When developing the S20 EVO, Bridgestone called on the expertise of its Motorcycle Tyre Adviser, nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi to help it transfer the technology it uses in MotoGP into a road tyre that everyone can use.
When it comes to using the combined MotoGP experience of Bridgestone and Valentino to produce the ultimate road tyre, Rossi said that “When pushing to the limit you learn a lot about everything. Yourself. The bike. The tyre. Sharing my experience, feelings and knowledge from the racetrack is important to those around me, it keeps the technology evolving”.
With Valentino’s help, Bridgestone’s S20 EVO has managed to deliver a tyre that improves upon the class-leading performance and safety of the S20, with the added bonus of greater durability and stability. We’re happy to say that the best got even better!
As you can see in the promotional film and photos for the S20 EVO, Valentino had some fun while testing as well, putting the tyre through its paces on a Yamaha YZF-R1. If you ride a motorcycle yourself and would like to try out the latest tyre to get Valentino Rossi’s personal stamp of approval, check out the Bridgestone Europe website.
Media information: G. Meylemans: +32 2 714 68 40
About Bridgestone Europe
Bridgestone Europe (BSEU), with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, is a key regional subsidiary of Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of tyres and other rubber products. Bridgestone Europe operates an R&D center, 8 plants and offices in more than 30 European countries, with over 13,000 employees. BSEU’s premium tyres are sold both within Europe and globally.
For more information about Bridgestone Europe please visit www.bridgestone.eu or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Michelin and REALRIDER® have teamed up to offer motorcyclists greater safety benefits this biking season.
Buy a pair of Michelin Pilot Road tyres this May and claim a 12 month REALsafe® subscription from REALRIDER®.REALRIDER’s life-saving, route-recording, benefit-filled smartphone app, lets you track your rides, record your points of interest and keeps you safe when you ride alone. Using smartphone technology, this ground-breaking app connects an injured rider directly to the NHS Ambulance Control Room if a crash is detected.
Powered by REALsafe®, the app sends a rider’s GPS location, mobile number and vital medical information to the control team who attempt to make contact with the rider wherever they are in the UK.
John Rowland, control systems manager for the North East Ambulance Service which piloted the scheme, has never doubted the value of REALRIDER® and describes it as “a brilliant application with the potential to save bikers’ lives by helping get medical attention to accidents much faster”.
The REALRIDER® app is free with REALroutes® and REALbenefits and available for both iPhone and Android users. The premium version with REALsafe® costs £25 per year, however Michelin Pilot Road* customers will receive the premium version for free when purchasing a pair of new tyres this month.
The acclaimed Michelin Pilot Road range offers bikers excellent performance for a wide range of Sport Tourers. Tackling a variety of different road surfaces in changeable weather is no problem for these reliable tyres as they combine outstanding ride performance with excellent ride safety – testament to Michelin’s Total Performance ethos.
The latest in the range, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 offers outstanding wet-riding capabilities and optimum performance in temperatures ranging from -5 to +45 degrees.
Demonstrating Michelin’s commitment to rider safety, this collaboration with REALRIDER® will offer Michelin Pilot Road customers increased peace of mind and riding pleasure.
James Dimmock, Motorcycle Marketing Manager for Michelin in the UK and Republic of Ireland, said: “Offering our customers a 12 month subscription to REALsafe, powered by REALRIDER, is more than a simple promotion. At Michelin we strive to ensure bikers enjoy riding their motorcycle. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your tyres will help keep you safe can only add to riding pleasure along with the comfort of having the REALsafe app riding with you.”
REALRIDER® Director Andrew Richardson said: “Collaboration with Michelin gives us an opportunity to protect a significant number of riders with REALsafe. Not only will it increase the safety of Michelin’s customers, it will allow them to track and share their routes, find biker café’s and meeting points nearby and connect with other riders on the free website.”
This offer is valid from May 1 to May 31, 2014, on any purchase of a pair of Michelin Pilot Road 2, Pilot Road 3 or Pilot Road 4 motorcycle tyres from an authorised Michelin dealer. Contact your nearest Michelin dealer for more information and terms and conditions.
Find out more about motorcycling with Michelin at moto.michelin.co.uk or for more information about REALRIDER® visit www.realrider.com.
