6 models in this file
Metzeler Motorcycle Tire Guide for Touring and Cruising
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Metzeler has spent well over a century engineering rubber built specifically for the motorcycle chassis, earning a global reputation for wet-weather road holding and structural resilience. Long-distance motorcycle riders routinely seek out a dependable metzler motorcycle tire because compound integrity, carcass stability under full touring load, and predictable turn-in matter when cross-country conditions deteriorate.
While heavyweight cruisers lean on the immense load-bearing profiles of the Marathon Ultra and Cruisetec families, sport-touring and aggressive street machines achieve swift handling and micro-surface adherence through the Roadtec 01 and Sportec M7 RR series.
The line-up at a glance
Metzeler Motorcycle Tires Compared
| Model | Construction Type | Tread Type | Rim Size | Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear 180 | Construction B | Asymmetrical | 16 inches | 1019 pounds |
| Metzeler Roadtec 01 Rear Tire | Construction R | Directional | 17 inches | 805 pounds |
| Metzeler 3555300 Roadtec 01 Rear Tire | Construction B | Directional | 16 inches | 462 pounds |
| Metzeler Sportec M7 RR 160 60ZR17 | Construction R | Non-Directional | 17 inches | 606 pounds |
| Metzeler Cruisetec 100 80-17 52H TL | Bias | Asymmetrical | 21 inches | 1713 pounds |
| Metzeler Cruisetec 130 60B21 63H TL | Bias | Asymmetrical | 21 inches | 1713 pounds |
No. 1 of 6 · Metzeler
Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear 180 for Heavy Touring Cruisers
8.2/10 Our score
Best for: Heavy touring cruisers carrying substantial baggage
Pros
- 1019-pound load capacity
- Asymmetrical tread design
- All-weather compound
Cons
- Single-ply construction
- Vehicle-specific fitment
The Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Rear 180 represents the brand’s dedicated solution for heavyweight touring machines that require exceptional structural stamina. Engineered in a 180/65-16 rear configuration, this tire carries a heavy-duty load index of 81, allowing it to support up to 1019 pounds of motorcycle, luggage, and passenger weight. Touring riders who pack hard cases and traverse long highway stretches demand a carcass that resists deformation, and the construction type B belted layout paired with an M load range provides that exact upright stability.
The asymmetric tread pattern is engineered for year-round service, channeling standing water away while preserving a massive footprint along the center contact patch. This design helps minimize irregular wear patterns, which often plague high-torque V-twin cruisers during extended highway cruising. The single-ply carcass and 18-centimeter section width maintain a clean, vehicle-specific fit that balances stable straight-line tracking with steady, predictable cornering manners under throttle.
This tire suits distance-focused riders piloting large cruisers or touring rigs who prioritize structural payload capacity and prolonged wear resistance over fast flickability. When carrying maximum luggage across thousands of straight highway miles, the metzeler motorcycle tires in the ME888 line deliver unmatched carrying peace of mind, though riders seeking rapid canyon transition speeds will prefer the sportier profile of the Roadtec or Sportec lineups.
No. 2 of 6 · Metzeler
Metzeler Roadtec 01 Rear Tire for All-Weather Sport-Touring
9.6/10 Our score
Best for: All-weather sport-touring riders facing wet roads
What the listing says
- Increased grip on wet roads, with a focus on low friction surfaces (such as city streets…
- Rebalanced tire stiffness to allow a better adherence of the rubber with the tarmac micro-asperities, increasing…
- Belt and carcass tension parameters upgraded to increase stability on rear tires during strong braking
- Increased mileage vs. Roadtec Z8 Interact (up to 10%), thanks to a different footprint shape (larger…
- Higher wear resistance, obtained through a revised land/ sea ratio on the rear tire in conjunction…
Pros
- 10% mileage boost over Z8
- Radial groove wet grip
- Upgraded braking stability
Cons
- Limited to 17-inch wheels
- Lower load capacity than cruiser tires
The Metzeler Roadtec 01 Rear Tire is designed specifically for sport-touring riders who encounter unpredictable weather, wet mountain passes, and degraded asphalt surfaces. Built with radial construction on a 17-inch rim diameter, this 180/55ZR-17 tire carries a W speed rating alongside a 73 load index, translating to an 805-pound load capacity. Its two-ply carcass incorporates upgraded belt and carcass tension parameters engineered to keep the rear end planted and stable even under severe emergency braking.
