ME888 Ultra Marathon on an ST1100 ABSII '99

Allan DK

Joined
Oct 19, 2021
Messages
8
Age
49
Location
Struer, Denmark
Hello hivebrain :)
Did my last trip this year on my ST1100 1999 with ABSII. Now I need new tires (I don't remember putting slicks on the bike, but there they are...), and I see that Metzeler is offering the ME888 Ultra Marathon in the correct sizes (120/70/18 and 160/70/17). I see mixed reviews on these tyres, but no one has ever said anything about them on the ST1100. I do lots of miles on highways, and I have ALWAYS had problems with squaring my tyres. I never push the bike in the twisties (I don't have the nerve for that - she is a heavy lady :)), so not too worried about the grip.
What do you think? Should I go for the ME888's or should I go old school and get the BT23's (they are a lot cheaper...)
 
In the 'old days', the ME880 front had a reputation of rubbing the inside of the front fender under load.
I never cared for the way they handled.
I run a BT020 bias on the rear and a BTxxx (whatever is on sale) radial on the front of mine.
 
Good morning UP:
I’ve typically run radials on mine and they do square off in the back (eventually)- any less squaring with the bias BT020? I’m only asking as on the SWing there are no radials for that bike, and the back really never seems to square off, despite wear.

Thanks
 
I've just stuck with the OEM Bridgestone Exedras. I ride mostly divided two lane and highway. The rear does start to square off, but I get 10K miles on a set. I could push it farther but usually this is a set per season.
 
I got in touch with a Bridgestone tech - someone who really knew his tires :) He recommended that I didn't buy "new" tires like T31 or T32, as they relies on a very soft suspension like the newer bikes has. Our old ladies is a bit harder on the bumps, and will square off pretty fast. He told me the BT023's were meant for the ST1100, and the GT version was really only meant for the front tyre. There is a 170/60 GT for the rear, but first of all not the right size, and the difference was absolutely minimal (according to him), so not worth the extra money (can you believe it - an honest tyre-tech :)) I have ordered the 23's for half the price of the 888's, and cannot wait to get them fitted. It will be a winter project though. Thanks for all your replies (despite the subject being chewed so many times...)
 
I liked the 23s, they really stuck to the road but, found they wore out pretty fast. Got about 6000 miles out of a rear.
Especially the sides if you like high speed twisties. Softer side compound

The 170/60 tire will make getting the bike on the center stand harder and make the bike sit at a higher angle when on the side stand.
 
Erdoc48 said:
Good morning UP:
I’ve typically run radials on mine and they do square off in the back (eventually)- any less squaring with the bias BT020? I’m only asking as on the SWing there are no radials for that bike, and the back really never seems to square off, despite wear.

Thanks
Click to expand...
If Swing is a 110 front you can run a 120 front radial without any issues.
The BT020 bias rears do not tent to square off.
 
I used to run ME880s and found that they tended to wear longer. But they don't hold a candle to the car tires. Never cared for the BTs except for the BT45. They wore out too fast.
 
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