Pyramids Tires, a new tyre manufacturer based in Port Said, northeast Egypt, saw its first tyres roll off the production line on 9 May 2020. The factory currently manufactures motorcycle, forklift and agricultural tyres as part of the first phase of the plant’s development. The second phase, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022, will see the company add passenger car, truck and OTR tyres to its portfolio.
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.
Dunlop is very happy with Scooter & Sport magazine’s decision to name its ScootSmart overall winner in its test of five tyre brands. In its January/February magazine (Issue 1/2020), the German publication fitted the size 120/70-15 front and 140/70-14 rear tyres to a Honda Forza 300 and evaluated them with a focus on dry and wet grip and handling.
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.
A quartet of Metzeler motorcycle tyres has been unveiled at the EICMA show this week. These are the Sportec M9RR, Roadtec 01 SE, Racetec TD Slick and Roadtec 01 Scooter. All four will arrive in the UK next year.
The long-awaited Vredestein motorcycle tyres for European riders are now here. Visitors to the EICMA show in Italy this week are amongst the first to see the new range, which includes the Centauro ST and Centauro Road. A Vredestein tyre for the scooter segment, the Staccata, is now also available throughout Europe. Details regarding UK distribution for the Vredestein motorcycle tyre range will be announced shortly.
Numerous Indian news sources are reporting that Maxxis India has entered into an OE supply arrangement with scooter manufacturer Hero MotoCorp. As a result, Maxxis is set to supply its 90/100-10 M6000 53J front and rear tyres.
Technologies from the Battlax motorcycle tyre range have been drawn upon to upgrade the Bridgestone scooter tyre line-up. The result is the Battlax Scooter SC2 and Battlax SC2 Rain.
The Moto Club Benelli has set six new scooter world speed records at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah, USA on Pirelli’s new Diablo Rosso Scooter tyre. The Benelli model 491 scooter with custom graphics by Aldo Drudi, was prepared by Bologna-based performance company, Malossi, using their 50, 85 and 100cc RC-one engine configurations, further enhanced by Jörg Möller.
ZC Rubber Thailand has added a new production line for motorcycle tyres to support the market in Southeast Asian market. The manufacturer also launched its first bias industrial tyre.
A year has passed since Dunlop brought the RoadSmart III to market, and the initial 18 specification range is now being extended with a new variant designed for the growing premium touring and sport scooter market. The RoadSmart III SC is positioned above the ScootSmart in Dunlop’s portfolio and has been designed to provide a high level of all-season performance and durability.
Starting in November 2016, Cambrian Tyres have begun distribution in the UK of Turkish two-wheel specialist tyre brand, Anlas. Already familiar to many in Europe with a history stretching back 40 years, Anlas manufactures a wide range of tyres from its factory in Duzce, between Istanbul and Ankara. The current Anlas range includes tyre applications for commuters and urban motorcycles; lightweight bikes; classic machines; large adventure motorcycles; and scooters and mopeds. Cambrian says the Anlas range offers riders excellent quality and value for money from a well-established European brand.
This week, with more commuter-sized motorcycles and scooters being sold than ever before, TyreSafe has unveiled dedicated materials to help keep riders safe on their daily travels. Launched to coincide with the Motorcycle Industry Association’s (MCIA) Ride to Work Week, the potentially life-saving advice for scooter commuters includes choosing the right tyre, essential routine maintenance and understanding when a replacement should be fitted.
The market for motorcycle and scooter tyres in India is massive – around 120 million two-wheeled vehicles ply the country’s roads. To supply this large and growing market – the two-wheeler segment is said to be increasing at 8.5 per cent CAGR – and in response to its requests from its partners, Apollo Tyres has introduced the company’s first-ever products for this segment. The new Acti line-up covers around 85 per cent of replacement market demand for two-wheeler tyres in India.
In addition to announcing new sizes for its existing lines, cross-ply motorcycle tyre specialist Reifenwerk Heidenau says it is introducing a completely new scooter tyre. The K80 SR will come to market in March in the tubeless sizes 3.50-10 59P, 90/90-10 50M, 100/90-10 61M, 100/90-12 64M, 120/70-12 58S, 130/70-12 62P and 120/80-12 65M, with a summer launch planned for further sizes, such as 90/90-12.
Pyramid Tires
Metzeler