Central to the performance of the metzeler roadtec 01 is its directional tread design featuring radial groove positioning. These grooves cut cleanly through surface water on low-friction city asphalt and cold tarmac, while the rebalanced tire carcass stiffness allows the compound to settle into the micro-asperities of uneven road surfaces. Additionally, a revised land-to-sea ratio pairs with a wider, shorter contact footprint to boost overall mileage by up to 10 percent compared to the older Roadtec Z8 Interact, ensuring consistent handling throughout its lifespan.
This rear tire is an ideal match for sport-touring and standard roadsters that require year-round grip without sacrificing tire longevity. Riders who commute in torrential downpours or carve through damp mountain passes will appreciate its mechanical wet grip, whereas heavier cruisers will need the higher gross weight tolerances provided by the Marathon Ultra.
No. 3 of 6 · Metzeler
Metzeler 3555300 Roadtec 01 Rear Tire for Classic Sport-Touring Machines
9.4/10 Our score
Best for: Classic sport-touring bikes on 16-inch rims
What the listing says
- Increased grip on wet roads, with a focus on low friction surfaces (such as city streets…
- Rebalanced tire stiffness to allow a better adherence of the rubber with the tarmac micro-asperities, increasing…
- Belt and carcass tension parameters upgraded to increase stability on rear tires during strong braking
- Increased mileage vs. Roadtec Z8 Interact (up to 10%), thanks to a different footprint shape (larger…
- Higher wear resistance, obtained through a revised land/ sea ratio on the rear tire in conjunction…
Pros
- 71 psi maximum pressure
- Micro-asperity wet adherence
- High wear resistance
Cons
- 462-pound load limit
- Specific 150/80-16 fitment
The Metzeler 3555300 Roadtec 01 Rear Tire brings modern wet-weather tread engineering to motorcycles running a 150/80-16 rear wheel size. Featuring a directional tread pattern and a maximum inflation rating of 71 psi, this tire carries a 71 load index rated to support up to 462 pounds. The listing specifies construction type B, while integrating the high-performance road-holding architecture that defines the acclaimed Roadtec sport-touring family.
Equipped with the same radial groove orientation found across the Roadtec family, this model optimizes water evacuation on polished, low-friction streets and cold pavement. Upgraded carcass tension parameters stabilize the rear wheel during hard deceleration, resisting squirm and preserving mechanical traction. The optimized land-to-sea ratio enhances resistance to uneven wear, providing up to a 10 percent mileage advantage over the legacy Roadtec Z8 Interact tire so performance stays predictable as the miles accumulate.
Riders with mid-weight touring bikes, classic sport motorcycles, or cruisers equipped with 16-inch rear wheels will find this tire an outstanding choice. It delivers cutting-edge wet grip and cold-tarmac confidence to smaller rim fitments, though riders on heavier machines carrying extensive travel luggage must verify that the 462-pound load limit meets their overall operational requirements.
No. 4 of 6 · Metzeler
Metzeler Sportec M7 RR 160 60ZR17 for Dynamic Sport and Road Riding
9.6/10 Our score
Best for: Aggressive street riders tackling rough mountain roads
What the listing says
- Derived from the experience gained in road activities
- Designed to offer high levels of handling and safety, including wet, bumpy and dirty tarmac
- New profiles, revolutionary materials, new compounds and a brand new tread pattern
- Sporty handling
Pros
- 100% silica dual compound
- Road-racing handling agility
- Bumpy tarmac absorption
Cons
- Faster wear than touring models
- 606-pound load limit
The Metzeler Sportec M7 RR 160 60ZR17 brings track-honed road-racing engineering directly to the street in a 160/60ZR17 radial rear fitment. Rooted in extensive road-racing activities, this tire is engineered to manage dirty, bumpy, and imperfect tarmac where conventional sport tires struggle. Featuring a non-directional tread layout, a W speed rating, and a 69 load index supporting up to 606 pounds, this tire delivers sharp agility for dynamic sport riding.
