Review: Metzeler RoadTec Z8 Interac

First Impressions of the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interac on a 2003 VFR800A.
Bought the tires from these guys: Motorcycle Superstore - Good Prices, Fast Shipping.
and had them Mounted by these guys: West Coast GP Cycles (Los Angeles) Best prices in L.A. for carry-in Tire swaps. Plus, they are really cool guys.

Out of the box the tires were solid, with a weighty steering feel. I'm new to the VFR, coming from the smaller, lighter, shorter SV650. Take my statements with the appropriate quantities of salt.

The best way for me to describe the Steering relative to the previous tires (Ancient Dunlop Sportmax left from the previous owner) is: "German". If you've ever driven a German touring car vs. a more nimble roadster, it's like that. Things feel connected, and not at all washy, but you need to decide that you are turning in. Feedback is good, and with 500 Miles on the tires over the past two weeks, I'm very happy with them.

I've been on stickier tires, but these are more than sufficient, performing very well in the canyons of Malibu, on Angeles Crest, and on the Superslabs that conect the area. Riding was in the 'dry', at varying temps from cool (50 f) & damp to warm (78 f) in full sun.

The only peculiarity I've seen is sensitivity to the grooved pavement of the Eastbound I-10 Freeway. Nowhere else but there. I can feel the front tire wanting to follow just a bit.

No comments yet on wear, other than it's even so far. I'll update this as I add more miles. If you're lucky (as in: if I'm organized) I'll add some pics.

 

Looking forward to updates over the life of the tire, I loved the Z6's when I had my Katana. Great grip in the dry and wet, and great mileage too.

 

I had these before....and the grip was fantastic! Even when encountering a puddle of water it will still stick. Only problem was it only lasted around 8 months and I use my bike to commute to work. But if u live in the tropics this tyre won't last more than 15000 km...think this tyre meant for cooler climates.

Be warned this tyre is sticky and it attracts nails and whatever rubbish on the road....had 4 punctures on my rear before I changed to Angels.

 

Good to know. I'd be pretty happy with 15,000 km on these, but maybe that just refelcts low expectations on my part. I used to run the softer BT-016's on my SV650; if those lasted 5,500 km before they got ragged, I was excited.
Fortunately, a good bit of my riding in in the early hours of the day, before the sun hits the roads, so maybe I'll get a bit better life. Regardless, I'll keep you all posted.

 

This tyre really makes me feel like the bike is on rails....very stable even with fully loaded hard bags.....the Angels meanwhile feels like asking you to corner at max angle....anyway I will probably try the BT023GTs next round. :smile:

 

Hey Zetec,

Thanks for the review.

By any chance does your screen name indicate you race 2L Formula Fords?

Brad (Club Ford racer)

 

Thanks for the post. I just replaced the front Z4 on my bike (yes, Metzeler doesnt even list that on their web site anymore), I had 7,000 good miles on it. I was hoping to get at least the same on the Z8.

 

Adding an update the review here...
These tires are fantastic.
I'm 7 Months in with these on my daily commuting bike; add in canyons on the weekends, and they've seen everything.
Wear has been excellent, with lots of tread life left at 6,000 Miles running. Still grippy, and fantastic performance in all sorts of weather.
On a previous bike (the SV650) I was getting maybe 3500 miles from the multicompound BT-016. Even with the extra weight and Power of the VFR800, wear has been even and I'm no-where near in need of replacing.

This brings me to my bottom line on Value.
Although the Interacs were more expensive than tires I'd purchased previously, the extra wear life has more than made up for it. While I'm sure that there are other tires that might be better suited to particular riders or uses (maybe even better for me), I have Zero regrets on these tires.

In my opinion, if you are a mixed-use rider, don't hesitate to pick up a set of these.

 

Thanks for posting a follow-up review. I will have to keep these in mind when my tires are done..

 

I fully agree with Zetec2000 - these tires are fantastic
4500km so far on 2011 VFR800. All local hills riding.
PR2's before, which were good but Z8 better in every way so far other than how many km's i will get
Back looks good but front starting to get flat wear 2\3 off centre
PR2 did this too but got so horrible had to change well before down to wear bars.
Z8 may be going this way too but so far feels real good
some may find the Z8 feel too light compared to PR2. No way are they nervous, just light, agile and fast
i would like to try the Z8 on a lighter bike where it is not trying to get a 245kg bike thru bends at speed
get some, you will like them

 

Thanks largely to the praise that was in this thread, I just upgraded from an old Pilot Power...something to the Z8. I love it so far, but only have about 20 km on it.

~Jack

 

I got 8,000 miles out of my front Z8 before replaceing it with a Pilot Road 3.

It was a good tire, but I chose to try the PR3. So far I prefer the PR3 over the Z8.