Well, in the end I felt like the potential hassle if I happened to get a bad tire was worth the extra money to order thru the dealer. Local dealer prices were consistent. Internet prices varied widely. As someone reported earlier, if I end up having trouble with a tire, the dealer should help as they will also mount and balance. This should at least prevent finger-pointing in the event of a problem. I have had pretty good luck with them so far. I have had a few difficulties with auto tires and just don't have the time to deal returns, etc. if I have the same luck with a motorcycle tire. ME880's should be in and installed the weekend after this one. I have high hopes. Thanks to all for the input.

Brief update.

All set to go to dealer today for install. They called at the last minute and said the received the narrow white wall, not the wide. Downside, I have to wait another week to get installed. Upside, I didn't end up with wrong tires from Internet seller and have to deal with return, etc.

Of course, I'll never know if that would have happened if I bought of the Internet, but sure glad I don't have to deal with it now.

For what it's worth...glad I went thru dealer this time.

Do not buy Pirellies Route as they wear very quick. They do good burn outs though.

I'm one of those agreeing with Musky and Roadgrabber. I like to look and touch one of the most critical parts you are hanging your butt on. Besides, my dealer tire prices are about the same as the net, plus he disposes of the old one, mounts and balances the new on for no additional cost. Then there's the question of warrenty. Local dealer on this issue is worth any incremental cost. IMHO.

Hi fellas,

Went to the dealer for prices on some ME880 and here’s the result: 127$ for the 130mm and 190$ for the 160mm and 60$ for inst. for a total of 426$ taxes inc. I know it’s not the best price around but I won’t be worried about installation and their condition cause they have a tremendous turnover. Another dealer charged me less for the rubbers but more for the inst. so things came even. The only thing that bugs me is they maintain the 160mm doesn’t come with whitewall, is that a fact, and is there different whitewall width?

RG

I believe that you cannot get the 160 in WWW however they have revamped their site and I cannot find the ME880 listed anymore.

Doc

I ordered from American Motorcycle Tire and had them drop shipped to my dealer... (After asking if it was OK...)
They came in yesterday and he installed them today... But, not before giving me a ribbing first... (He switched the shipping lables to a set of ATV knobbies he had on the shelf...)
I got the bike about two hours ago and drove it home (about five miles...) Now, it's been raining ever since!

But, I got my Metzler 880s!

BTW: Metz only make a blackwall "160"... It's listed as OEM for a Goldwing...

Follow this thread to "Got me a Metzler 880 Back tire "

I am late on this one, but I would say, it depended on the reputation of the place I'm buying from. The rear tire on my Strat is like $270 plus, so if it's ceaper on the net, I am there.
JM

Finally got ME 880's installed today; feels like a different bike. As with many things that gradually wear out, you usually don't realize how bad things have gotten until you feel the difference when you replace them. My bike handles 10 times better than when I took it in this morning. By the way, roads were very wet when I took it in this morning and the front end never felt so unsteady. It was definitely time to replace.

What you guys say make me very enthusiastic about getting my ME 880 in spring, I cannot wait. And another positive note, the dealer told me they will receive a new price list with readjusted lower prices on the Metz, so it should cost me under 400$ all included.

I always rode with the Bridgestone’s since day one and must admit I’ve been more than satisfied with the whole deal, but like randlk says, you don’t realize what you’ve been missing until you try better and more sophisticated technology.

Looks like I won’t be able to go with whitewalls though, cause I really want to upgrade the rear with a 160mm. Many of you bought nice whitewall, so I presume you didn’t have any choice but go with the 150mm in the rear.

BTW, randlk your bike looks great. I see you have the same V&H Classic that I have so I’m curious, how do you like the sound and overall quality? I wanted to go with the Pro Pipe 2 into 1 exhaust, but finally I think I will stick with the old Classic.

RG