Metzeler M1 or Z6 on Rear?

[preload]

I used to run Metzeler Z6s on my Suzi SV1000, then I switched to M1s for a track day. The M1s are definitely a step up from the Z6s, but wear on the rear tire is an issue. The fronts last 7000 miles, while the rears last only 3000 at best. The rears wear quickly in the middle because of too much freeway commuting. Last month I replaced the front M1 with another M1, and now it's time to replace the rear. I'm thinking of going to a Z6, one step down from the M1, because of the wear, but I sure do like the M1's stickiness and the ease with which it rolls into a lean.

Somebody convince me one way or the other: M1 or Z6 on the rear?

Thanks.

 

[Maltese]

I have never used the M1's but I bought the M3's for my bike and they are supposed to have better traction and better wear than the m1's. All I can say is I am digging them and have about 2k on my tires and there is still a lot left!

 

[MtnRacer]

When I ran metzlers I usually had a ratio of 2:1 for rears to front, for both Z6 and M1s. I switched to bridgestones after that. :dunno

Fwiw, trackdays on Z6s sound kinda sketchy to me... :2cents

Steve

 

[paroxysm]

I've known a number of riders that mix the M1/M3/K fronts with a M3/Z6 rear. Of course tires are designed to work in pairs, but the M1/M3 front with a Z6 rear seems to be OK for most people. I have run Z6s on the track, and did not enjoy it (and came very close to lowsiding when I lost the front). I saved it but ran off track (btw, this was maybe the first year I did trackdays. I would NEVER run them now that I'm going at a somewhat respectable pace).

That being said, I put M3s on my DRZ (got a KILLER deal on them because they had a nail in them, which I didn't give a crap about since I was running tubes). I absolutely TORE through the rear. I'm not that fast of a rider but the M3s are very sensitive to low pressure I think.

FWIW my dad currently runs K1 up front and an M3 on the rear of the ZRX and seems not to have issue (he's got a few K1s laying around from the 'buy a rear get a front' promotion that they ran a few years back).

 

[preload]

I put M3s on my DRZ (got a KILLER deal on them because they had a nail in them, which I didn't give a crap about since I was running tubes). I absolutely TORE through the rear. I'm not that fast of a rider but the M3s are very sensitive to low pressure I think.

Hmmm. M3s are supposed to have better mileage than M1. Was all your riding on pavement?

 

[paroxysm]

Hmmm. M3s are supposed to have better mileage than M1. Was all your riding on pavement?

IIRC most of it was. I think the issue was due to the lower pressure I was running. I don't have a comparison between M1s and M3s on my DRZ. I rode M1s on my ZX6R and never got great milage out of them. I never got to run M3s on the ZX6 though.

 

[Sidewalk]

For anything other then track riding, I would only run sport touring tires anymore anyway. So I say Z6 and change it if you plan to run a track day.