Depends what you are looking for, generally most long life tyres don't like being stressed by exuberant riding so there is a compromise. I, like quite a few on this forum, am using the M7RR on my 1200 Multistrada and so far I am very happy with them. Quick to warm up, plenty of feed back and confidence enspiring at the edge of what I really shouldn't be doing on an adventure bike . I know one peson is not mpressed but most seem encouraged but have yet to do the mileage to assess longevity. I track Metzlers as well so like them as a brand. Andy
Cheers Andy. To be honest, I have no experience of Metzeler having been a bit of a Bridgestone fan on my previous KTMs. Basis of trying the Roadtechs is purely on Neevesey's review of them from his long term 848 test. Will probably just give em a go
That is all you can do and good luck with them. I will be interested in your feed back, positive or negative. Andy
I wouldn't. Z8s are practically square before you start. They have a really stiff carcase that'll make your suspension feel like you added 4 clicks of compression damping and they won't feel secure towards the edge of the tyre. And the turn in is odd. They don't turn and don't turn and don't turn and then suddenly they do. Especially noticeable at the rear. If you're going to ride huge distances often in the wet and never exceeding modest lean angles they're superb. If you've got an agile, sweet steering little scratcher like an 848SF, IMO they're completely the wrong tyre. I put some on my SMT because I'd planned a long trip. The trip didn't happen and I kept them on. For general riding they were hopelessly wrong. They gave a harsh ride, zero feed back and produced high speed bar wagging. I battled with my suspension settings to no avail and almost got rid of the bike. Then wiser counsels prevailed and I changed to Dunlop Roadsmart 2s. The difference was astounding. It was like having a new bike. If you're keen to give Metzelers a go I'd try the M7RRs. You should get 3000 miles out a rear on an 848. As Android says they warm up fast and they also retain heat well and the profile is perfect for fast road riding. They're Metzelers best road sports tyre. You might also consider the Dunlops. Either the Sportsmart 2s or the Roadsmart 2s. Neither of them warm up as quickly as the M7RRs but they're both excellent tyres with lots of grip and feel and good wet performance. Either would suit the 848 really well. Don't know how sporty your riding is but if you're flopping it from ear to ear all the time and giving the edges a proper scrubbing buy the Sportsmarts, or if your riding is more varied and you sometimes find yourself squaring sports tyres, get the Roadsmart 2s. They have a slightly gentler profile and you'll use all of the tyre without flatting off and performance will remain more consistent to the end of the tyre.
I use Z8s on the wifes F800 and my ST2 but M7RRs on the 949 and love them, They are confidence inspiring tyres on the 848!
Z8s are the best tyre I have ever used on the road and compared to Diablo Rossos\BT014\Dunlop208s\PS3s are in different class. Mileage is exceptional (Diablos 2500-3500k, Z8s 7500+). They are better in the wet than any sports tyre and not so touchy when they are not up to temperature. Also they don't fade off for the last half of their useable life like the diablos do. They rightfully got tyre of the year a couple of years back by the leading press writers, I am now on my third set.
I had a stunt bike with what ever the tyre of choice was at that time, Mich power 1 or something? but I can say without a doubt the Metz racetec tyre someone gave me was far better. It was a TT tyre so probably not road legal and maybe not made for long life, but grip was incredible. It literally saved my life!
I've had Raceteks a couple of times (came with the bikes - K3s which admittedly are the hardest compound) and I couldn't get the heat into them or maintain it for my pace of road riding. A mate of mine runs nothing else on his R1 but he is a very fast rider. He only goes out on the road for short blasts and then he rides the wheels off it. His toe sliders have long since disappeared and his knee sliders have been filed flat. Mere mortals like me struggle to maintain the heat in K3s. After a few miles of enforced slow pace riding they cool off and its arse snappy time when the road clears and you get stuck back in to the twisties. Having said that, we went out for an evening blatt last Sunday. It had got pretty nippy by last light and he nearly had a high-side coming out of a tight bend. He said he was being too ambitious on a cold road. Have to wonder whether he would have had the same problem with Sportecs. I was right behind him on my SF and I had no issues but then I expect I was pussy-footing with the throttle on the exit compared with him. That's why the M7RRs are such a step forward. They're designed for road riding and they adapt to mixed pace and temperature. I've trashed a rear rear in 1700 miles on my 1098 SF but I've also pushed one close to 4K when a lot of those miles were done at a gentler pace in early spring on cool roads. So I would reckon 3000 miles would be a reasonable all-round expectation for a rear on an 848 SF.
I have Metzeler Z8 on my STR and it seems to like them, I find them neutral in handling and great for confidence and feedback, the bike just does what it's told and no longer gives a stuff if it's cold and damp. The factory Rosso Corsas didn't want to know in cold/damp conditions. Can they take abuse? The following pictures were taken on 3rd August, one of the hottest days of the year at Cadwell Park.
Z8s are great road tyres for touring, sporty riding, wet weather grip, etc. Offer plenty of life, although the shape of the carcass is not the quickest turning.
