metzler k3's

[mrrichway]

hi all, i just got back from the dealer today. went in for an oil change, came out with all the r&g products because they stock them all there (damn them!!) and a new rear tire. im sure this has been discussed a million times before but i wanted fresh input. i only have 2600 miles on the bike and i had to buy another back tire today. is that normal? for all the other metzler k3 riding bikers here, just wanted know how long theyve lasted for you. no track, all road riding, im still a beginner. kind of embarrasing, but it was worn, only in the middle of course, all the way down to the rubber nubs they put in there to to tell you it needs changed. the front was fine. the dealer pointed this out to me so its not the dealer pulling anything funny because i saw it with my own eyes. thanks for your input.

[AMPforE]

The K-3 is a soft compound tire, so depending on how aggressive you ride you might want to see if there's another tire out there that last little bit longer for you. It really just depends on your writing style and if you're comfortable with a slightly harder compound tire.

[M-Coupe99]

If I remember correctly I got a little over 5,000 miles on the first set of K3s (last bike, totaled in accident w/ car) and am at about 4,800 miles on my current bike and the rear tread is worn down to the wear indicators in the middle. Front tire still good (both bikes) at the mileages listed. Both bikes used for commuting and track days, but I am usually pretty smooth and gentle with the throttle and keep the tires pressure up to around 35 psi (+/- couple of psi) for street riding.

I've heard of mileage estimates anywhere from less than 1,500 to over 5,000 for the K3s, mainly depends on your riding style and tire pressures.

[RIQUE]

You seem to have some trouble. I have 2550 miles on my K3 and still have plenty of tread. I drive pretty fast and have done some long distance travel. If rear tire wear is bad as you state I would check excesive chain tension, bearings and improper rear wheel alignament.

[Stang10189]

i have just over 5200 miles and i need a 3rd k3. i have now clue how people are getting 4000 mile out of this tire but i ride the bike hard almost every time I'm on it. i u run a psi lower then 36 the tire heats up quick and tread goes fast. i also use this tire on the track at 29 to 31 depending on track and weather conditions

[mrrichway]

wow. all over the board, huh? well, stang, glad i aint the only one. i trust my dealer a great bit. i know anything is possible, but id venture to guess they put the tires on right. anyway, i did go with another michelin tire couldnt tell you the full name but its supposedly a sport/touring tire. the dealer told me it would last longer so well see. thanks for replies

[1000RR]

I got about 2,500 miles, kept the pressure around 32 (cold) in the rear. I hear of some higher mileage w/higher pressures, but I just liked the way it stuck to the asphalt at that pressure.

[markjenn]

2500 miles is a bit short, but not terribly so. Most sportbike rear tires mounted on liter-bikes these days are 2K-4K tires. Some can get a lot more, some can get a lot less, but 2500 isn't unusual. Tons of variables (riding style, pressure, pavement, ambient temps, loads, etc.), so you really can't put a finer point on it.

If you're not a scratcher, buy sport-touring tires rather than full-on sport tires, especially track-oriented tires like the K3s. Many of us are running $135 rear tires, not $275 rear tires, and getting plenty of grip and better mileage. And run high pressures - I'd venture that a tire would last 2x longer at 42 psi vs. 32 psi.

- Mark

[RRrider]

I got around 3K on my K3's. 100% street (mainly twisty) riding on those tires, and I was running 32/34 (F/R). I had the sense I was right in the range of what other folks were getting.

[Godzilla]

2.5 -3 K miles on the K3's for me.

Try a 2 compound tyre, like the Michelin Power Pure for example.