Metzeler developed this tire with a dual-compound rear layout utilizing Interact structural technology and 100 percent silica formulations. The high-silica blend allows the rubber to warm up swiftly, maintaining aggressive road grip on cold, wet, or greasy surfaces. High-stiffness carcass structures work in harmony with specialized tread profiles to absorb road bumps and maintain a steady contact feeling, ensuring the bike transitions between lean angles without unsettling the chassis.
Sport riders and naked bike owners who prioritize responsive handling, lightning-fast edge transitions, and safety on rough backroads will thrive on the metzeler sportec m7 rr. It yields ultimate straight-line touring longevity to the Roadtec and Marathon ranges, but for pure road-holding athleticism across demanding mountain curves, it stands out as the sport benchmark in this lineup.
No. 5 of 6 · Metzeler
Metzeler Cruisetec 100 80-17 52H TL for Nimble Performance Cruisers
8.4/10 Our score
Best for: V-twin cruisers demanding agile cornering performance
What the listing says
- Exceptional Grip Designed with advanced tread technology, Metzeler Cruisetec tires provide unmatched traction in both wet and dry…
- Long-lasting Performance Built for durability, these tires are engineered to deliver outstanding mileage, allowing you to ride further…
- Enhanced Comfort The innovative design minimizes vibrations and absorbs bumps, providing a smooth, comfortable ride, whether you’re on…
- Stability at High Speeds: Metzeler Cruisetec tires offer enhanced stability, making them perfect for heavy touring…
- Versatile Design Ideal for cruisers and touring bikes alike, these tires are tailored to meet the needs of…
Pros
- 1713-pound load rating
- 14-ply bias construction
- Vibration-damping carcass
Cons
- Requires front fitment verification
- 42 psi maximum pressure
The Metzeler Cruisetec 100 80-17 52H TL is formulated specifically for riders seeking modern, agile handling from their V-twin cruisers and touring motorcycles. Classified under an asymmetrical tread design with a 14-ply bias construction, the tire’s specifications note an extraordinary load capacity of 1713 pounds, an 80 load index, an L load range, and a V speed rating. Operating at up to 42 psi, this front tire is built to shoulder substantial front-end chassis loads without losing steering precision.
The metzeler cruisetec tread technology emphasizes dual-purpose confidence, providing dependable wet and dry traction while working to neutralize mid-corner line drift. Its innovative casing profile absorbs surface road bumps and dampens chassis vibrations, keeping the rider comfortable over long riding stints. High-speed stability is a signature benefit, allowing heavyweight touring motorcycles to track straight through crosswinds and highway grooves while retaining the agility required for brisk corner entry.
This front tire is tailor-made for cruiser riders who refuse to settle for sluggish cornering response on winding highways. It suits performance-minded V-twin riders who demand both stability and comfort, leaving ultra-high-mileage straight-line duties to the ME888 while providing noticeably superior turn-in responsiveness.
No. 6 of 6 · Metzeler
Metzeler Cruisetec 130 60B21 63H TL for Custom Baggers and Tall Rims
9.0/10 Our score
Best for: Custom baggers with 21-inch front wheels
What the listing says
- Exceptional Grip Designed with advanced tread technology, Metzeler Cruisetec tires provide unmatched traction in both wet and dry…
- Long-lasting Performance Built for durability, these tires are engineered to deliver outstanding mileage, allowing you to ride further…
- Enhanced Comfort The innovative design minimizes vibrations and absorbs bumps, providing a smooth, comfortable ride, whether you’re on…
- Stability at High Speeds: Metzeler Cruisetec tires offer enhanced stability, making them perfect for heavy touring…
- Versatile Design Ideal for cruisers and touring bikes alike, these tires are tailored to meet the needs of…
Pros
- Heavy-duty 14-ply rating
- 1713-pound load capacity
- High-speed highway stability
Cons
- Specialized 21-inch rim size
- Heavier steering mass
The Metzeler Cruisetec 130 60B21 63H TL provides high-performance touring and cruiser handling for front ends running larger custom wheels. Sized at 130/60B21, this tire features an asymmetrical tread profile, a 14-ply bias construction, and a J load range. The listing lists an 80 load index, a V speed rating, a 42 psi maximum pressure rating, and a substantial 1713-pound load capacity, making it exceptionally sturdy for modern touring baggers.
