Michelin Launches New Anakee 2 Range

Following two record years of growth in the UK two-wheel market, Michelin has released a new Anakee range of tyres in the “radial adventure category.” The French manufacturer hopes the latest incarnation of adventure-orientated motorbike offering will help it take back some of the sales it lost in this sector in previous years.

According to Michelin, the new Anakee 2 offers includes new technology that reconciles the old soft compound (high give/short life) versus hard compound (long life/less grip) dilemma. Michelin reports that the new compound was developed through race tyre testing. The MotoGP bikes Michelin supplies are required to meet seemingly insurmountable challenges. Powered by 240 hp engines, these bikes can reach speeds of more than 340 km/h and yet weigh less than 145 kilograms.

The Michelin Anakee 2 uses a rubber compound formulated especially for race tyres called C-RAO (for Compounds-RAcing Optimization). It is made with exclusive 100 per cent synthetic elastomers (called Michelin Racing Synthetic Elastomers), a new silica compound used in Michelin MotoGP rain tyres, and new 100 per cent synthetic resins (High Tech Synthetic Compound, or HTSC).

Another original feature of the Michelin Anakee 2 is its use of different rubber compounds for the front and rear tyres. The front tyre is designed to ensure precise handling, while the rear has been developed to transmit engine torque.

In 2008, Michelin is launching the Anakee 2 for the market’s top-performing adventure touring bikes, such as the Aprilia 1000 Caponord, BMW R 1200 GS, Honda 1000 Varadero and the Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom. Although the tyre is just being brought to market, it has already been approved for use on the BMW R 1200 GS, Europe’s best-selling high-performance adventure touring bike. The Michelin Anakee 2 is available in dealers from early June.