Metzler Z-6 Wear Indicators

The Metzler Z6 is a sport-touring tire, and has a dual compound (Note: I had some literature indicating Z-6's were a dual-compound tire, however Metzeler's site has changed and doesn't indi ...

2009-02-22T00:55:29Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
The Metzler Z6 is a sport-touring tire, and has a dual compound (Note: I had some literature indicating Z-6's were a dual-compound tire, however Metzeler's site has changed and doesn't indi ...

However, I have never been surprised from worn tire. I've worn out six Z6's (and one Michelin Pilot Road) in the last 19 months by riding 40,000 miles in this period. The trick is to p ...

2009-02-22T00:53:20Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
However, I have never been surprised from worn tire. I've worn out six Z6's (and one Michelin Pilot Road) in the last 19 months by riding 40,000 miles in this period. The trick is to p ...

Look at the sipe nearest the "TWI" stamp, and you will see three indicator bars. You can pretty much ignore the outmost two and focus your attention to the innermost indicator to get a feel ...

2009-02-22T00:52:55Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Look at the sipe nearest the "TWI" stamp, and you will see three indicator bars. You can pretty much ignore the outmost two and focus your attention to the innermost indicator to get a feel ...

Here, I've highlighted the wear bars or tire wear indicators with arrows. The red arrows are the most important ones to watch.

2009-02-22T00:44:32Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Here, I've highlighted the wear bars or tire wear indicators with arrows. The red arrows are the most important ones to watch.

I've circled the indicators to highlight their locations. The most important one in this photo is the one on the far right.

2009-02-22T00:47:42Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
I've circled the indicators to highlight their locations. The most important one in this photo is the one on the far right.

Here's the TWI on the rear tire.

2009-02-22T00:54:09Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Here's the TWI on the rear tire.

The front tire has a sipe down the center of the tire, and is easier to gauge wear.

2009-02-22T00:50:13Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
The front tire has a sipe down the center of the tire, and is easier to gauge wear.

A close up of the wear bars on the front Z6. This tire is also done.

2009-02-22T00:50:30Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
A close up of the wear bars on the front Z6. This tire is also done.

Another view of the front tire, again showing the wear indicators.

2009-02-22T00:53:37Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Another view of the front tire, again showing the wear indicators.

Look for the "TWI" initials on the tire sidewall to locate the wear bars. TWI = Tread Wear Indicator A kind guest posted this comment: WARNING: the Metzler Technical Databook reports: ...

2009-02-22T00:51:03Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Look for the "TWI" initials on the tire sidewall to locate the wear bars. TWI = Tread Wear Indicator A kind guest posted this comment: WARNING: the Metzler Technical Databook reports: ...

Getting the rear wheel off the first generation K-1200GT's and RS's takes a bit of coaxing. There's a pinch point between the brake caliper...

2009-06-13T15:33:24Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Getting the rear wheel off the first generation K-1200GT's and RS's takes a bit of coaxing. There's a pinch point between the brake caliper...

... and the exhaust can. You're supposted to remove the brake caliper when servicing the rear wheel.

2009-06-13T15:33:47Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
... and the exhaust can. You're supposted to remove the brake caliper when servicing the rear wheel.

Here you can see where I've loosened the can from its hangar and moved it to the opposite side of the hanger to get a little more room.

2009-06-13T15:35:01Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Here you can see where I've loosened the can from its hangar and moved it to the opposite side of the hanger to get a little more room.

Another view of the pinch point. I just give the tire a couple good kicks to get it past here. Be careful not to knock the bike off its center stand when doing this. Lug nuts are torqued ...

2009-06-13T15:36:46Z

Richard Hall (rhhall)
Another view of the pinch point. I just give the tire a couple good kicks to get it past here. Be careful not to knock the bike off its center stand when doing this. Lug nuts are torqued ...