Nankang Launches Motorcycle Range

At the Intermot exhibition, held in the German city of Cologne, Nankang Rubber Tire has shown off its first-ever motorcycle tyre. Aimed at the growing sport touring segment, the radial Roadiac WF-1 is said to be the product of three years’ intensive joint development work between Nankang and Delticom/Pnebo.

In order to enhance stability the zero degree belting system used in the Roadiac WF-1 utilises a principle that Nankang refers to as the ‘Jointless Space Belt’, or JLSB, in connection with a ‘Single Steel Winding System’. Delticom reports that stability and high casing rigidity compared with traditional construction techniques is said to facilitate the highest level of stability in every riding situation, perfect driver feedback, confident handling and optimal tyre operating temperatures. The tread pattern is designed to optimise water drainage in wet conditions in order to improve aquaplaning resistance, Delticom adds.

The Roadiac utilises dual tread compound technology. As Delticom comments, previously a decision had to be made between a motorcycle tyre with a soft compound for good grip or one with a more resistant compound for longevity. The Rodiac’s dual compound offers both qualities within the one tyre, Delticom reports. The softer compound – accounting for 20 per cent of the shoulder area on the front tyre and 40 per cent on the rear –is intended to increase road holding and reduce warm-up times while offering improved traction when accelerating out of banking. The center of the front tyre contains 60 per cent of the harder compound and the rear tyre 20 per cent.

The Nankang Roadiac WF-1 will initially be available in 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL for the front wheel and sizes 160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL, 170/60 ZR 17 M/C (72W) TL, 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL for the rear. Additional dimensions will be added to the range next year. Online tyre dealer Delticom AG has been granted exclusive sales and distribution of the new Nankang range in the following European markets: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Distribution arrangements for the UK have not yet been announced.