Dunlop’s versatile Geomax MX-33 tyre has been selected as original equipment on every KTM and Husqvarna 2021 motocross range. The tyre has proven its race-winning performance in top-level motocross races around the world. Dunlop signed a three-year extension to its MXGP World Championship tyre partnership in February 2020.
Continental has announced the reorganisation of various global specialist tyre activities into a single ‘Specialty Tyres’ business unit. Formed on 1 July, the company has combined its ‘Commercial Specialty Tires’, ‘Two Wheel Tires’ and ‘Hoosier Racing Tire’ business areas under the new umbrella unit. The result of the reorganisation means the entire Continental speciality tyre business will be developed, manufactured and distributed worldwide under the new unit. It brings together tyres for material handling, the agricultural, port, and construction sectors, bicycle and motorcycle tyres, and tyres for racing. The move continues the evolution of various specialist tyre segments within the company, begun at the start of 2013, when Conti renamed its industrial tyres business ‘Commercial Specialty Tires’.
Metzeler has launched the Roadtec Scooter, developed for all types of scooters with 10-16” wheels. Global scooter and moped markets are expected to increase, especially as pandemic lockdowns ease, and more people seek a cost-effective private alternative to public transport. The German motorcycle tyre manufacturer has chosen to extend its Roadtec brand into the scooter segment, consolidating its previous three lines for the segment. The new tyre takes inspiration from the award-winning Roadtec 01 sport touring tyre. It is designed for “adaptability and versatility,” capable of dealing with diverse weather conditions and types of asphalt in urban and suburban areas.
Metzeler has added the Racetec TD Slick to its racing tyre range, after unveiling the new tyre at EICMA in November. The new model is designed for motorcyclists and club racers for both competition and training. As such it has been manufactured primarily for ease of use. It does not require tyre warmers and does not require a particular bike set-up. It is also designed for consistent performance over multiple sessions, versatility on different asphalt types and operating temperatures, and high abrasion resistance. The rear tyre can also be reversed between sessions, useful on circuits which wear tyres more on one side.
Pirelli has developed a customised version of the Diablo Supercorsa SP to meet a new challenging performance target. The tyre will be the original fitment on the most powerful and technologically advanced production Ducati ever, the Superleggera V4. The tyre is designed to help riders get the most out of the significant aerodynamic load generated by the bike’s biplane wings, which characterise the aggressive design of the new motorcycle.
For the first time in the tyre manufacturer’s history, Turkish motorcycle specialists Anlas have entered the highly competitive hypersport market with their brand new Viento Sport, which is now available to UK dealer from exclusive importer Cambrian Tyres.
Kenda has signed up Jeff Ward as its latest brand ambassador. The British-American multi-time AMA Motocross, Supercross, Supermoto champion, 7-time international MX des Nations champion, X Games gold medallist and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee joins Motocross Hall of Famer and X Games Gold Medallist Doug Henry in this role.
UK motorcycling magazine RiDE has looked at six brands of sports touring tyres and declared the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE its top pick. In its evaluation of size 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 rubber, tested on a BMW R1250RS, RiDE awarded the Metzeler tyres a score of 91 points out of a possible maximum of 100 and recommended the Roadtec 01 SE as its “best purchase”.
Fresh figures from the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) show the extent to which COVID-19 control measures have impacted upon Europe’s tyre markets. The year-on-year slowdown in tyre replacements and sales in the first quarter of 2020 has been “dramatic”, the ETRMA reports.
As part of its commitment to being a ‘one-stop shop’ for motorcycle and scooter tyre retailers in the UK, Cambrian Tyres partners with all major brands in the two-wheel marketplace and supplies customers from its warehouse stock of more than 100,000 tyres. The wholesaler is also sole UK distributor of the Bridgestone motocross and Continental two-wheel ranges (see separate articles) as well as for the Anlas brand and, from the second half of 2019, Kenda. This last name is back in the local two-wheel market after a decade’s absence, and demand has started off on the right foot.
Metzeler has introduced a successor to its Sportec M7 RR supersports tyre. Called the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR, the new arrival claims a developmental heritage that benefits from road racing experience. Supersports and naked bike riders who chose the M9 RR will find dual tread compounds in both the front and rear tyres and a pattern based on ‘Pi’ that lends itself to quick warm-up times and maximised water evacuation when riding in the wet.
Avon Tyres will support the Leicestershire & Rutland Blood Bikes (LRBB) this year by equipping the charitable organisation’s van and motorcycle fleet. Under the arrangement, the tyre maker will supply Avon ZT7 van tyres and Avon Spirit ST motorcycle tyres, products it says are designed to deal with the variety of roads and weather conditions encountered by the LRBB.
Dunlop
Continental
Metzeler
Metzeler
Pirelli
Anlas; Cambrian Tyres
Mitas
Metzeler
