Buying new tires with lower load and speed ratings

[DraginMiFeet]

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I am buying new tires for my 2006 VTX1300R from Pete's tires - Metzler ME880's

The recommended tire size for the Front is 140/80-17 69V.
and for the rear 170/80B15 83H

They have my tire sizes except the Load and speed rating is lower. For the front the Me880 is 67H

And for the rear it is 77H which is lower than what is recommended.

67 = 677lbs 69 = 716lbs 77 = 908lbs 83 = 1074lbs
H=210kmh V=240kmh (can't imagine I would ever go that fast)

Would I be good to go with these load and speed ratings on the Metzler ME880's ?

Thanks.

 

[ABCarr]

Personally, I would never go with replacement tires that have lower speed/load ratings. Honda has arrived at these ratings for a reason....a heavy bike like this can generate a very high amount of heat and load on tires.

 

[kruzuki]

While the speed ratings may not be a concern, the weight ratings are.
Tires are one place you should never make a compromise with your bike. Go with recommended or, if anything, higher.

 

[DraginMiFeet]

While the speed ratings may not be a concern, the weight ratings are.
Tires are one place you should never make a compromise with your bike. Go with recommended or, if anything, higher.

Thanks to both of you. You are right!

 

[ABCarr]

Some weird sizes there.....a quick check shows that most tire manufacturers don't offer the same model in those 2 sizes. Might be best to replace with the OE tires, if available.

 

[chiller]

While the speed ratings may not be a concern, the weight ratings are.
Tires are one place you should never make a compromise with your bike. Go with recommended or, if anything, higher.

i was about to say the same... speed may not be a factor on a cruiser but weight definitely is a factor...

 

[scooterguy]

Yes, Honda has sizes that Only Dunlop makes for them I have two Honda Cruisers, both 1100's and have suffered paying the high price for Dunlop Tires for them in the past. Tires for my bike are in the 350.00 each and 450.00 each price range. Petes can get them at 265 and 225 . Now going to another size like 70 high instead of 80 high can save me lots. Those tires are in the 150 range with the same speed rating. All the people on the Shadow Forum do it and have been for years and no reported problems. Check the VTX forums and you will see they are using Gold Wing tires on some because they are cheaper.

 

[DraginMiFeet]

Yes, Honda has sizes that Only Dunlop makes for them I have two Honda Cruisers, both 1100's and have suffered paying the high price for Dunlop Tires for them in the past. Tires for my bike are in the 350.00 each and 450.00 each price range. Petes can get them at 265 and 225 . Now going to another size like 70 high instead of 80 high can save me lots. Those tires are in the 150 range with the same speed rating. All the people on the Shadow Forum do it and have been for years and no reported problems. Check the VTX forums and you will see they are using Gold Wing tires on some because they are cheaper.

Well the ME880's are very close, the only problem is the load factor. On the front tire the load factor is a difference of 39lbs.. and on the rear it's obviously too much at a difference of 162lbs. at a price of $153.

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