RACETEC™ RR, the new Racing Supersport tyre from METZELER, presented in a world première at EICMA

Available in K1, K2 and K3 compounds this tyre can boast among its strengths grip in all conditions, precision, stability and consistent performance

Milan (Italy), November 5, 2014 – METZELER today unveiled the new Racing Supersport RACETEC™ RR during an international press conference held on their stand at EICMA, the World’s Motorcycling Fair, which takes place annually in Milan, and this year celebrates its centenary.

RACETEC™ RR, the successor of RACETEC INTERACT™, is the new METZELER tyre available in K1, K2 and K3 compounds and is characterised by high grip in all conditions, with precision, excellent stability and consistent performance.

The origins: the Road Racing world

RACETEC™ RR is the evolution of RACETEC INTERACT™, produced in line with the development of new bikes, and comes directly from the experience of METZELER in Road Racing competition in which the brand of the elephant has been participating with good results for many years. In 2014, riders supported by METZELER stood on the podium 39 times with 16 wins in the major road races. With substantial efforts in these activities, METZELER was able to completely renew its sporty range of tyres and, during 2013, developed and launched SPORTEC™ M7 RR and now, exactly one year later, has completed this renovation project with the new Racing Supersport RACETEC™ RR.

In particular, RACETEC™ RR has been designed and tested in major competitions such as the North West 200, Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, Southern 100 and especially the Isle of Man TT, where it won the Supersport class by equipping the Triumph Daytona of Gary Johnson. These races do not take place on track, but on roads that are open to the public throughout the year and in which you can find all the situations that each rider encounters in everyday riding. For this reason these events were chosen by METZELER as a test and development ground.
The origins of RACETEC™ RR are clear from its name: RACETEC™ identifies the METZELER range of products dedicated to sport while RR, defined as Road Racing, testifies to the context in which this project was born.

Who is RACETEC™ RR aimed at?

RACETEC™ RR is dedicated to racers of all levels plus trackday riders who use the circuit for their hobby.
In the K3 compound option specifically, the RACETEC™ RR is designed for all owners of supersport and naked bikes who enjoy a sporty riding style and who want the ultimate grip even on the road, looking for excitement and a high performance level.

The features and the benefits of the new RACETEC™ RR

RACETEC™ RR includes the technologies, materials, advanced processes and know-how achieved by METZELER tyres in recent years, bringing a new level of performance. RACETEC™ RR offers new profiles, structural materials, compounds and tread pattern.

Road Racing is one of the most difficult and challenging competitions due to the combination of factors such as the long race distances, , high average speeds, elevation and temperature changes along with the variety of road surfaces. RACETEC™ RR is designed to meet all these different situations which may be encountered in one race, providing unmatched mileage and consistency, combined with a great versatility.

The main benefits of RACETEC™ RR are:
Grip in all conditions, both on road and on track thanks to the versatility of the compounds
Precision and stability, useful features both in during ‘lean’ as well as on the straight due to the ability of the tyre to absorb the roughness of the asphalt
Performance consistency throughout the life of the tyre
In particular, the rear tyre of RACETEC™ RR is bi-compound and is able to offer excellent grip in cornering together with great stability at high speeds.
Unlike its predecessor, all the sizes and compounds of RACETEC™ RR have the speed index W in brackets, which allows these tyres to be used on roads open to the public and not just on circuit.

Road Racing events are usually high mileage, up to 240 km in total, on average more than twice the distance taking place on circuits. For this reason, the duration and the ability to preserve the integrity and performance of the tyre proves to be a key factor for victory. RACETEC™ RR is the winner in this area due to the characteristics of the compounds and tread design.

The compounds

All the compound specifications used in the RACETEC™ RR are characterised by a high abrasion resistance due to the equal dispersion of ingredients, obtained by a patented mixing process.

To face with the changing conditions that may be encountered during the same race, METZELER has greatly expanded the versatility of the compounds.
If for example the K2 version of RACETEC INTERACT™ was intended to be used with difficult road conditions and low temperatures, now the new K2 compound of the RACETEC™ RR offers high performance even at increased temperatures and on more smooth asphalt. Similarly, the K1 compound of RACETEC™ RR can now also be used in conditions of lower temperatures and with a more aggressive road surface.