Michelin, the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle, including aeroplanes, cars, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment and trucks. It also offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in more than 170 countries, has 111,200 employees and operates 67 production plants in 17 different countries. The Group has a Technology Centre in charge of research and development with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. (www.michelin.com)
Bridgestone – the number one tyre and rubber manufacturer in the world – has formed a technical partnership with Saroléa, the Belgian motorcycle brand and designer of the Saroléa SP7 electric superbike, revealed for the first time on 26th April at the Mettet circuit in Belgium during the Speed Trophy. Under the deal, Bridgestone will provide technical support and tyre expertise for Saroléa’s track testing and ambitious racing plans which debut in 2014.
Proving that green doesn’t mean slow, the agile electric machine shifts from 0 to 100 kph in 2.8 seconds, on its way to 250 kph at full throttle. To harness this power Bridgestone will fit the SP7 with Battlax V02 racing slicks, constructed with its latest “GP belt” technology. Saroléa’s 2014 racing agenda includes the TT Zero Challenge at the Isle of Man TT series, the world’s most prestigious motorcycle races, and the FIM eRoadRacing world cup series.
The partnership initiative is seeded from Bridgestone’s commitment to a future with sustainable mobility. This is underpinned by the Corporation’s long-term environmental vision which focuses on ecological conservation, resource conservation and reduction of CO2 emissions.
“This Bridgestone partnership is an exciting opportunity to combine our MotoGPTM experience with our vision of sustainable mobility. The Saroléa superbike is blazing a trail for electric motorcycles and e-racing” says José Enrique Gonzales, Director Marketing, Bridgestone Europe.
About Bridgestone Europe
Bridgestone Europe (BSEU), with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, is a key regional subsidiary of Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of tyres and other rubber products. Bridgestone Europe operates an R&D center, 8 plants and offices in more than 30 European countries, with over 13,000 employees. BSEU’s premium tyres are sold both within Europe and globally.
For more information about Bridgestone Europe please visit www.bridgestone.eu or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Saroléa Founded in Belgium in 1850, Saroléa manufactured arms and bicycles before becoming one of the world’s first motorcycle brands. It gained a worldwide reputation in racing, where it developed and tested innovative technologies. Now, more than 50 years after Saroléa closed its factory gates, this rebirth with an electric drive train marks the brand’s dramatic return to the world stage. The new Saroléa SP7 electric superbike is built around an innovative carbon fibre monotube chassis and ultra-efficient axial flux motor powered 100% by battery.
The offer will be open to all customers purchasing a set of Pirelli ANGEL GT or DIABLO ROSSO™ II tyres
Pirelli has teamed up with premium motorcycle clothing manufacturer Dainese to offer a free back protector to all customers who purchase a set of Pirelli ANGEL™ GT or DIABLO ROSSO™II tyres.
Rider safety is a crucial aspect of modern motorcycling, and Pirelli is pleased to offer customers the chance to own a high-quality back protector for free. Italian brand Dainese has become synonymous with style and safety thanks to over forty years in the industry. Like Pirelli, Dainese is heavily present in the MCE British Superbike Championships supporting the series with rider safety research.
The Pirelli ANGEL™ GT was crowned MCN’s ‘Tyre of the Year 2013’ thanks to its sporty DNA, grip in the wet and exceptional mileage, making it a tyre that appeals to a broad spectrum of motorcyclists. The offer is also open to customers who purchase a set of DIABLO ROSSO™II tyres, ideal for riders of sports bikes looking for top performance on the road.
The offer runs from April 1st from participating dealers only and whilst stocks last. Customers can go to www.pirelli.co.uk/moto to find out who their nearest participating dealer is and once purchased ANGEL™ GT or DIABLO ROSSO™II tyres, they can upload proof of purchase to claim their free back protector.
Pirelli UK Product & Marketing Manager Jim Worland commented, “Pirelli and Dainese share key values in terms of rider safety and passion for motorcycling performance. As another premium Italian brand, we’re pleased to have this partnership with Dainese.
Due to its outstanding mileage, wet grip and sporty DNA, the Pirelli ANGEL™ GT appeals to such a wide range of motorcyclists. The feedback riders get when fitting ANGEL™ GT in all weather conditions really gives confidence and riding enjoyment, so knowing you have a top quality, well-fitting item of protection will only enhance the riding experience further.”
More information regarding Pirelli’s entire range of racing and road tyres can be found at www.pirelli.co.uk/moto and you can follow Pirelli on Facebook at ‘Pirelli Moto’.
