Metzler discontinued my tire sizes

[ThumperDeuce]

Well, Metzler no longer is making the ME880XXL in either a 90-21 or a 200-18 size.  My wheels are 2.5x21 and 5.5x18.  The Metzler sizing chart fit their tires to these wheels.  My alternative now is to go with Avon.  The front is no issue, but the rear fitment chart shows a minimum of 6.0 to fit a 200 tire, the 180 will fit to a 5.5 wheel.

So how big of a deal is it if you stuff a 6.0" tire onto a 5.5" wheel.  Will it screw up the planform of the tire and or make it unsafe to use?  I used to stuff a 190 Metz onto the 17" Deuce terminator wheel.  It did change the shape of the tire a little, but I couldn't tell anything negative with respect to the handling.

I went through a moderate amount of work to get a 200" to fit on my scoot.  I hate to have to use a 180 on it now.

[ThumperDeuce]

Well the Metzler site does not show them but the American Motorcycle Tire website shows them as being available.  I guess I better order one while it is still in stock.  I would appreciate any thoughts as per my original question.

[DTTJGlide]

Be aware that the Avon is a 200/55R-18 instead of 200/50R-18 & is almost 3/4" taller. Dunlop E3s are available in those sizes, but they also recommend a 6.00" rim. Check Dennis Kirk also they've been having good prices this Spring.

[deathwish]

I run 5.5 x 18 rears on all my bikes. I run only 180's because they cost about 30 to 50.00 less and you can't tell the difference by just looking at them. I have done this for over 10 years. I just got 2 new Metzlers but normally use the Avons but the Metzler were less. I see Bridgestone makes one but I haven't looked at one. Mileage is for -rap on all of them. 3 to 4 tires per year.

[ThumperDeuce]

i contacted American Motorcycle Tire about the Metzler availability and they responded saying that they were still in production so I don't know why they are not listed ono the Metzler site.  The 200mm ME880XXL will fit a 5.5" wheel.  So I guess I am ok for now.  If I have to go back to a 180 I'll probably rationalize with the decrease in rotational mass.  I like the way a 200 fills up my rear fender.

[deathwish]

If I remember right it is less than 1/4" total width. Can you really tell standing behind the bike? My eyes are getting old or maybe I just don't care as much anymore/