To achieve this goal, work was focused mainly on the formulas of the compounds, balancing polymers, resins and reinforcing fillers to generate different properties.

RACETEC™ RR is available in K1, K2 and K3 compounds. Motorcyclists can easily distinguish one compound from the other thanks to the labels on the side and the coloured stripes on the tread.
K1 – SOFT in soft compound. It has a label on the side with K1 written in blue and a blue stripe on the tread
K2 – MEDIUM in a compound of medium hardness. It has a label on the side with K2 written in green and a green stripe on the tread
K3 – HARD is the harder compound. It is distinguished by a label on the side with K3 written in yellow and a yellow stripe on the tread
With regards to the rear solutions, the criteria for application is based on the severity of the asphalt, on the external temperatures and on the duration of the performance required.
For example, hot asphalt loses some of its natural mechanical grip becoming smoother and more slippery. In these conditions a soft compound (such as K1) is necessary, as it can penetrate the asphalt surface as much as possible.
Cold tarmac, on the other hand, tends to be more aggressive and rougher, offering more mechanical grip which, while on the one hand is an advantage, on the other hand can cause the tyre to rip and tear, which therefore needs a compound with more mechanical resistance (such as K2).

For the front solutions the criteria for which to use is based not only on outdoor temperature and track layout (many bends or long straights, etc.) but also on the rider’s aggressiveness/riding style which affects the front tyre.
In general, with regards to weather conditions, when the track temperature increases, the compound tends to lose its compactness and rigidity. This behaviour can cause movement problems in the ‘leaning’ stage. A more rigid compound such as K2 can reduce this effect.
Conversely, when the track is cold, the compound tends to become more rigid and this leads to a penalisation in regard to grip and stability while braking. In these conditions it is better to use a soft compound such as K1.

The K3 compound is dedicated to non-competitive use and can be used at any temperature, in any condition or abrasiveness of the asphalt, and is able to offer a significantly greater mileage.

Another distinctive feature of Road Racing is the presence of very long straights, where the bikes keep speeds above 300 kph for a long time. This situation typically generates a warming of the central section of the tyre that is in contact with the ground and a cooling on the sides. As a result, when entering the curve after a straight, the side may not be in the correct operating temperature and then be able to ensure the necessary grip. RACETEC™ RR uses a bi-compound rear solution with a “Cap and Base” structure in which the centre compound supports the lateral compound positioning in the substrate of the tread. While generating less heat, this centre compound is able to distribute it in the substrate and then heating the compound present on the sides.
With this solution, the longer the straight, the more time the central compound will be in contact, consequently warming the side sections, reaching and maintaining the operating temperature and ensuring perfect grip when dropping into the turn.

The tread pattern

The layout of the central longitudinal grooves is designed to have a compact tread in the central section to optimise straight line stability.
The position of the transverse grooves provides cornering grip in all road conditions while minimising the effects of wear.

The structure and the profiles

Stability is a key factor in road races. High speed straights trigger vibration through the bike which can affect performance.
The innovative carcass material used in the structure of the RACETEC™ RR elevates its lateral stiffness to minimize these problems.
In the case of a road circuit, its peculiarities represented by manholes, repair patches and jumps etc, can also create a sudden loss of adhesion.
The profiles of the crown and sides have been designed to absorb roughness and, at the same time, dampen the deformation of the impact without generating vibration.

THE METZELER VILLAGE WELCOMES BIKERS TO THE ISLE OF MAN TT FOR QUALITY CAMPING AND TO MEET TT RACING HEROES

Enhanced options for popular camping experience gives guests more facilities, plus a special METZELER TT racers evening

The well established METZELER Village offers much more for 2015, as guests can book all the essentials they need to add to an already high end experience, plus a special ‘TT Heroes’ night where Metzeler stars of the paddock make the short journey into the Village!

Located in the National Sports Centre at the outside of Quarterbridge corner, the Village is perfect for spectating, is near the race paddock/grandstand and just a few minutes walk from busy Douglas Promenade.

Competitively priced with a substantial discount for motorcyclists who arrive riding on Metzeler tyres, the facility boasts quality pre-pitched tents with airbeds and a lantern, excellent washing/shower facilities, secure motorcycle parking, a Wi-fi area, comfortable Chill-out zone with satellite TV and a phone charging service. Breakfasts and use of the pool/spa are all discounted for guests.

