Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact

[jimgl353_imp]

these Z8 are the sh*t! "plush" is the best description I can come up with. I won't be surprised if they wear out quicker than the bias tires. even if the front doesn't cup/scallop. heck, it's almost like riding on air. running them 36 / 42 btw.

[johnf514_imp]

I'm running Z8s on my CB1100. They've seen 3K miles and a track day. No issues here.

[jimgl353_imp]

John, is that Orlando Florida? What track did you do a trackday at? and what hard part dragging issues did you have if any?

[johnf514_imp]

Yesssir, Orlando FL, trackday was at JenningsGP, only dragging peg feelers around a few of the 7-8-9 turns.

[jimgl3_imp]

thx john, sounds really cool!

I have found a strange thing with these z8's my gas mileage has been 49 with the d205 then 50 with the sport demon. now all of a sudden up to 56mpg with the z8's! can the diameter of these tires really be that different? and oddly, rpm/speed seems exactly the same. so, what's going on here?

[jimgl3_imp]

finally found metzeler data sheet. the z8 is actually about .2 of an inch taller than the sport demon. therefore I can only deduce that the rolling resistance of the z8 is incredibly lower than the demon. (and the d205 for that matter) and results in awesome gas mileage! if you're thinking taller tire = better gas mileage, real world, yes, but the computer wouldn't see it that way. the computer only know how many revolutions the tire makes. taller tire make less revolutions over same distance so computer think hasn't gone as far, so it would report worse gas mileage, not better.

[johnf514_imp]

Thanks for the info, jimgl3! I have only had the Z8s since taking ownership, so not much to compare to. Which I got +55 MPG, I usually see around 45.

[jimgl353_imp]

I think it must have to do with their tension belt technology to improve the life of the tire as opposed to multi compound.

[goodvibes_imp]

Thankyou Django for your quick review and advice on the Metzler Roadtec Z8's.
In Australia we don't have the Z8 140/70-18 size in the country so I've imported a rear tyre from the USA. There really are very limited options with the 18" wheels. No Pirelli Angel GTs or Michelin PR4s or Metzler Roadtec 01's....but thankfully there are the Metzler Z8s.
I am really looking forward to how they run compared to the original tyres in two weeks - I'll post again.

[jimgl3_imp]

got about 1600 miles on them now. i think i can see/feel just the slightest flat spot in the center of the rear tire that is about an inch wide. not bad at all so far as i'm concerned, considering the ride and gas mileage. what awesome tires!