Confirming the solid and lasting partnership between the two Italian companies, the second series of the iconic motorcycle from Borgo Panigale will continue to use DIABLO ROSSO™II in 120/70 ZR17 front and the dedicated 240/45 ZR17 rear
Pirelli and Ducati confirm the long-standing technological collaboration between the two companies at the launch of the new Ducati Diavel going on these days in the spectacular setting of Monte Carlo. The second series of the machine will be shod with Pirelli DIABLO ROSSO™II tyres as original equipment in 120/70 ZR17 front and the original 240/45 ZR17 rear which was specially developed by Pirelli in 2011 at the request of Ducati.
When the first model of Diavel was born, Pirelli was asked to produce a dedicated tyre for the latest machine launched by Ducati. This new tyre model and its specific dimensions required a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics demanded by the new motorcycle’s Superbike-derived engine and more than 200kg weight.
DIABLO ROSSO™II has been confirmed for the new Ducati Diavel because it helps complement the machine as a comfortable sport lifestyle motorcycle.
The Diavel is among a number of collaborative special projects made together with Ducati, another example being the Ducati Multistrada and its Pirelli SCORPION™ Trail tyres in model-specific sizes.
In addition to the new Ducati Diavel, DIABLO ROSSO™II is widely present in the Ducati motorcycles range, including the Monster 796 and 1200 and the Hypermotard, demonstrating the excellent features of this tyre.
The DIABLO ROSSO™II is the ideal tyre choice for the Ducati Diavel with a WSBK developed rear tyre and EPT (Enhanced Patch Technology) matched to Pirelli’s patented 0° steel belt structure. The rear tyre offers maximum grip at full lean and long lasting performance on road. The compounds have undergone extensive testing with Ducati Traction Control for fast warm-up capabilities, high traction under straight acceleration and confident grip at all lean angles to suit the many different riding styles of the Diavel.
The rear profile comes from ICS (Ideal Contour Shaping) design, adopting a “45” section height on a 240 mm wide. 17” dimension rear tyre matched to a 120/70ZR17 front offer both a stability under hard acceleration and ease of lean-in while cornering. Pirelli’s 0° degree steel belt beneath the tread optimizes tyre shapes and elasticity for progressive feedback at lean and optimal bump absorption. Together with the compounds and structural elements, a maximum braking stability is able to complement the Diavel’s precise ABS braking syste
Michelin is encouraging bikers to ‘Keep on Riding’ by offering a £25 gift card when they buy two Michelin tyres, and a £10 card when they buy one.
The gift cards can be redeemed against a whole host of items, including fuel, from thousands of outlets across the UK.
After buying their new tyres, customers simply register online at KeepOnRiding.michelin.com, click on “Take Advantage of the Offer” and follow the instructions.
The Keep on Riding website also allows visitors to star in their own animated film, which will see them go head to head with friends in a fantastic biker adventure game.
Users control the on-screen rider as he races away from the evil tarmac monster, using various bikes for the different terrains.
Gaining points for every road obstacle avoided and for particular riding skills, this addictive game allows users to share their highest score online and is sure to be a lunch-break favourite when there isn’t time to get out on the road for real!
The ‘Keep on Riding’ offer applies to any purchases from an authorised Michelin dealer, made between March 3 and April 30, from the Pilot Road 4, Pilot Power 3, Anakee III, Commander II and Power SuperSport ranges.
James Dimmock, Motorcycle Marketing Manager for Michelin in the UK and Republic of Ireland, said: “Many motorcyclists know only too well that Michelin tyres deliver in terms of performance, longevity and safety – now they can get gift vouchers as well.
“The game is great fun so we’re confident our customers will enjoy it.”
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 23rd 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
The top tyre from Pirelli’s road range has been confirmed as the only choice for the most prestigious supersport and naked motorcycles from the worlds leading manufacturers
Pirelli DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP has received another recognition of superiority and undisputed leadership in the segment of racing tyres for road use. It has been chosen by Honda, in 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/50 ZR17 rear, as standard equipment for the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, their new flagship supersport machine.
The latest member of the DIABLO™ family from Pirelli is confirmed once more as the first choice for the performance motorcycles recently introduced on the market by the most prestigious motorcycle manufacturers. DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP is already Original equipment for supersport motorcyles such as the BMW HP4, Ducati 1199 Panigale (standard, S and R) and 899 Panigale, Aprilia RSV4 Factory and RSV4 R, EBR 1190 RS, MV Agusta F4, F4 R and F4 RR and Triumph Daytona 675 as well as naked motorcyles like the MV Agusta Brutale 1090 RR, Triumph Speed Triple R and Ducati Hypermotard SP.
DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP is a concentration of technology which draws from Pirelli’s racing experience and heritage as sole supplier of the World Superbike Championship since 2004. Based on an ideal procedure of transferring sport technology to high performance street legal products. This street tyre, designed for professional riders and for bikers who have a sport street riding style but also love the track, provides racing performance typical of track-only products, allowing the user to have one ultra high performance product that can be used on the street or the track without having to make compromises. Compared to the compound SC version used by Supersport and Superstock riders in the WSBK Championship, the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP offers a bi-compound rear tyre in order to better adapt to street use, as well as more regular wear which favours mileage.
The profile of DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP offers greater support during braking and makes riding more intuitive and holding the line more precise. The rear tyre has been designed and developed to increase the contact area and have more grip while leaning. The harmony of the front and rear profiles therefore ensures greater handling and agility.
DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP implements a bi-compound solution in order to permit both increased mileage and more grip while leaning. EPT (Enhanced Patch Technology) has also made it possible to use a 25% softer compound in the shoulder area (compared to the previous DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP version) which now accounts for 33% of the pattern extension on each side, guaranteeing better grip in mid to full lean. Finally, new polymers used for the SP compound helps to achieve earlier warm-up and improved grip in all conditions.
The performance of the compounds is further enhanced by the new and aggressive single element tread pattern, which revolves six times on the tyre surface. The result is that the “naked” area of the slick shoulders is 24% wider compared to the previous DIABLO™ Supercorsa, increasing contact area and grip. The long longitudinal grooves, expanding from the central area to the shoulder, improve wear regularity especially under severe usage and help drain the water lying on the ground.
The solutions adopted for the compound (soft compound area 25% larger) and the tread (greater extension of the slick area on the shoulders) guarantee a significant increase in grip and traction, allowing the motorcycle to maintain a higher speed during leans. However, this made it necessary to use a structure, derived directly from the ones used in competition and able to provide greater resistance to deformation. This is why the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP rear tyre, patented by Pirelli, has a carcass made from an innovative high module fibre and developed in WSBK, with a considerably lower deformation ratio than the fibre normally used in street tyres. The result is a new carcass which is more rigid, both at the centre and in the shoulder area. This provides greater resistance to the stress created by aggressive cornering or when accelerating early out of turns with the bike still in a leaning position.
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 tyre range born from Pirelli’s experience in Superbike championships and developed for training sessions on track and track-days, introduces the bi-compound 200/55 R17 rear size plus a new 120/70 R17 front with a higher performance compound and profiles
The Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike PRO, tyre born in 2009 thanks to the experience of Pirelli in Superbike championships and developed for training sessions on track and track-days, is now available in the new bi-compound 200/55 R17 rear size and in an updated version of the 120/70 R17 with higher performing profiles.
DIABLO™ Superbike PRO is a slick tyre intended for track use only designed to deliver maximum performance on Superbikes combined with excellent durability and offering high grip, handling and stability typical of products intended for motorcycles with a standard chassis, to exploit the full potential and maximize the enjoyment for the rider.
To improve the already excellent product features, Pirelli’s engineers have acted on both the front and the new 200/55 rear tyre.
The new 120/70 R17 front tyre has been updated to reflect the latest developments made to the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SC thus acquiring all the experience gained in various Superbike, Supersport and Superstock championships. Compared to the previous version, the new product has a new compound and a more aggressive profile which improves handling and provides a larger contact surface able to offer more grip, stability and precision during the trajectory of the corner.
The new 200/55 R17 rear tyre replaces the current 190/55 R17 size and in line with the changes made on the front adopts all the developments acquired over the years in racing activities. Structures and profiles are similar to those used on DIABLO™ Supercorsa SC so as to work perfectly in synchronization with the front tyre to provide a balanced behaviour and an easy set-up. The benefits derived from the combination of the structure with the profile are the same obtained on the front tyre with the additional advantage of subjecting the compound to a lower level of stress due to the larger contact surface. This has allowed us to work on the compounds to increase grip while maintaining the advantages of the previous product in terms of durability, consistency and ease of set-up. Now the 200/55 R17 rear tyre is a dual compound with a ratio of 35%-30%-35%: the central compound extends for a 30% of the tyre profile, while the compound of the shoulder covers 35% of the profile of each side. The compound in the central section ensures durability and consistent temperature, while the shoulder compound derives from that of the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SC2 and significantly increases grip in the corners.
