Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Tires

Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra: The Ultimate Long-Distance Touring Tire

When it comes to crossing continents on a heavy V-Twin, the Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra (Triple 8) stands alone. Engineered in Germany and tested on the world’s longest highways, the ME888 was developed specifically to address the weight and torque requirements of Harley-Davidson Touring, Softail, and Dyna models. While most tires begin to lose their profile after a few thousand miles, Metzeler’s engineers focused on “flat-wear” resistance, ensuring that your bike handles as well at mile 10,000 as it did on day one.

Advanced Compound & Structural Integrity

The secret to the Marathon Ultra’s longevity is the functionalized silica compound. This chemical bridge between the rubber molecules provides extreme abrasion resistance while staying soft enough to provide “mechanical grip” on cold or wet asphalt. The carcass features a stiffer cord design that reduces the deformation of the tire under the massive weight of a fully loaded Ultra Classic or Road Glide. This reduction in “tire squirm” significantly lowers heat buildup—the number one killer of tire life—allowing you to push further into your journey with total peace of mind.

Expert Installation & Pressure Management

As a premium tire, the ME888 requires precise setup to achieve its legendary 15,000+ mile potential. Pro Tip: Metzeler tires are sensitive to rim cleanliness. Before mounting, ensure the bead seat of your rim is free of old rubber residue to prevent “micro-leaks.” The Pressure Factor: To get the most out of the Triple 8, you must avoid under-inflation. Even a 3 PSI drop can cause the center of the tire to “scallop” under the heavy torque of a Milwaukee-Eight engine. We recommend checking cold tire pressure weekly. For heavy two-up touring, always refer to the maximum load PSI rating on the sidewall rather than the generic bike manual specs.

Why the ME888 is Worth the Investment

The Metzeler ME888 is not the cheapest tire on the market, but it is the most cost-effective over the long haul. By doubling the mileage of “budget” tires, you save not only on the rubber itself but also on the labor costs of frequent tire changes. It offers a “planted” feel in high-speed sweepers and remains remarkably quiet on concrete interstate surfaces. If your goal is to spend more time on the road and less time on the lift, the Marathon Ultra is the only tire that truly delivers on the promise of “The Long Haul.”

Note: If you are upgrading from a different brand, you may notice the ME888 has a slightly “stiffer” ride. This is intentional and is what provides the high-speed stability Baggers need when navigating crosswinds and truck turbulence.

Metzeler ME888 Marathon Ultra Tires

If you want a tire that can hold up to hard riding, look no further. Metzeler designed the ME888 Marathon Ultra motorcycle tire with American V-Twin bikes in mind, combining long mileage with great performance to ensure a safe, reliable ride. It’s unlikely you’ll find a longer-lasting tire for sale at such a great price.

Features:

• Developed in Germany for American V-Twin motorcycles
• The ME888 gives you the latest technology in tire longevity and performance
• Redesigned tread provides better water drainage, providing great wet-weather handling
• Offers consistent performance throughout the tire’s life with outstanding high and low speed stability giving you smooth handling all the time
• Ultra-high mileage coupled with Metzeler performance and handling give you a new tire that will exceed your expectations
• Available in a Wide Whitewall (WWW)
• Tubeless
• Available in “Reinforced” for heavyweight touring bikes, two-up riding, or when required by OEM specifications