Pirelli offers big performance from “small” Diablo Superbike fitments
Pirelli’s Diablo Superbike range has been expanded with two new sizes. The additions to the line up are a 100/70 R17 front wheel fitment and 125/70 R17 for the real wheel; these sizes are intended for mounting on 2.5” and 3.5” rims respectively and for use on 125cc and 250cc sport bikes.
Bikes of this size are characteristically lightweight with small rims and a short wheelbase, which makes them agile and quick on direction changes. Compared to their bigger superbike siblings, they lack the necessary power coming out of tight turns since the average power these engines put out varies between 24 and 44 horsepower. Pirelli opines that these qualities give the bikes a cleaner and more precise riding style, while their lightness allows them to maintain precise lines and high speeds while leaning over into turns. These new “small” Diablo Superbike sizes were designed specifically to cater to these particular characteristics, yet Pirelli said this was done “without sacrificing the quality that has made the larger sizes used by champions so famous.”
According to Pirelli, the new sizes’ tread is sculpted in such a way so as to guarantee great agility and rapid descent into a leaning position and the compound used is capable of optimising grip even when the contact surface diminishes. This means, the tyre maker explains, the rider has good braking in turns, maintaining a high speed throughout the lean, as well as being able to follow a line with extreme precision. “In fact, the new Diablo Superbike sizes provide top notch Superbike performance while minimising the need for a specific set-up, so they can be easily managed even by less experienced riders,” comments Pirelli. “These tyres boast some key characteristics such as a reduced warm up time, being easier to bring up to temperature, better grip in high speed turns, extremely precise trajectory, no need for sophisticated suspension set-ups and therefore an overall predictable performance which boosts the rider’s confidence and feeling of grip.”
Availability and the use of compounds is similar to the rest of the Diablo Superbike range: the front 100/70 R17 size will be available in the SC1 compound, while for the rear 125/70 R17 size riders will be able to choose from three versions: the SC0 and SC1 are exclusively aimed at racing, and SC2, which is more suited for practice as it boasts slower and more even wear and can therefore be used for multiple sessions. Both slick versions, which are available from January 2012, will also be available from February in a SCR1 compound rain version.
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