Metzeler tourance made in China

[kingfisher]

I just received a new Metzeler Tourance (standard tire, not an EXP,) ordered from Motorcycle Superstore. Suprisingly, the sidewall says that it is made in China. The tire looks to be of typical Metzeler quality to inspection. I assume that the tire would be made to Metzeler quality specs. I am always a little concerned about the quality of a product when manufacturing is moved to a new country of origin. I probably need to accept the new global economy a little more, but was wondering if others would have any concern about running this tire.

 

[TierHawg]

I agree with the global economy concept too. But, there are certain things I will not buy if they are made in China. Generally important things like Food, pet food/treats, and tires.

I've been running the Tourance tires on my bike and have liked them. If the new ones are coming from China, guess I'll be getting something else this year.

 

[kingfisher]

That is my concern as well. If I'd known this before ordering, I would have passed on them. I need to decide if I will use it or go through the hassle of returning them.

 

[Ironhand]

It's hard to imagine Metzeler allowing their brand to go on the tire unless its up to their spec.

 

[Hungry Tiger]

Would be interesting to check with Metzler to see if they are aware of their "factory" in China.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk now Free

 

[nondairycreamer]

Is not the Tourance the tire that has given so many wobbly rides?

 

[yamadad]

Good to know. I won't run Chinese tires on anything that hits to the street.

 

[HoebSTer]

I would buy this tire now knowing it is made in China (at a lower manufacturing expense) if the tire would also represent the reduction in expense. If not lower price, then longer life.

Jeff

 

[joneil]

It's hard to imagine Metzeler allowing their brand to go on the tire unless its up to their spec.

Really? Not hard for me to imagine. I see it all the time. The pressures from the market place to reduce costs put our lives at risk everyday. Tire manufacturers are no exception, brand name or not.

 

[kingfisher]

I called the Metzeler customer service rep. He confirmed that some tires are now made at a new factory in China. He assured me that quality control and materials are the same as products made elsewhere. Still, if I'd known, I would have passed. Guess I'll see how it works.

 

[Ron_Luning]

I was thinking of getting these for my next set. Now i won't.

 

[Uncle Dave]

I disagree!

It wasn't that long ago that nobody would buy anything manufactured in Japan. Now look who the market leaders are now! What is it again we're all riding?

No-one has proven these tyres are of lesser quality or even tried them to judge for themselves and until someone does then it's only speculation and heresay.

I choose to be open minded and not racist.

::009::

 

[OldRider]

I disagree!

It wasn't that long ago that nobody would buy anything manufactured in Japan. Now look who the market leaders are now! What is it again we're all riding?

No-one has proven these tyres are of lesser quality or even tried them to judge for themselves and until someone does then it's only speculation and heresay.

I choose to be open minded and not racist.

::009::

So if some one doesn't like products made in China, they're a racist. LOL. That's about the most dumbass thing I've heard in a long time.

 

[arjayes]

So if some one doesn't like products made in China, they're a racist. LOL. That's about the most dumbass thing I've heard in a long time.

1000% agree. Every time I hear that overused word I cringe.

Uncle Dave - Did you ever consider that maybe people might shy away from "made in China" products for valid reasons, such as China's long and shady history of piracy (software, movies, watches, etc), intellectual property theft, abuse of child labor, complete and utter disregard of the environment, ...? Don't be so damn quick to play the racist card.

I want to say a lot more but I won't, for now.

 

[Brick]

I love the standard Tourance I just put new ones on and I didn't notice... Well I didn't know where they were made before. I've tried the EXP's and don't like them. The standard Tourance is an 80/20 and the EXP is a 90/10... I like the 89/20. So I suppose they will quit making them.


Brick

 

[scott123007]

There's a little unjustified paranoia going on here folks.

 

[joneil]

I disagree!

It wasn't that long ago that nobody would buy anything manufactured in Japan. Now look who the market leaders are now! What is it again we're all riding?

No-one has proven these tyres are of lesser quality or even tried them to judge for themselves and until someone does then it's only speculation and heresay.

I choose to be open minded and not racist.

::009::

Do you remember the crap Japan brought into this country after the big ear? All the way up to and including the 70's. People disliked Japanese products for good reason. Look at Korea. Same thing. The Koreans are making strides but they have a long way to go.

China has a very long way to go before they are respected.

And no, I'm not a racist.

 

[SuperJimbo]

joneil, you have hit the nail square on the head. (previous comment here deleted as understanding seems to have
been reached, see further down) Those of us that have been around long
enough remember when Made in Japan was about the same bamboo quality as a lot of the China stuff is nowdays.
There are a few rare goodies here & there but like you say, time & progress- they will have to prove their worth, and
with a communist system its going to take a lot longer then Taiwan has. Better overall quality from there.
......and yes, I love racing to. ::014::

 

[yz454]

Then don't think they should sell them at Chinese prices .

 

[snakebitten]

Truth is, there is some manufacturing going on in China that can compete with any place in the world, in quality.

But that doesn't balance out the fact that so much inferior product arrive on our shores from there too. Enough, in my opinion, to still be very cautious for certain kinds of products.

My point is, I don't think it's all one way or the other currently.
And it's a bit of a reach to label a skeptical approach to buying unproven quality as a race based decision. This forum has very very little of that kind of stuff being bantered about. Hope it stays that way.