DIABLO™ Superbike PRO is therefore proposed as a meeting point between the racing world and the sportying rider who trains on track to participate in amateur competition or simply loves riding on track and wants to exploit the full potential of his motorcycle. Compared to DIABLO™ Superbike, the top of Pirelli range used by professional riders but which requires an advanced setting of the motorcycle to be fully exploited, the peculiarity of the DIABLO™ Superbike PRO is that it offers greater ease of set-up very similar to that provided by supersport focused tyres combined with long-lasting performance. A perfect synthesis between racing setting, ‘sporty’ carcass and long-durability compounds. Compared to its older brother used in full Superbike competition, DIABLO™ Superbike PRO has a more flexible carcass, compounds capable of ensuring a much higher mileage and a structure that was designed for the range of sizes of the most popular superbikes with 17-inch wheels. In this way the tyre is able to work in perfect symbiosis with the chassis as well as the standard suspension without having to change the set-up, geometry of the chassis or final gear ratio: to be able to get 100% is sufficient to set the best balance according to your own riding style.
The sport-derived structure was developed to ensure uniform temperature and regular wear during repeated on track sessions, ensuring stability in performance and a long tyre life.
The profiles derived from the experience in the WSBK Championship are optimised to ensure a wide and uniform contact surface at all angles of lean and a regular transfer of power to the ground even in sudden changes of direction.
The compounds provide high durability combined with excellent properties of maintaining the operating temperature, due to the easy warm-up and maintenance of performance, lap after lap.
Compared to DIABLO™ Superbike, having to offer a product easy to use and designed for track sessions, the performance was improved at lower operating temperatures by reducing the time needed for warm-up, so as not to make strictly necessary the use of tyre warmers and take advantage of the maximum grip after just a few laps. At higher temperatures instead DIABLO™ Superbike PRO fails to limit the degradation of the tread pattern also in presence of a more aggressive riding style, thanks to a level of flexibility and deformability which is more controlled and avoids undermining the compounds.
DIABLO™ Superbike PRO, recognizable by the longitudinal red stripe on the tread pattern and for the red “PRO” logo on the tyre side, is available for the front in 120/70 R17 size and at the rear in 180/55 R17plus the new 200/55 R17 sizes.
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.
In 2014 Michelin will bring to market an all-new range of motorcycle tyres, available in three versions: the Michelin Pilot Road 4, Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT and Michelin Pilot Road 4 Trail.
Intended for road use only, these tyres cover most categories of road motorcycles of more than 600cc.They were designed to deliver maximum safety in the most common conditions of use, especially on wet roads and in particular when braking.
Michelin will also be the tyre supplier for the new BMW R 1200 RT with the GT version of its new tyre. The fact that BMW has selected the Pilot Road 4 for this bike – the bestselling bike in its category – reflects the level of performance it provides.
In short, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 delivers enhanced safety in all situations and extended tyre life. They are a tangible illustration of Michelin’s Total Performance strategy of constantly and simultaneously improving tyre performance characteristics across the board.
With the Michelin Pilot Road 4 tyres, the aim is to enable as many motorcyclists as possible to experience safe riding in nearly all conditions.
Michelin has launched a new ‘B’ version of its Pilot Road 3 sport touring tyre. Specifically, the tyre is designed for large touring bikes including the BMW K1600GT. Using the same siped tread pattern as the original tyre, the new version also features a redesigned casing to aid stability when these bikes are fully-laden with luggage and a pillion.
The Pilot Road 3 offers riders year-round performance in all weathers due to its X-Sipe technology; a combination of sipes and wells in the tread pattern that cut through the surface film of water, and aid water dispersion, to offer grip levels similar to that of a dry road.
The tyre also uses the latest version of Michelin’s “Two-Compound Technology” which the manufacturer says helps to offer improved tyre life due to its more wear-resistant centre tread rubber compound and softer shoulder areas, which improve grip in corners.
The new version of the tyre is available now in 190/55 ZR 17 and is suitable for use on other large touring bikes including the Triumph Trophy 1200.
Avon Tyres are being fitted to a series of specially-built motorcycles which celebrate the ‘Spirit of the Seventies’ – classic bikes which have been overhauled into stylish, bespoke machines combining the best of retro style and modern performance.
