Hi Paso Fans

I really do love my Paso but face the same problem as probably all of you. There are no 16' tires available and I am already desperate … I am thinking of selling the Paso (totally original in a 1a state.....!!)

I talked with Metzler Switzerland and they told me, that they would produce the ME1 160 / 70 16 again in 2010 (most probably). First of all it sounds good, because the conversion to 17' destroyes the orginal looks (which I really like) and the 180/60 16 causes some problems (as described in this forum)

Now that is what he says:

The ME1 is a diagonal tire, he would rather use another brand for the front (a diagonal 130 / 70 16), because the Metzler ones 130 / 70 16 (like the Sportec M3) are radial

In Switzerland, the mix of radial and diagonal is not allowed, but the mix of brands is okay (MFK, technical supervision - the other Paso fans from CH know what I am talking about)

My questions:

Is he right?

Is the Metzler 160 / 70 16 really a solution? I read some parts I did not understand (one needs a 520 chain (why?) and the rear sprocket needs an underlay (I thought the tire should have the same width (160)). Does the (side) stands still work? Is there anyone who has experience with the Metzler tires for a longer period of time - just to be sure that it does not cause wheel bearing or other problems, e.g., with the chain.

If there is any chance, I would like to get in direct contact with the PASO guys from CH like pasoalf, who already started a conversion to discuss MFK topics and their experience and with the people from Germany (TÜV stuff). I live in the north/east of CH.

Thank you and keep on riding, Hardo

Hi Hardo,
I'm very busy at the time. I started a documentation with all the drawings and parts needed and photos, including all the expirience I've made, with the conversion. 180/ 60/16 is in my opinion the cheapest and best solution. The last problem with the wheel bearing I've hopefully solved. In two weeks I'm going to have vacation. I'll finish the documentation and put it on the forum.
I also have another set parts for the conversion left (at least for the sprocket).
I also have another back wheel with the original tire in reserve. If needed i could borrow you this one just to show up at the MFK. (Other option is to put an 150/80/16 (will according to the Information i have be accepted) just to pass the MFK.
My email address is a.tschannen@sunrise.ch
Regards
Pasoalf

Hi Pasoalf, this is great, thanks!

I am sure your report will be a big help for the PASO fans all over the world. Hence, I wait for your report.

Right know I have the following plan: When I got the information how it works I would go to the MFK guys and ask them if they will accept in principle such a conversion. I talked to them once about the problem and they were really helpful .... they understood that we need to find some solution and that we can not just dump our PASOs in the garbage can.

In the next step I would start with the conversion....my Michelin are still okay at least for this season. However, I am not able to do such a conversion by myself, I need to go to a garage and ask them. Actually, I got a 906 Paso (1990), hope this does not cause additional problems, more power etc. (however the swingarm etc. is the same).

I am really looking forword for your report, this tire thing really got me going (first, I could not believe that really no tires of that size are available all around the world, not even from some Korean producere)....

Ducati Switzerland and Germany were not at all helpful, they do not care about there old fans!

Thanks + alle the best, Hardo

That's no news that Ducati does not care about a few Pasos. I just got stupid replies from Ducati Switzerland as well from Ducati international.
Don't trust these guys from MFK. I'ts allways depend on the person. They don't let you pass if they realize that the tire touches the swingarm if you turn the excenter in front.
It's better change tire befor it's on the limit. Just keep it and mount it when you show up there. They wont realize anything about the conversion. You just need to change the tire.
If you give the bike to do the conversion they will tell you a lot of sh... and its going to cost a lot.
I live in Bern, which is not around the corner, but if needed I could give you a hand
Pasoalf

I used the Metzeler 160/70 VB 16 for a year on my 906 and I did not think it a good tyre. The garage is right about it being wider. Because it is for a narrow rim it spreads to about 175mm across when fitted to the Paso 16" rear. I have a 150/80 ZR16 for my Paso and there are many brands to choose from and with this I can have a 130/70 ZR16 front which is for the CBR 900!

@Hardo &pasoalf,

Gruezi,

have you checked the homepage of Ducati Deutschland .. they have now online a CoC for an alternative tyre-size-combi : F-130/70 and R-150/80. (see at www.ducati.de-service-Reifenfreigaben......
From my time in Switzerland (13 years from `95 to `07) I know, that MFK often accepts German CoC/Betriebserlaubnissen (at least MFK Schaffhausen).. or maybe Ducati CH is willing to 'transform' this German CoC into a swiss one........
Maybe an option for you??
Cheers
lupus_ch

After some lengthty research I think the current solution for my Paso's tire dilemma are the folowing choices from what seems to actually be available out there as we approach year 2010:

Front: Metzler Lasertec 120/80 VB16 60V
Rear: Metzler Lasertec 150/80 VB16 71V

What do ya'll think? Seems to me like they would fit the rims and make the clearances. I value your feedback more than anything, and I can't afford to throw away the money, so please give me your advise. Thank you! Luckily, these tire choices are cheap and available from BikeBandit. They are $105-145US each.

Best, Randy.

@paso750: thanxs..