Understanding motorcyclists needs, METZELER has made it even easier to pre-plan with a new booking system which allows visitors to select any number of nights and pre-book discounted breakfasts, packed lunches and flasks for whilst out spectating, bus passes, sleeping bags, pillows and other essential requirements for TT week.

New for 2015 is a TT Heroes’ night as star METZELER riders will join the Village residents for an informal evening of racing chat and fun.

To find out more and to book visit http://roadracing.metzeler.com

METZELER UK Manager Jim Worland, “The Metzeler Village enters its third year in 2015 and being motorcyclists ourselves we understand many TT visitors need a quality, convenient and affordable solution in a key location. Each year we tweak and refine the concept, not just making their stay more comfortable, but also making it easier to move around the island to enjoy the racing and nightlife. To cap it all, during TT2015 we will have an exclusive evening event just for our guests to meet top Metzeler TT riders at the Village, making their stay extra special.”

To find out more about the full range of tyres and activities from METZELER visit www.metzeler.co.uk and Facebook page (feel free to send in your news and views) at www.facebook.com/metzeleruk

The new trademark draws a line of continuity with the past, but emphasises the value of freedom typical of the brand: as stated in the new slogan, METZELER is “SHARING INDEPENDENCE™”

Munich (Germany), July 17, 2014 – The METZELER brand, also known as “The two wheels specialist”, which has always been specialised in the production of tyres for motorcycles and mopeds, renews its positioning to make the role of the brand emotionally more immersive for the world of true bikers.

Since its foundation at the end of the nineteenth century, the METZELER brand combines its expertise and commitment to developing cutting-edge tyres that allow the riders to live true and fulfilling experiences. The machines are the only interest and objective of the brand that has accompanied generations of riders all over the world.

The strength of METZELER has always been to be an integral part of the bikers community sharing the distinctive values and codes of conduct: individualism within a community, whilst respecting the freedom of unwritten rules.

In fact, the freedom and the spirit of independence that unites bikers are the key values underpinning the new positioning of METZELER: motorcycle riding embodies spirit of independence and shared values within a group, hence also the new slogan “SHARING INDEPENDENCE™”.

The new brand positioning underlines METZELER’s point of strength; that it is not simply the choice of a ‘bike owner’ but the natural choice of true biking enthusiasts. METZELER caters to the community of bikers who are looking for high performance and reliable tyres capable of providing a fulfilling riding experience in any condition or situation.

The logo has been revised in line with the new positioning. As in the past, the logo consists of a word mark, METZELER, and a figurative mark, the elephant that since 1905 is the symbol of METZELER and represents an element of uniqueness, strength and reliability perfectly in line with the brand values. The new logo gets rid of the blue rectangle background that framed it, now welcoming the new slogan and seeing a modified blue of the existing Pantone, now of a darker shade to enhance more elegance.

The logo, however, is only the visible part of the work done in the last year that has affected all aspects of the brand of Germanic origins.

Leveraging on its technological innovation, also the range of METZELER tyres has been heavily renovated in the last few months in all segments with particular attention to the performance in wet conditions: ROADTEC™ Z8 Interact in sport-touring, TOURANCE™ Next for enduro street, KAROO™ 3 in enduro on/off, ME888 MARATHON™ Ultra dedicated to the world of custom and SPORTEC™ M7 RR for supersport are some of the latest products launched on the market. Many of these tyres have often have been winners of the comparative tests carried out by the most prestigious international motorcycle magazines, as evidence of their superior qualities.

METZELER has always been a pioneer and extremely active on the web: the corporate website has been completely redesigned, and now is innovative and integrates the activities of the brand into social media helping user interaction. .Also important is the development and presence in the social world where METZELER can boast an established presence on the major social networks: on Facebook, with a page appreciated by more than 260,000 users, on Twitter with more than 2,700 followers, as well as on Instagram and Youtube.

The natural vocation of the brand METZELER to continually renew and give itself a challenge results as well in the major commitment in Competition: in addition to the Enduro World Championship which METZELER has dominated unrivalled for almost 10 years, since last year the brand has returned as well to invest considerably in road racing and rally activities, with participation in the most important road races such as the Tourist Trophy, the Ulster Grand Prix, the North West 200 and the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix plus, along with the Honda HRC team, to the legendary Dakar.