Designed to deliver long-lasting performance and consistent traction across wet and dry conditions, this tire minimizes steering heavy-handedness commonly experienced on large-diameter front wheels. Its internal design attenuates road chatter and harsh surface impacts before they travel up the fork tubes, enhancing touring comfort on long cross-country rides. The carcass structure ensures solid stability at sustained highway speeds, keeping heavy V-twin touring bikes balanced during quick lane changes or sudden braking.
Custom cruiser enthusiasts and long-haul bagger riders with 21-inch front setups will find this tire an ideal solution. It avoids the twitchiness or imprecise road feel that standard cruiser rubber often exhibits on tall wheels, pairing smoothly with a matched rear cruiser tire to complete a stable, road-trip-ready package.
Before you choose
How to Choose the Right Metzeler Motorcycle Tire
Selecting the correct tire from this German manufacturer requires evaluating your bike’s chassis requirements, your riding environment, and your payload demands. A thorough metzeler tire comparison begins with understanding your machine’s weight classification and tire sizing. Heavy touring cruisers require substantial load-bearing capacities, which makes the 1019-pound rating of the ME888 Marathon Ultra or the heavy-duty 14-ply construction of the Cruisetec line indispensable for preventing carcass wall fatigue under full luggage loads.
Wet-weather capability is another primary decision factor. If you ride through regular rainfall or cold morning commutes, the Roadtec 01 and Sportec M7 RR stand out due to their distinct compound layouts. The Roadtec 01 uses radially arranged grooves and balanced carcass stiffness to find mechanical purchase on slick tarmac micro-asperities. For riders asking which metzeler tire to buy for pure sport agility on dirty, cold asphalt, the Sportec M7 RR utilizes 100 percent silica formulations to ensure dependable grip without requiring long warm-up intervals.
Tire construction also dictates road behavior. Radial designs such as the Roadtec 01 and Sportec M7 RR offer flexible sidewalls and cooler operating temperatures during rapid corner transitions, making them ideal for sport-touring. In contrast, belted (Construction B) and bias-ply options like the Cruisetec and ME888 provide the rigid sidewall support needed to stabilize heavy touring motorcycles across cross-country journeys.
Maintaining proper cold inflation pressures is crucial to realizing these performance traits. Keeping a portable tire inflator like the astroai compressor motorcycle automotive accessories in your saddlebag allows you to maintain exact factory pressures before daily rides. Riders who prefer ultra-compact roadside maintenance can also pack a bullseye air compressor to prevent the uneven tread wear and sluggish turn-in that under-inflation causes on multi-day journeys.
Questions people ask
FAQ
What is the difference between the Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra and Cruisetec?
The ME888 Marathon Ultra is engineered primarily for long-distance highway durability and maximum straight-line mileage on heavy touring cruisers. The Cruisetec focuses on performance cruising, offering an agile carcass profile, enhanced vibration absorption, and exceptional wet-and-dry grip for riders who want sharper handling and cornering feedback on their V-twin motorcycles.
How does the Metzeler Roadtec 01 improve grip on wet roads?
The Roadtec 01 uses a directional tread design featuring radial groove positioning that cuts efficiently through standing water. Additionally, Metzeler rebalanced the internal carcass stiffness, which allows the tread rubber to interlock with the microscopic asperities of slick tarmac, delivering reliable mechanical grip on worn city streets and cold surfaces.
Can the Metzeler Sportec M7 RR handle wet and imperfect asphalt?
Yes. The Sportec M7 RR is derived from road-racing experience and uses 100 percent silica compounds paired with Interact structural technology. This layout allows the tire to warm up rapidly, providing high levels of grip and safety on wet, bumpy, cold, and dirty road surfaces where standard sport tires often struggle.
What does a directional tread design mean on Metzeler motorcycle tires?
A directional tread design, found on tires like the Roadtec 01, features grooves oriented to rotate in one specific direction. This orientation accelerates water evacuation from the center of the contact patch out toward the shoulders, reducing hydroplaning risks and improving braking stability in wet conditions.
How do I know whether my bike requires a bias-ply or radial Metzeler tire?
Your motorcycle’s owner manual and swingarm placard specify the correct tire construction, denoted by an R for radial or a B or hyphen for bias-ply and belted designs. Heavy cruisers typically utilize bias or belted tires to handle substantial vehicle mass, whereas sport and sport-touring bikes require radials to accommodate sharp cornering forces and high speeds.
Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.
