Comments on: Lucky to be alive after the Laughlin River Run 2010; however, we still had a good time!

By: gt

gt — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:37:56 +0000

Sorry to hear about this. I switched from using Metzlers (for like 20 years), to Michelin’s (Triumph Speed Triple) and have never been happier. Most tires have a serial number, which may have already been included in a recall (or should be from the sounds of it)… While all tire companies eventually experience adverse issues, have you considered contacting Metzler for compensation over your troubles, due to what appears as a manufacturing, material or assembly defect? Hope this helps.

By: Norman Gregory Fernandez

Norman Gregory Fernandez — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:37:17 +0000

Thanks for the comment GT. You bring up some really good points. I will be contacting Metzler to see if there is something I can do. The tire was for all intents and purposes, new. Had we had an accident over the tire, you can bet your ass I would have taken legal action against them. However, you are right, we should be compensated at the minimum for our out of pocket expense.

Norm

By: Norman Gregory Fernandez

Norman Gregory Fernandez — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:44:44 +0000

Damm Lyle, Alaska for 35 years to Kingman, that is one hell of a weather culture shock.

Norm

By: Norman Gregory Fernandez

Norman Gregory Fernandez — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:06:29 +0000

I hear you Steve. Everything turned out OK. I will be doing Sturgis in August!

Norm

By: Norman Gregory Fernandez

Norman Gregory Fernandez — Sat, 01 May 2010 17:11:28 +0000

I picked up a nail in one of my motorcycle tires about 8 years ago. I suspected that I got one this time as well, but they could not find anything other than a supposed defect inside of the tire. I was using Dunlops but I went through back tires too fast. They wear quicker. I decided to go with my favorite Metzler 880 tire about two years ago on this bike. Look what happened!

I used to get my tires online, but I found a local place that sells and installs them at a very good price. If you do a Google search I am sure you can find many places with good prices online.

I have not checked my emails today so I have no clue what is going on with the fellow blogger. I will be able to check emails later today or this evening.

Norm

By: Norman Gregory Fernandez

Norman Gregory Fernandez — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:02:40 +0000

Thanks Aedinsy. I used to think that the Metzlers were the best tire out there, that is why I had another one put on. But look at what Rob said above about his tire failure. Maybe they are not that good anymore, or there were some bad batches put out.

There is no explanation for why my tire which was basically brand new, failed. Further, why the first one that they put on at the Harley Davidson dealer in Kingman, would not balance, but the second one did. Weird.

I am seriously thinking about going with another brand at this point notwithstanding the fact that I have always run Metzlers on all of my motorcycles since the year 2000.

Norm

By: Norman Gregory Fernandez

Norman Gregory Fernandez — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:58:18 +0000

That is true Roberttrooll. However, I was not on a backroad, I was on Interstate 40, "Route 66." It is two-lane, but it does not have any lighting at all, and the speed limit is 70mph. (75mph on the Arizona side)

I guess the reality of the situation is that riding at the speed limit on this type of road at night is just a plain dumb idea.

I am not aware of Armadillo's in California, Nevada, or Arizona, but something else could pop out.

Norm

By: Norman Gregory Fernandez

Norman Gregory Fernandez — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:17:35 +0000

Rob I have always swapped out my stock tires on all of my bikes to Metzlers. However, you know what, when it is time to swap out again, I may go back to Dunlop. There was no explanation why the tire went flat other than the girl telling me to look inside for some weird wear, and then it took two tires on the rear before they could get it to balance. Something must be wrong with Metzler.

Right now I have two basically new Metzler 880 tires on right now. I pray nothing like this happens again.

Norm

By: rob jackson

rob jackson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hey Dude- i can’t believe you put another Metz on there!!!!! The EXACT thing happened to me on hwy. 89 over by Tahoe. In Gardnerville nv i felt that wobble you were talking about. I stopped 3 times to check for something wrong. I had my old lady and luggage on board too. Finally , at the top of the mountain the whole tire went POP!! and blew at about 45. I held on to it and pulled over. Had to hike a mile to get to a small lodge- no cell service either!! I know Metz is ‘supposed’ to be a better tire, but fuck that. I’ll never put one on again. Have been all over the country on Dunlop and will stay that way bro!!! next time go all Dunlop bro!!!(peace of mind)

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm speechless. Your post just makes me think of all the times that I have been fortunate as well - not even knowing there was something wrong with my bike!

Gotta tell you though, Metzlers have saved my bacon a number of times. Great tire.

It's good to hear that everything ended well for you man, besides being a little lighter in the wallet.

I've been on that lonely stretch around Essex you talked about heading for Laughlin. Probably stayed at the same little motel in Needles by the highway.

Hopefully next year's River Run will be a lot better.

Lookin' forward to more posts. Love your blog!

By: roberttroll

roberttroll — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Forget the tires – We all know that doing 80 on a back-road at night when we are most likely tired is a really dumb idea. Running Metzlers or Dunlops will make no difference if you suddenly come upon an armadillo in the middle of the road.

By: Sandie [Member]

Sandie [Member] — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Well Norm I am glad that you and Elizabeth are safe!! We have always replaced the tires on our 2002 Fatboy with stock Dunlops. Hubby went to take a solo ride and O heard him coming back about fifteen minutes later. He had a roofing nail in a new tire that does not have 1000 miles on it. Looks like he is going to have to figure out how to get it someplace to replace the tire!! I do not feel safe on a plugged motorcycle tire no matter how new it is!! We can’t figure out where he could have picked up a roofing nail. Norm have you come across a place to buy tires…..I made a note of where you got your battery!! By the way…I sent you a email I got this morning from one of our long time fellow bloggers…I forwarded it to your personal email because he did not want it published. You have my email to respond, I respect folks privacy. I got to tell you..it has made my day a bummer after reading it!! So many folks are suffering.

By: steve marshall

steve marshall — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

i too fell victim near essex on a busted bike. was towed by a van (yeah, im serious) into needles. funny thing is the driver is my brother, driver for a local tow service (his day off, busy day, no truck available). its funny to read these stories about the essex station and how desolate it is. there is at least one other business, if you look across the street you’ll find a tow truck company. ive slept on the ground all over that desert. itll only kill you if the sun is up. half the experience of the laughlin run is the drive there. easy to criticize tow guys but we knew it was a desert before the trip started. my favorite quote “i didnt put you here. do you want me to pull you out or not?” (good buddy of mine, same tow company).

By: Lyle Winter

Lyle Winter — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Just read your story… as riders we some time get complacent about things… such as tire, roads we are familier with.. glad you made it safe and where able to enjoy Laughlin… I was there again and will continue to
to go. It is so nice to have an area such as Az, and Nv to ride as I just moved to Kingman Off route 66 after being in Alaska for 35 yrs.. Ride safe and keep the rubber side down..
Very nice story thank you.