Test the new METZELER SPORTEC™ M7 RR tyres to enter this exciting competition

Buyers of the all new METZELER SPORTEC™ M7 RR tyres can now evaluate them as a METZELER TEST RIDER and win an all expenses trip to the famous EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, with the real METZELER test team!

METZELER want riders to test these exciting new Supersport tyres and feed back via the METZELER website , or dedicated app on the METZELER official Facebook^® page .

The ‘Buy and Win’ competition gives riders a chance to share their experiences of these superb new tyres, which offer outstanding handling on even the worst surfaces and in all conditions, perfect for UK roads. The tyres have been developed through International road racing activities in the Isle of Man, North West 200 and the ‘World’s Fastest Road Race’; the METZELER backed Ulster GP. Impressing many journalists in road tests, the M7 RR has also been judged ‘best Supersport tyre’ by the respected Motorrad magazine.

The lucky winner, plus a guest, will be given an exclusive invitation (including all travel expenses), as a METZELER guest of honour for EICMA 2014 (6th to 9th of November). As well as witnessing all the new motorcycle launches at the Show, METZELER will host a special Test Rider Workshop with members of the METZELER testing staff.

To qualify, riders need to buy a set of SPORTEC™ M7 RR tyres before September 15, retaining proof of purchase (receipt or invoice) and register via the website or Facebook^® app to the METZELER TEST RIDER contest. Entrants have to insert a photo of the receipt as proof of the purchase of the product and leave a brief evaluation.

To find out more about the full range of tyres and activities from METZELER visit www.metzeler.co.uk and Facebook page (feel free to send in your news and views) at www.facebook.com/metzeleruk

Solo round the world rider Steph Jeavons embarks from Ace Cafe on her METZELER Enduro 3 Sahara equipped machine

Adventure tyre specialist METZELER announces support of both the Ace Cafe ‘Overland and Adventure Day’ (Sunday 23^rd March) and round the World biker Steph Jeavons who will set off during the event on an epic two year trip.

Jeavons will attempt to become the first British woman to circumnavigate the globe via six continents (42 countries) by motorcycle. Her attempt is all the more impressive in that she will be avoiding main roads and riding a small trail bike Honda CRF250L (equipped with METZELER Enduro 3 Sahara tyres).

Where better for Steph to set off than from the Ace Cafe’s ‘Overland and Adventure Day’ supported by METZELER which will not only see the intrepid explorer on her way but will feature other seasoned travellers such as Sam Manicom, Lois Pryce, Austin Vince, Dom Giles and Graham Field, together with stands and displays by KTM, Jack Lilley Triumph, Brubeck UK, Adventure Peru, Tours on Two Wheels and James Cargo Services.

The event marks another chapter in the strong partnership between the tyre manufacturer and the iconic London cafe; including regular supported nights plus the launch of the METZELER Calendar and the company’s road racing activities last year.

METZELER is renowned for its strong presence in the all important Adventure sector with tyres such as the Enduro 3 Sahara, the KAROO™ 3 (for true on and off road grip) and TOURANCE™ Next (for long distance road adventures).

METZELER Product & Marketing Manager Jim Worland commented, “We are really pleased to be supporting the Ace Cafe’s Overland and Adventure Day. For METZELER, motorcycling is all about the journey and the theme of the day epitomises this. We will be on hand to talk to riders about anything tyre related and with our vast experience in extreme ‘Overland’ events such as the Dakar Rally with our KAROO™  Extreme tyre, supporting seasoned globetrotters such as Miguel Silvestre with the KAROO™ 3 and with the introduction of the new TOURANCE™ Next in 2013, we can really help when it comes to giving the right advice.”

METZELER are also running a Free MOT Promotion on many of their most popular tyres including the TOURANCE™ Next, rewarding customers with a refund on their annual MOT.

To view the entire range of Adventure tyres and the full product portfolio visit: www.metzeler.co.uk and to follow Steph’s progress visit onestephbeyond.com

Metzeler announce an exciting new reward for its customers this year; a free motorcycle MOT promotion, running throughout the main riding season.

With the winter weather looking to be behind us, many riders will now be taking to the road to blast off those cobwebs and enjoy their biking. Metzeler wants to help them to look after their ride by giving them the money back on their essential annual MOT.

