That size isn't available in the new Triple 8 front, but you can still find it in the ME880. Metzeler designed the ME880 and the ME888 to be able to work together. Since there are nearly 100 sizes in the ME880, Metzeler plans on slowly replacing a number of sizes in the ME880 with the ME888 each year. ~Ali

These are quite new, yes! We don't have any road test results, but you might try checking customer reviews on the product detail page for a better idea. -CK

Swapped out my Dunlop for an 888, had it on for about 500 miles now on my vtx 1800, I will say I can feel the grip difference, it is much more sticky than my Dunlop was, hard acceleration no longer spins the tire, which I really like, I am interested to see how the life is tho!

Ok, so as promised a year later here's my review: Dry conditions - 10/10 Smooth ride - 6/10 Wet conditions - 4/10 Longevity - 10/10 Ok, I've ridden from Germany to Rome and back. I have over 8K miles on these tires. They are long haul tires, but if you're looking for great handling in wet conditions, you won't get that with these tires. Riding in the rain happens a lot here in Germany. It feels like I'm drifting when I'm turning in corners, tight or long turns. The last thing I want to do is roll on the throttle like I would do in dry conditions. The tire breaks loose and slides. I've been riding over 18 years and have never experienced that feeling on newer tires. Also, since installing these tires, my front end has had a shake. The shake starts around 30mph to 50 mph. The balance was checked, nothing. The dealership went through with a fine tooth comb. If you tour long distances in dry conditions then this is the right one. Disclaimer: this set of tires were purchased in 2013. As with any product, lemons are made. My local dealer is making it right by swapping tires to see if that will get rid of the shake.

Metzeler makes excellent tires, I ran them on my bmw they made me a believer.

The video is great and very helpful. A question though. Anthony doing the vid says you can run the ME888 on rear with the ME880 on front. The Metzler catalogue also says the tires can be mixed. But it's also stated in Metzler catalogue you should never run a bias ply (the 888) on the rear with a radial tire (the 880) on the front; although bias front and radial rear is okay. Can you help clarify if I can safely put the 888 on the back and run my 880 at front? Thanks!

Got the 888 front and back on my Vulcan Vaquero...great tire...but not as sticky. I can give up a bit of wet road rideability for longer life tho.

Awesome! Much appreciated... -CK

These tires are very different. The PP3 are a street / light track radial tire (85/15) with a dual compound rear tire and the Metzeler ME888 are a heavy duty bias ply built for v-twins, cruisers or large touring bikes. The Kawi Versys is more of a dual sport bike. I would suggest the new Anakee 3 or the Tourance Next for a more sporty ride and the Conti TKC80 if you do lots of off road. ~Ali

Love your videos - so informative and helpful. I have a Road King FLHR 2004. The current tyre sizes are Front tyre MT90B16 M/C 72H Rear tyre MU85B16 M/C77H I was looking at the Cruisetec however I can’t find a whitewall in that. I love in England and enjoy cornering. What tyres would you recommend please? Thank you again Cheers John

Correct, you should generally never mix Bias Ply and Radial. Both the ME880 and ME888 are available in Bias Ply sized, so you should be good to go! -CK

Thanks CK, no customer reviews yet....however, I just received a set for my '12 FLHTK, I'll let you and the viewers know the details...I live in Germany, US Military. More to come after install.

I've put this on my BMW R1200C and done around 4K miles so far. The tire is pretty good and made my ride more comfortable. The only issue I had were a couple of heart-stopping moments in the wet... I honestly think these tires are too hard unless u ride a really massive bike such as a Goldwing or a Valkyrie. I am happy with the purchase and I think they will last a long time, having said that, I wouldn't buy it again.

the "65" refers to the aspect ratio of the tire. Changing this will change more than just the height. It will also change the slope of the tread. I would never recommend going for a tire size that is not approved by the manufacturer. -CK

Yeah, I goofed and wrote my rear tire size by mistake. My front is a 150/80H-16 which is still listed as a rear tire in the ME 888. Is Metzeler going to make me use a different tire?

Are these fairly new products? I just bought a set for my '12 FLHTK, front 130/80-17 & rear 180/65B 16. Do you guys have road test results?

I have a ME880 in a 170/80-15 on the front. This size is listed as a rear tire on the Metzler site. I wonder if that will be a problem?

What is the difference in the reinforced ME888 and the Non reinforced?

What is the difference in marathon and marathon ultra??? Is this the best grip option for my 2006 Triumph rocket 3?

I ride a VTX1300C and the front is a 110/90-19 and the rear is 170/80-15. There is no 110/90-19 in the 888, so I was told by a mechanic to got with a 880 on the front and 888 on the rear. Now, are you saying I shouldn't do that? Or do you mean, don't use a rear on the front nor front on the rear? Thanks!

do you have one for my 2012 goldwing rear 180/60/16?

We NEVER recommend using a rear tire on the front or vice-versa unless specifically indicated by manufacturer. The ME880 and the ME888 are not made to be used interchangeably front and rear. The direction of the tread and the profile of the tire will make for terrible handling and decreased water evacuation. I would talk to your motorcycle manufacturer to see what they recommend or revert to what came stock. I'm also curious what bike you have that has a 15" front? That's a new one for me. ~Ali

so the 180/65/16 is what a little taller??? if so how much?

Again, we would NEVER recommend using any other size than the size that originally shipped with the bike as recommended by the manufacturer. Tires are specifically designed to work with a bike's suspension. Changing the profile can adversely effect handling. -CK

I'm actually in a final selection on if i want the Commander II or the ME888... The Commander II is a little more expensive by about $10 or so than the ME888 which isnt a big deal.... I ride a Suzuki c50 Boulevard (805cc) as my "daily" rider. This means riding a lot in the city (red lights and green lights and usually light weight), and then on a 4 hour round trip (freeway speeds usually with a weekend luggage) once every 2 weeks. A thing to mention, i am a little aggressive on the throttle and heavy breaking, so im always keeping my tires under stress. Final opinions?

