Pirelli and Metzeler Top MCN Tyre Guide

Pirelli and Metzeler brand tyres have topped Motor Cycle News’ (MCN) “Ultimate Tyre Test.” Broken into 3 distinct categories – Sports, Performance and Extreme – MCN tested the tyres at Michelin’s purpose built tyre testing facility at Clermont-Ferrand, France. In addition to Pirelli and Metzeler, Michelin Pilot Power, Avon Viper Sport, Dunlop D208, Pirelli Diablo and Bridgestone BT014 tyres were examined. In each discipline the tyre testers looked atride quality, feel under braking, feel turning in, cornering grip, steering precision, flickability, drive out of turns, confidence. A maximum of 10 points were available for each test.

The outright winner was the Metzeler Sportec M1, which achieved a rider rating of 147 out of 160, equating to a 92 per cent mark. “It seems that the heavily treaded Metzelers were a revelation in all areas: light and easy to manoeuvre…superb feedback…steering accurately at all speeds,” MCN commented.

The Pirelli Diablo came second. MCN praised the fact that it “warmed up significantly quicker than any other tyre on the test”. National level race rider Bruce Dunn gave the Diablo ten of ten in this particular category.

In the performance section, The Diablo Corso took first place with 99 per cent – a rider rating of 158 out of 160. MCN commented that the Corsas recorded the second fastest lap of the entire test and the highest points tally of the group. Pirelli also held second place with the new for 2005 Supercorsa Pro (Street Compound). The Metzeler Rennsport (Street compound) came third.