This unique offer is open to all riders who purchase a set of Sportec M5 Interact™ (Supersport), Roadtec Z8 Interact™ (Sport Touring), Roadtec Z6 (Sport Touring) or Tourance™ Next (Enduro Street) tyres from any UK dealer. A new online portal has been devised in order to make it easy for claims to be made.

Metzeler Product & Marketing Manager Jim Worland commented, “We’re really excited to be offering this promotion to our customers throughout the main riding season. We have a wide range of tyres included in the offer for a large cross section of road riders and we want to play a part in reducing their annual motorcycle running costs.”

To take advantage of this offer, riders simply have to enter their details, upload proof of their tyre purchase and evidence of a valid MOT to www.metzeler.co.uk. Claims will then be validated and a cheque issued covering up to the maximum cost of a motorcycle MOT of £29.65.

The Aerosmith frontman and Dirico Motorcycles USA spokesman together with the ‘Road Race’ icon unveiled to the international press and many fans who flocked to the Metzeler Legendary Knight, the new supersport SPORTEC™ M7 RR tyres and the custom touring ME 888 MARATHON™ Ultra in a Whitewall version (and new 23 inch front size)

Last night in Milan, during the Metzeler Legendary Knight, Metzeler presented a preview to the international press and the many motorcyclists who flocked to the event, the new supersport SPORTEC™ M7 RR tyres and custom touring ME 888 MARATHON™ Ultra in a Whitewall version and new 23 inch front size and did it along with special guest stars, as well as friends of the brand of the blue elephant Steven Tyler, Aerosmith frontman and Dirico Motorycles USA spokesman, and Guy Martin, British rider icon of road races.

Steven Tyler, as Dirico Motorcycles USA spokesman together with Mark Dirico and Stephen Talarico, literally captured the attention of the audience in the hall talking about his passion for two wheels and about the motorcycles brand he represents. He also expressed words of praise for the new ME 888 MARATHON ™ Ultra tyres and for Metzeler, exclusive tyre supplier of Dirico motorcycles USA, a brand founded in 2007 and specialized in creating custom motorcycles.

Guy Martin, who has been the godfather of the new SPORTEC™ M7 RR tyres, has spoken of his fruitful collaboration with Metzeler within the roadracing competitions and its contribution to the development of this new product born from the experience and know-how acquired in these years by Metzeler in roadracing activities.

The range of METZELER tyres expands from Spring 2014. Coming the SPORTEC™ M7 RR, the new supersport tyre developed from the experiences of the German brand in roadracing activities, from which the RR designation. It has been designed to deliver high levels of handling and safety, ensuring optimal performance even in difficult situations that you may encounter on the road such as wet, bumpy and dirty tarmac.

SPORTEC™ M7 RR provides with a new level of supersport performance adapting perfectly for road use and is designed for all riders who prefer a sporty riding style and use the motorcycle in varied situations, every day commutes as well as for short trips during the weekend, and that always require grip whatever the road conditions, the weather and the temperature.

SPORTEC™ M7 RR in addition to the important feature of grip on wet also features ease of handling and ensures a higher mileage than its predecessor SPORTEC™ M5 INTERACT™.

News also in custom world: a wider range of sizes and a new version of the ME 888 MARATHON™ Ultra, the new tyre from the brand with the blue elephant, dedicated to all owners and lovers of V-Twins and the custom world will be made available. The new product, already nicknamed “Triple 8″ from the US public, will be present with new sizes, including the 23-inch front, and with a Whitewall version.

The 23-inch front is an unprecedented size in the range of products from METZELER dedicated to the custom world, which demonstrates the desire of the brand to continue on the road that led it to success, especially in the United States, that is the role of best partner for customisers, such as Dirico Motorcycles USA. The new front size is especially dedicated to those who want to transform their motorcycles into baggers and by customizing their own vehicle, do not only want to obtain a motorcycle for exhibition but use it on the road, all this through the quality of METZELER tyres.

In the Whitewall version, which joins the “classic” one, ME 888 MARATHON™ Ultra includes 12 sizes, 5 front and 7 rear, which can fit the most popular models of heavy tourers, V-Twins and metric cruisers offering the same performance of the equal “blackwall” sizes and at the same time a vintage look carefully finished.