The team behind these amazing motorcycles are friends and fellow bike enthusiasts, Tim Rogers and Kevin Taggart. They formed ‘Spirit of the Seventies’ as a retro-custom motorcycle company, specialising in transforming bikes from a classic era of motorcycling.
The ‘retro scene’ in the UK has been growing in recent years, making these bikes into some of the most talked about machines in Britain, with regular features in the specialist press and the wider media.
Rogers and Taggart give these classic bikes a new lease of life, after offering the eventual owners the opportunity to get involved in the design of their machine right from the start. The end result is a beautiful, hand-made creation built to fulfil the dreams of the owner – and many of these unique machines sit on Avon Tyres.
Taggart says, “Our goal is to create stylish and highly desirable bikes that epitomise the essence of bikes from the 1970s. It’s a nostalgic era for Tim and I, one we’d like to recreate but with the advantage of modern engineering upgrades and an injection of style.”
Modern tyres also help bring a machine from the 1970s up-to-date, so Avon’s rubber fits the bill by being both thoroughly modern but also having been one of the leading tyre brands from the ‘70s era. Rogers says, “Avon offers us the best grip available, regardless of whether it’s for a re-engineered classic such as an S6 or a modern performance machine such as the Ducati GT-R1000. There isn’t a great choice of tyres available for some of the older bikes, particularly when they have 18-inch wheels and it’s important for us to make sure that the bike has the best grip possible, especially when you consider that we are stripping weight and increasing braking performance.
“The S6, for example, has a Yamaha YZF-R6 front-end from the 1990s, which includes the front forks and brakes but, thankfully, Avon’s product range allows us to give the bike the rubber it deserves. We’re big fans of the Roadrider and I’ve put my money where my mouth is, as they’re fitted to my own bike, a ‘Spirit of the Seventies’ S2. Increasingly, we’re working on modern performance bikes and, again, Avon has it covered. We have no ties with Avon Tyres, we simply want to use the best. The reception that the 3D Ultra range received from UK motorcycle magazines earlier this year told us all we needed to know about their performance and the fact that they look great, fit the bikes and are manufactured in the UK seals it!”
So far, a number of models have been created at Spirit’s headquarters at Fairseat, near Brands Hatch in Kent. Those that sit on Avon Tyres include the S2, which is based on the Yamaha XS750 and 850 and the S6 (again based on the Yamaha XS750) all of which use Avon Roadriders. Then there’s the S5, based on the Kawasaki Z1000, often with an 1105cc big-bore kit on it and the S11, based on the Ducati GT-R. These machines use the latest Avon 3D Ultra hypersports tyres.
The style of the bike – and tyres – fits well with the clientele, which includes Steve Coogan, Chris Evans and Christian Slater.
For more information go to www.avonmotorcycles.com and for more on Spirit of the Seventies go to www.spiritoftheseventies.com.
Cooper Tires is auctioning three unique “art tyres” with all proceeds being donated to Help For Heroes’ recovery centre Tedworth House in Tidworth.
The firm commissioned a series of decorative tyres to celebrate its history, with artists given tyres as blank canvases
Three tyres – two winter and one motorcycle – are being auctioned online on eBay, with bids closing on Saturday morning at 9.30am.
Artist John Wilson designed and painted a floral scene on an Avon motorcycle tyre, Richard Rowan created a winter scene on a winter tyre, while Stefan Marner transformed his Avon winter tyre into an oversized engagement ring
The tyre manufacturer is an official supporter of the Race2Recovery team (R2R), which is predominantly made up of injured soldiers with a passion for speed who are keen to prove that their injuries will not define their lives. The team aims to compete in the world famous Dakar Rally in 2013 on Cooper tyres.
Tedworth House looks after 54 residents and 30 day visitors.
Cooper Tire Europe marketing communications manager, Sarah McRoberts, said, “It felt only right that we donate the proceeds to a cause which we have worked so closely and one we fully endorse.
“The work that Tedworth House does, with the support of Help for Heroes and other service charities, is truly life-changing and inspirational and we’re delighted that we can help the centre continue to support injured servicemen, servicewomen and their families.”
Co-founder of Race2Recovery, Captain Anthony Harris said: “Everyone at Cooper Tire has been extremely good to us at Race2Recovery – the advice and support that they offer us has been fantastic and we’re touched that they have chosen Help for Heroes, Tedworth House, as the beneficiary of the auction proceeds. Help for Heroes’ work makes a huge difference to the lives of wounded army personnel and their families and the Tedworth House project will benefit hugely from the auction proceeds.”
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