! so thats what im expecting (a rounded car tire) what i get is a "200mm" tire which is .5" wider then the stock dunlop 170mm (measured outside to outside of the tread including curve on both tires). Needless to say i was a bit peaved i payed twice as much for .5" Im a mechanic and work on cars, planes, and bikes, so i know that different manufacturers have different measurments which is retarded. But i saw a Metzler 200 on the VTX so you'd think they'd be the same width... not so...
That covers the sizing. As far as the ride quality and my feelings on the tire thus far (100 miles on it so far) I must say i really am pleased with the handeling and comfort characteristics of this tire. (could be because the old tire was worn almost flat) The handeling really is great. Its well improved over the dunlop many times over.
After all was said and done if you have the money and just want the tire to say 200mm, then get the Metzler it is a great pricey tire. If you are on a budget and want to get the most bang for your buck and dont mind that the same sized tire minus 1/2" says 170 instead of 200 then i would deffinately go with the dunlop.
Alright thats my opinion, i hope it helps someone in deciding what tire to replace there worn one with. Feel free to comment if you disagree or want to add anything, or tell me to make shorter posts.