Metzeler Sportec M3

[Gromit]

I have just gone through 800 miles on my new pair of Sportec M3's so now feel I'm able to give an honest report on how they're doing.

My BCR was previously shod with the older M1 Sportecs which I never found particularly to my liking. Of course I've little doubt that they're excellent tyres (no one makes bad hoop these days, if we're honest) but I felt they were a bit twitchy and not terribly stable, making the bike dance around more than I would like.

So...

Terry at Micheldever fits my M3's and off I go. After giving them 50 miles or so to scrub up and run-in I found them much more stable than the M1's; perhaps the teeniest bit slower steering but with bags more feel and hugely improved ride quality. They feel 'softer' and much less harsh. Grip, of course, is going to be waaaaay beyond what I'll require of them as it would no doubt be with 99.99% of riders on the road. Metzeler claim these are 'sportier' than the M1 but reckon they will wear better and have improved wet grip to boot.

They feel like a good 'road' tyre ie exhibiting stable, predictable steering, yet flicky enough so the bike feels light on its feet. The perfect compromise? They may well be. I'd recommend them very highly.

Oh - after nearly 900 miles the rear tyre's probably lost around 1mm of centre tread with loads left to go. My M1 rear was f*cked after 2800.

[Nick]

had the M3 for 2000 miles and still plenty of tread in them. Have you done much wet weather riding with them?

I think they are as grippy as the M1 but better wear rate. the front is first class.

[kitkat]

My 1200S came with M1s on it and I have also found it a bit twitchy compared to the ContiSport Attacks I had on the 11 and a couple of times when riding at night it has caused a few missed heartbeats on some local bumpy B roads

Dave

[Gromit]

had the M3 for 2000 miles and still plenty of tread in them. Have you done much wet weather riding with them?

I think they are as grippy as the M1 but better wear rate. the front is first class.

No wet yet Nick (just waiting for the Hawes w/e for that!).

Metzeler actually claim they're a grippier hoop than the M1. I just love the way they make the bike go exactly where you point it, no fuss, no twitchyness at all. Love 'em.

You must let us know what mileage you get out of yours - I won't be doing much on mine in the next couple of weeks.

[Nick]

Hi Richard

well with a 1000 mile trip on the 22nd I will have a good idea re the milage.

If I get to Hawes you could have a look at the wear yourself.

I have found 3000m out of the M1's rear maximum but are metzeler just getting crafty with the tread patterns. making it more difficult to notice squared off tyres.

another example Z6

[Gromit]

I have found 3000m out of the M1's rear maximum but are metzeler just getting crafty with the tread patterns. making it more difficult to notice squared off tyres.

another example Z6

Could be Nick - although the M3's tread does cross the centre line, unlike the Z6 which goes from 'aye...it's wearing really well this tyre' to 'oh fook'.

[Gromit]

1900 miles now - 4mm tread left, and I haven't been sparing with the go-go handle.

[NA1959]

Was quoted £190 for front and rear tyres, (rear is only a 170 as I have the 5inch rear wheel)!

This I felt was rather a lot! Has anyone a idea of a good sorce for these tyres and their price?

[Gromit]

Was quoted £190 for front and rear tyres, (rear is only a 170 as I have the 5inch rear wheel)!

This I felt was rather a lot! Has anyone a idea of a good sorce for these tyres and their price?

I'd say that's not a bad price. The M3 is a very new tyre (May '06 released) so isn't subject to mega-offers at the moment. Having had both, I'd go for the M3's at 190 over the M1's at 150 no question.

I paid 196 (I think) fitted & balanced at Micheldever. Pilot Powers were within a couple of quid of that.

[NA1959]

Gromit

Thanks for your reply!

£190 would apper to be a fair price then!

Must just do a bit more bargan hunting !

[windychris]

thanks Grom - the M1's on the CBR are nearly dead and I was debating a good deal for some direct replacements or going for the M3's - that's made up my mind

[Gromit]

thanks Grom - the M1's on the CBR are nearly dead and I was debating a good deal for some direct replacements or going for the M3's - that's made up my mind

No probs

Just gone through 2000 miles on them now. This w/e we'll be doing itro 900-1000 miles - on the M1's I'd now be juggling as to whether I'd really ought to change the rear before I go, whereas the M3's have plenty of meat left on them.

We'll also get to find out how they go in the wet.

[Nick]

Well the M3's are still going strong now with 3100 miles and not giving up the ghost yet. Did 1000miles on scotlands finest roads and I gave it some the whole way, they still look fresh, recon I may get another 1000 yet. Highly recommended.

As for the wet. The guys ZX10 ,R1, fireblade Said I was faster in the wet than dry. Once I stopped for them to catch up. Then it dried and the M3's were fantastic as was the bike. It ran like a dream A82 A87 A890 A835 to Ullapool. Just the best bike holiday yet

Alas the induct did not come in time. It came while I was away. My wife who knew nothing of the purchase, broke the news of the release fee from Parcel farse. £43.00

Now its fitted. I find I have to keep grabbing the brakes, its like shit of a shovel now. Still on stage 3 on chip and it seems fine. May try 4 soon.

No loss of torque if anything its better.

[Gromit]

Good stuff Nick - I'm now on 3000 miles and on checking the centre tread it's now down to 3mm on the rear. The tyre is just starting to square slightly. The M1 would have been almost down to the cords by now.

I'd say what may turn out to be 4000 miles out of a sports tyre is bloody good going.

Needless to say I will be replacing like for like next time

[Boxadog 2000]

Bloody Michelin Anakee just turned 7000 miles and have maybe 500/750 left.
Crap in the wet will change to tourance next.