Metzler z6 feels wierd...

Hey guys.

As some of you know, I had an offski recently which has resulted in me switching front ends with Rictus' old curvy. This means that my new front end has a z6 tyre on it, rather than the BT020 that I'm used too, and also the suspension is significantly stiffer.

I know most people on here rave about the z6, but I'm finding the front end keeps feeling like it's gonna wash out when I'm cranked over reasonably far (I'm still not cornering as fast as I did on my old forks and tyres combo). Is this likely to be a suspension issue (as one of the forks seems stiffer than the other from them sitting for 4 years unused...) or is it the tyre? I'd like some advice cos I don't like riding when the bike feels like this!

Ta

Originally Posted by Bear

Hey guys.

As some of you know, I had an offski recently which has resulted in me switching front ends with Rictus' old curvy. This means that my new front end has a z6 tyre on it, rather than the BT020 that I'm used too, and also the suspension is significantly stiffer.

I know most people on here rave about the z6, but I'm finding the front end keeps feeling like it's gonna wash out when I'm cranked over reasonably far (I'm still not cornering as fast as I did on my old forks and tyres combo). Is this likely to be a suspension issue (as one of the forks seems stiffer than the other from them sitting for 4 years unused...) or is it the tyre? I'd like some advice cos I don't like riding when the bike feels like this!

Ta

Could well be both. If the forks have been sitting unused for that amount of time, there could be oxidation of the oil and corrosion / sticking of the internals. I think it might be a good idea to at least replace the fork oil, if not take the whole thing apart and clean 'em up good.

Also, what state is the tyre in? And is the same tyre on the rear? Mis-matched tyres can lead to all sorts of handling woes, so perhaps get a matching set.

Good luck!

Matt

[fizzwheel]

What tyre have you got on the back wheel ?

Well, it's an 020 on the back and a z6 on the front, but it's definately the front end that feels sketchy. It's a pretty new tyre (it's got more tread on it than my old 020 had anyway)

Has anyone else had problems with z6's? Coz I got the impression that they were the tyre of choice for most folks on here?

No probs with my Z6's, although mine are new

Matt

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Bear

Well, it's an 020 on the back and a z6 on the front, but it's definately the front end that feels sketchy. It's a pretty new tyre (it's got more tread on it than my old 020 had anyway)

I know some people mix and match rears, but I'm an fan of not doing it.

I suspect your front Z6 and your rear 020 have different tyre profiles and thats why the handling feels funny.

The other thing I would be checking is tyre pressures on your front and rear tyre.

My SV and Liz's both handle really nicely on Z6's.

[TSM]

I did not like my Z6, no big issues in the dry but in the wet it felt bad.

Bear,

I've recently found that the Z6's give a LOT more feedback if you huff & puff into them a little bit more. The difference between 33/36 & 36/42 is surreal! Slow moving it feels like riding with bricks on, but above 10mph & the difference is just amazing.

When my tyre pressures start going downhill the first thing I notice is the front end feeling like it's going to take me to the dry cleaners.

Try holding a little more positive throttle through the bends as well to move the weight more to the back of the bike. It seriously helps a lot with the Z6's.

Other than that, change the rear to a Z6 as well, as fizz said, could be the profile (or even tread) differences that you're feeling.

[northwind]

I've run a Roadtec front, 020 rear without problems- they're quite similiar profiles, but the Roadtec has a much rounder shoulder. But I remember I had a wee bit of trouble adjusting to the Roadtecs at first, with something that felt similiar- I felt like I was falling off the tyres when I got leaned over reasonably far. What I think it is, is gravity- the Roadtec's very "round" so there's a point where all other things being equal it'll start to turn faster. But that might be rubbish, it's just how I explained it to myself. Got used to it pretty quick but it was stomach-churnign the first couple of times.

[rictus01]

I think you'll find the forks are a little stiff (but what would you expect), but the main difference is the bridgestones don't give much feedback at all, were as the Z6's do, the tyre's got about 200 miles on it and is fine (good point about the pressure though), a mis-matched set I'll grant you but a temporary thing and the best one's on the front, so will do for now.

If in doubt, just wheelie everywhere

Cheers Mark.