180/65/16 is available for the ME888, but not 180/60/16. -CK

Just ordered a new set of these tires because they were recommended by my local shop. Yea i know they already recommend the better more expensive stuff so we will see.

I’m torn between a set of these or a set of Pirelli night dragons for a 2014 bolt r-spec. Any pros/cons to them both? Or a better performer between the two? Cheers.

Quick question, my bike requires 160 width for the rear but some tire makers don't have 160 but in 170, can you use a 170 width on a bike that comes with a 160 width stock tire?

i was thinking of putting these on my sport bike where I live there are no corners just long straight roads I always stay within the speed limits. Just wondering if they would be good on a 395 lbs sport bike?

Anyone had this issue??? I put these tires on my M109R and after a month I noticed vibrations on the rear wheel and that my rear tire was loosing pressure. I took my bike to a tire guy, and he pointed out that my tire is wearing out irregularly and that it should not be happening to a new tire. I called the place I bought them, and they said many have had similar issues and returning it should not be a problem. Now I am waiting for 260 40 18 for my Boulevard.

Is this a Radial tire?

I'm thinking of changing the tires of my motorcycle (XL1200C). Actually I'm using the ME Marathon 880, i want to change the tires for the new ME Marathon 888 or the Night Dragon from Pirelli. What would you recommend keeping in mind that I use the throttle... Also I want the best wet grip possible..

Going to my 2nd set on Honda F6B because they are so good. Ran them on my 2003 Honda Valkyrie where they improved handling and ride. Adding them to the new 2014 Valkyrie I am buying. I guess I must like them.

Not as long wearing as the Michelins, but.... This is the longest wearing tire that I personally find acceptably performing. Granted, I would have reservations putting these on Ducatti and pushing them hard on the track, but let's be fair... These are cruiser tires. I like the wet performance slightly better on these than the old 880. Dry traction differences are negligible at best. Where the 888 shines, is a quiet smooth ride, with high mileage and moderate traction. I have noticed that higher pressures are required to seat the beads at time of installation due to a stiffer carcass. Minor inconvenience. I did find that the old 880 as well as the Michelin, afford slightly better braking. Overall, I still see the 888 as the best all around cruiser tire, and is undisputed price wise in its class. Well played Metzler. .Well played indeed.

I have a 2013 Suzuki C90T BOSS ( blacked out boulevard ) I need a front 130/80R17 m/c 65H and a rear 200/60R16 m/c 79H. Metzler has a Marathon ME880 in a radial for the rear but only has a ME888 in a bias ply for the front. Since I can't find any manufacturer who makes these sizes tires in radials, can I mix a same brand and model radial on the rear and a bias ply on the front in the correct sizes from Metzler? It's that or I have to sell the bike and buy another one because no one makes tires for it. Thanks for your help

Fitted Metzeler ME888 Ultra 180 Rear 4000 miles ago & the 150 Front 2500 miles ago for my F6CT and I am disgusted with both of them. German made tyres! The bike has had the forks serviced and new 440 Progressive shock fitted 18,000 miles ago. The rear tyre has high feathering and cupping and the front has feathering and cupping already, Another problem was the fact that I couldn't balance the front tire after three attempts. That along with the fact that they have to be the noisiest tyres from "new" that I have ever had the displeasure to endure. I thought I had bearings gone (newbies fitted with the tires) and it was upon checking them that to my horror I saw the state of the tires. I got onto Metzeler last October and they wanted me to send the front tire back and for me to wait 6 weeks for a replacement "IF IT WAS FOUND TO BE FAULTY" "BY THEM"! That wasn't possible (fabulous weather after months of rain) nor was it possible in winter (long story). I am driving bikes for 45 years and have had all sorts of tyres on and although I have seen feathering and cupping it wasn't until reaching near end of life. This is the first time I fitted Metzeler because I heard they were a long wearing tyre but the reviews must have been posted by the company themselves. My tyres speak for them selves!! I would go back to any of my previous choices (8,000 miles +) BUT I WILL NEVER BUY Metzeler AGAIN. I am dumbfounded that a German company could manufacture such rubbish. I am absolutely disgusted with these junk tyres and the headache they have caused. PURE AND UTTER GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Metzeler rules in my book...

No, the ME888 sizes are all Bias Ply. -CK

Why doesn't Metzeler make a www in 180/65-16?

Personal review: If u ride like a maniac big no,if you're just cruising and don't have a lot of rains these are 100% for you. Drove 5k on a virago535 and another 6k on vtx1300. Dry: super good u can't complain,comparable to a soft tire for racing Wet: might as well swap tires if it's raining Cold: same as wet,throw it in the garbage Hot: No issues wobble/noise: close to none besides a veeeery small ones on downhill roads(not smooth angle but like actual downhill) I ride like a maniac with cruisers so yea,big no from me about these tires during bad weather...u can't relax u can't have fun You can't turn even right/left after redlight without feeling that "barely standing on the road"

i feel like these are a little slippery

i was thinking about getting these but from all the comments. i changed my mind and im going to the darkside. 🤪🤘

WOW!! I have been in Danger... I got my first bike and rode the piss out of her. Figured I would get tires in years. Some guy told me, DUDE your tires are bald. I have almost 13,000 miles on my tires and have paperwork to prove it!! SHOW ME THE WIRES

Most dangerous back tire on the market they square off down the middle even if you don't ride them

Back tires should keep the round shape, if you look close I think his demo tire is squared off down the middle, it only gets worse, I won't about 2000 back from this shit tire manufacturer